Despite being an orphan, Fransisca's life had intersected with Georgina's in profound ways. Anna's thoughts drifted to her mother's story. Fransisca had fallen prey to a wealthy young man who exploited her innocence. He denied responsibility for the pregnancy, leaving Fransisca to face the challenges of single motherhood alone.
Despite the hardships, Fransisca persevered, ensuring Anna's well-being until her untimely passing when Anna was just 10 months old. Georgina, Fransisca's loyal friend, had taken Anna under her wing, providing care and support. Anna's memories of her mother were scarce, but she felt an unbreakable bond with Georgina, who had become a surrogate mother figure in her life.
Anna's day had been sailing smoothly, with all her meetings wrapped up and her tasks neatly checked off. As she emerged from the office building, basking in the warm glow of accomplishment, her phone rang, shattering the serenity. Her gaze dropped to the screen, and her expression shifted. "Well, there goes my good day," she whispered to herself, a hint of a sigh escaping her lips as she answered the call.
The name on the screen was Charles, a person from her past who evoked mixed emotions. Anna's thoughts flashed back to their complicated history. Charles had been a significant part of her life, but his callous behavior after his wife's passing had left her hurt and disillusioned.
Now, as she listened to his voice on the phone, Anna sensed his shameless attempts to exploit her recent success. His words dripped with insincerity, and Anna's instincts screamed at her to be cautious. "I raised you for 13 years," he argued. "That should mean something to you. Your father is a rich man, and yet he didn't raise you, but I took that responsibility and raised you as my own."
Anna mentally rolled her eyes at the irony. Wasn't he eager to chase her away the moment his wife passed? But here he was, shamelessly trying to exploit her. However, Anna knew better. Any assistance she lent to the family was limited to Georgina's surviving children, Alex and Grace, whom she treated as her own siblings.