It was only later that night, Cat found the chance to ponder Eva’s words about her father, Alex McDonnell. Was he Scottish or Irish heritage? It might explain her red hair. Alex had the darkest auburn hair. She had never given much thought to the man who might be her father, mainly because her mother had always claimed his identity was a mystery.Cat was nestled in the corner of Eric’s study, curled up on a comfortable love seat. Her Mac laptop rested on her knees. She had been scouring the internet for any information she could find about Alex.Everyone knew who he was—a 45-year-old man at the helm of a company with a global reach surpassing Eric’s business. Cat didn’t know exactly what she hoped to find, but she was confident that she wouldn’t find it online. It was just business information and photos of him and his wife at social events.At Cat’s sigh, Eric looked up from his desk. Dim lights filled the masculine room. Eric had his desk light on beside him. Eric had pulled the curt

“Any leads on Claudia’s whereabouts?” Rebecca asked, observing their husbands attempting to move the man they were conversing with along so they could rejoin their wives. Soft classical music filled the ballroom, resonating with everyone present. Cat wondered if Eric ever danced at these events. She would love for him to take her into his arms.“No, I think Eric is feeling the pressure. He won’t let me go anywhere without him or heavy security,” Cat sighed, despising the situation.“Hopefully, it won’t last much longer. I mean, how long can she hide with the police actively searching for her?” Rebecca expressed her doubts.“Well, she has managed to evade capture pretty well so far. It’s driving me insane. I couldn’t even go shopping for my pregnancy clothes. Eric had someone come to the house.” Cat shared, frustrated by the restrictions.“I was just about to mention how stunning your dress is.” Rebecca exclaimed, her eyes glimmering with admiration as she looked at the elegant evening

“Isn’t it nice to be finally be out of the office for lunch?” Cat exclaimed, glancing around the bustling cafe. From her vantage point, she spotted Peters and the other bodyguard stationed outside.Peters was her constant companion, accompanying her from morning to her evening return home, Monday through Friday. The other guards rotated regularly, making it challenging for Cat to recall their names. She eagerly looked forward to the day when it would all be over. The police would have Claudia in custody.The cafe had all its sliding doors and windows open, allowing fresh air to circulate throughout the room. The smell of coffee was rich in the air. She enjoyed the smell now. She was in her second trimester. It no longer made her want to throw up. She could not wait until she was allowed to drink the proper stuff again. Decaf just wasn’t the same.Cat cast a wistful gaze at the tables outside, where she and Joanne would typically sit. Oh, how she yearned to enjoy a meal at one of those

Cat’s mobile phone rang three weeks later as she was trying to put away some files. Looking up from her task. She when back to her desk to pick up the phone. Not recognising the number, Cat almost didn’t answer. Despite her initial intention to not take the call, a sudden curiosity compelled her to answer, so she pressed the accept button on the phone instead. Then she lifted the phone to her ear. “Hello. Cat speaking.”“Cat, it’s Alex McDonnell.”Cat’s heart started pounding in her chest as she pulled the phone away from her ear. After a brief pause, she made the decision to hang up. Ever since their last encounter, she had completely lost interest in hearing anything he had to say.Almost immediately, her phone rang again, displaying the same number. Cat declined the call and switched her ringer to silent. She vividly remembered telling him that she wanted nothing to do with him that night, in no uncertain terms. The unfounded accusations he had made against her lingered in her mind.

There was a silent auction for tonight’s event, and Eric took her around to look at what was on offer. So many people had donated for this charity it was heartwarming to see. Cat would have loved to bid on the hot-air balloon ride. But she considered it too dangerous being pregnant.Eric was standing behind her with his arms wrapped around her waist, his hands over her swollen belly. Leaning over her, seeing what she was looking at. “No, no hot-air balloon rides. It’s too dangerous.” Showing his thoughts were on the same track as hers.“It would have been lovely, but you are right. I was thinking the same thing, anyway.” Placing her hand over his laying on her stomach.“Is there anything else you would like?” Eric asked.“No, not really. I have all I need.” Cat couldn’t see anything.“What about the cruise on a yacht for a week?” Eric suggested.Cat pulled a face. “No, I’m not sure how I would go pregnant on a boat.” turning in his arms, placing her hands on his arms, she looked up at