MONDAY MORNING
As early as 5:30 AM, Avery and Bree were up. They said their prayers and began preparing.
Avery was so happy that she played a song and danced to it while getting ready.
Bree was watching her and would laugh whenever she made a funny dance step or expression.
Avery wore grey trousers, a black chiffon shirt, and carried a black bag. She wore her jewelry and packed her hair into a ponytail.
Bree wore an oxblood jumpsuit with a black unisex leather shoe and an anklet. She applied her lip gloss and packed her hair in a ponytail as well.
They both looked in the mirror and smiled.
At exactly 7:00 AM, they heard a car horn and both came out.
They locked their door and walked to the car where Ryan was standing, waiting for them with a broad smile.
"Miss Bree, Miss Avery," Ryan greeted as they got closer to him.
"Good morning, sir," they both greeted, and Bree stretched her hand for a handshake.
"Oh, please call me Ryan," he said and shook her hand.
Bree kept looking at his face, not breaking the handshake. Then she asked,
"Sorry Mr. Ryan, but have we met before? You look familiar."
Ryan immediately felt numb. Of course she would feel that way—he begged Aiden not to let him be the one to pick them up, but his stubborn boss wouldn't listen. "She won't recognize you," he had said. But look at him now.
Ryan let out a laugh.
"Are you sure, Miss Bree? Or maybe you've seen me on TV—I mostly appear in news interviews. My boss is a very private person, so I handle anything media-related." He removed his hand from hers.
"Yeah, could be… or maybe it's just your hormones playing pranks on you," Avery joked, making them laugh.
"I must say, Miss Bree—any lady who sees you would want to get pregnant. Look at how gorgeous you still look, even in your condition," Ryan complimented.
"Thank you, Ryan. I hear that a lot. But I always tell them it's not just about getting pregnant—there's more work to do, especially when you're all alone," Bree replied with a smile.
"I think we should get going so we don't get fired before we're officially employed," Avery said.
"You're right, Miss Avery," Ryan said and opened the car door for them.
They got inside, then he closed the door and got into the passenger seat.
She's just the perfect match for boss, Ryan thought, and they zoomed off.
BLAKE CORPORATION
They arrived at the company and parked in front of the building. Then they all got out of the car.
Avery was stunned by the massive skyscraper standing before her.
The Blake Corporation headquarters was a towering glass-and-steel structure that screamed influence. Its walls gleamed under the morning sun, reflecting the surrounding skyline like mirrors. Polished marble lions guarded the entrance, while uniformed guards stood tall with earpieces in their ears and expressions like stone. Inside, the building buzzed with quiet, calculated power. The floors were lined with dark marble and gold trim. The scent of expensive cologne and fresh coffee lingered in the air. Everything—from the crystal chandeliers to the silent, efficient front desk—spoke of wealth, dominance, and secrecy.
"Wait... so you work for the Blakes? Young master Ayden Blake?" Avery asked.
"Yes, Miss Avery," Ryan replied shortly.
Of course, she knew who Ayden Blake was. Everyone did. Although no one—except a few close to him—knew what he actually looked like. At every party or gala he attended, paparazzi were forbidden. Anyone caught snapping a picture was punished severely. Entire broadcasting stations and journalism companies had been shut down for disobeying that rule. People were careful when it came to him.
The Devil's Twin Brother—that's what they called him.
Avery held Bree's hand and was about to walk in but discovered Bree was stiff. She turned and looked at her.
"Bree, are you okay?" Avery asked, making Ryan turn to look at them.
"Mm… I'm fine. I don't know why I'm getting goosebumps," Bree said.
"Miss Bree, are you sure? If you're not feeling too well, we can postpone the meeting," Ryan offered.
He understood why she might feel that way, and he felt sorry for her.
"No, Ryan, I'm fine. We're already here—let's just go in," Bree said with a reassuring smile.
"Okay. Just tell me if you feel uncomfortable," Ryan said.
"I will, Ryan. Let's go," she said, and they walked into the company.
