Steven was upset when Jessica did not answer him. He pressed, "Well?"Belongs to (N)ôvel/Drama.Org.

"Fine," Jessica muttered. Wanting to change the subject, she added, "Don't forget about tonight's party."

Steven's friend would be hosting the party. Truth be told, Steven could use the distraction, as his mood had been off lately.

Lightening up at the thought of hanging with his friends, he asked, "Are you coming?"

Jessica shook her head before touching her belly. "No. Now that I'm pregnant, too much excitement probably isn't good for the baby right now. You should go and have fun." Steven said warmly, "Take care of yourself, then."

Jessica chuckled. "Such a worrywart! You'll only be out for a few hours."

Even though she was just after his money, his concern still gave her butterflies. "I'll be okay. I promise."

He was still concerned for her. "Call me if you need anything."

She nodded. "Okay."

Zane got held up in the parking garage by Eric, who said he had urgent business matters to discuss. So, I headed up alone.

Stepping off the elevator, I spotted Rowena waiting by the office. What was she doing here? Did she want to talk to Zane?

I slowed down, wondering if it would be inappropriate for me to head into the office now.

Hearing footsteps, Rowena looked up, and her face instantly darkened. She strode over to me. "What's a nanny like you doing here? Shouldn't you be at home?"

I explained calmly, "Mr. Huxham didn't have time to take me home after dropping off Willow, so he brought me to the office."

She frowned. "Couldn't you catch a cab, then?"

I did not know how to respond.

With a disgusted look, she continued, "You're just distracting Zane from work by hanging around his office all day!"

"Mom!" Zane heard Rowena trying to cause me trouble again just as he reached the floor. His cool voice cut in, "If you have something to say, say it to me." Rowena instantly forgot about me and rushed to Zane instead. "I found some lovely girls for you to meet!"

Zane caught my eye and signaled me to slip into the office. And I did so when Rowena was not watching.

...

Zane turned his attention back to Rowena while looking down at her.

Eager to convince him, Rowena rushed on, "They can all accept Willow!" She pulled out her phone to show pictures. "And they're gorgeous, too."

Zane said flatly, "I'm too busy to date around."

"I don't care!" Rowena hit the roof. "You're making time for this!"

Zane stayed silent, so she pleaded, "Zane, you're almost 30 years old! When are you planning to settle down and have kids?"

After a pause, he replied, "I don't plan to have kids."

Rowena nearly choked. She suppressed her fury. "Are you really planning to just live with Willow forever?"

He asked evenly, "Do you have a problem with that?"

"Of course!" Rowena clutched her chest. "I won't allow it, Zane!"

In her world, marriage and having kids were everything.

Zane maintained his cool. "Are you trying to control my life again? Seems like you forgot our last conversation, Mom."

Rowena's face fell as she remembered. Her face was dark. "I'm just looking out for you."

"I've got it handled," he dismissed her. "I don't need your help."

His coldness felt like a knife in her chest. "You!"

"You should head back now," Zane simply said before turning toward his office.

Rowena fumed but did not dare say more.