They walked to the elevator and got in. A few minutes later, they arrived at the designated floor. Bree immediately felt her babies move, making her hold her tummy and let out a slight sound.
"Bree, what is it?" Avery asked, looking concerned.
"These brats just moved," Bree said, making them both smile.
Avery walked to her, bent down, and placed her hand on Bree's tummy.
"Oh my naughty babies, today is a very important day for mummy and me, so please cooperate with us for just a few hours. I promise to make you a lot of cookies when you come out," Avery said and kissed her tummy before standing up.
"They truly do listen to you," Bree said, and they both walked toward Ryan.
"Why are there only three offices on this floor?" Avery asked.
"It's just for my boss and his friends. They enjoy their own space," Ryan replied.
"That's nice," she said.
"So, Miss Bree, you'll come with me to this office. Miss Avery, you just need to knock on that other door—it'll be opened for you," Ryan said, pointing.
"Okay, Bree. I'll treat you to dinner after this. Good luck, boo," Avery said and hugged Bree.
"Good luck, my love," Bree replied.
"This way, Miss Bree," Ryan said, walking toward a door and knocking.
"Whose office is this?" Bree asked.
"The CEO," Ryan replied. A voice called from inside, "Come in," and they both entered.
"Leave us," Ayden said coldly, and Ryan immediately left.
"Pregnancy looks good on you," Ayden commented in a cold voice, his back still turned while sitting in his swivel chair.
"Th-Thank you, sir," she stuttered.
"How many months?" he asked.
"Pardon?" she replied, confused why a stranger—soon to be her boss—would ask something so personal.
"So… Bree Adams. That's the name you refused to tell me months back," he said coldly with a smirk as he turned his chair to face her.
"Don't even think of walking out. It's already too late," he said, his voice sharp enough to cut glass.
It was starting to make sense—Ryan's familiar face, the goosebumps, and her babies moving the moment they stepped onto this floor.
Of course they'd move, she thought.
They entered their father's company.
"You chose us on purpose," she whispered bitterly.
"So you're the almighty Ayden Blake. What do you want from me?"
She laughed at the absurdity of her own question.
What could a multibillionaire possibly want from her?
"Who's the father?" he asked sternly.
"They aren't yours," she replied quickly, though fear was beginning to creep in.
"That wasn't what I asked, Bree."
"Their father has nothing to do with you," she said, her voice shaking but her stance unyielding.
Ayden stood up and began walking toward her, anger visible in every step.
"I'll take you to a hospital and have them perform a paternity test. And if it turns out I'm the father, I'll get full custody. I'll make sure you watch them call another woman mother," Ayden threatened.
"You can't do that!" Bree said between sobs.
"Don't test me, woman."
"You're a heartless monster!" Bree shouted.
"I've been called worse. So, I'll ask you again—who's the father?"
Bree's eyes filled with tears as she stared at him.
"You're their father," she said, finally breaking and shifting her gaze away.
"Their father?" he asked.
"I'm carrying twins," she whispered, tears falling freely.
Ayden froze. For a moment, he looked shaken. He turned away, facing the wall.
"Just let me go. I don't need anything from you, and I promise never to show up in front of you again," Bree said, still crying.
"That's easy for you to say. But what happens when they grow up and ask about their father?" he asked, turning back to her. She looked at him, speechless.
"I can take care of my kids myself, Ayden. I don't need your money."
"I wasn't joking about the custody," he snapped.
"Why are you doing this to me?" she asked.
"I didn't bring you here to let you go. I made that mistake months ago. I won't make it again. You have my seeds growing inside you. That makes you mine, Bree Adams," he said, locking eyes with her.
"Mmm—ahh—ahh… Ayden…" Bree cried out in pain as she held her abdomen.
Ayden rushed to her. "What's wrong?" he asked.
"Pains…" she couldn't finish her sentence—she was sobbing too hard.
Ayden quickly carried her into his private bedroom and laid her on the king-sized bed. He dialed Dr. Michael's number immediately and told him to come to the company, then dialed Xander's number.