It was almost ten when her ex-husband finally left. It was a good thing that her rented nanny, was aware of how things were because she adamantly refused to leave her alone with that monster. So, in the end, Siel was just about done with saying her goodbyes to Nell for the day, only a few minutes after Jonah took his leave.

Siel realized it was pretty late for her babies to be up, but she didn't have much of a chance to spend time with them in the usual way. Even if Nella had always reassured her that they slept mostly during the day, she still judged herself for not following the conventional ways most mothers follow when caring for their youngsters.

I think, despite all my efforts, I will never be a good enough mom. See, I'm keeping my babies up late… again! And I can't even promise them simple toys or gifts this Christmas. Sigh...

She got the bathtub ready with warm bubbly water and spent the little time she could with them, playing with the bubbles and splashing up a mess in the bathroom. For that short but pleasurable half-hour, her chubby toddlers’ laughter fed her soul and made her hope for a better future with them.

Maybe I just need to push myself a little more. Maybe, if I get one of my corporate system ideas through to one of the bosses, or maybe if one of my applications to a different department is answered positively… Just maybe…

I can always dream, can’t I?

Of course, she had no idea that her boss, Roderick Wright, would tell every department that contacted him about her that he was not letting her go, under any circumstances. And that was his ultimate goal. After all, he knew that Siel was capable of doing all of his responsibilities and tasks on her own and without anyone else knowing. So why would he ever let her go?

Unfortunately, she never did find out on her own...

After the warm, relaxing bath, it didn't take long for the babies to finally fall asleep. She sat by their small beds and intently looked at them, breathing deeply. More often than not, one or both babies would be smiling in their slumber, making her smile as well.

If only I could give them a truly merry Christmas...

All of a sudden, she remembered two paper items that she had placed in her bag during her rush home from the office.

Yes, it's a slim chance... but I think it's worth a try!

Siel slept with a happy smile on her face. She couldn't wait until tomorrow when her babies are already awake, so she can put her plan into play.

+++

Early the next day…

Typically, Vince would not usually make use of the Silvercrest building’s front public entrance simply because he had his own. It was located near his secret reserved parking area within the lowest level of the skyscraper's basement and was connected to a guarded private elevator for practical and security reasons.

But today, he was feeling cheerful and spirited enough to actually enter the main revolving doors and use the common elevators. And it’s all because he had a secret mission which he was very eager to complete it as early as possible, too.

Not that he ever followed a time clock while working, but he did want to set an example for his employees. Hence, his regular attendance and daily punctuality at 7 A.M. on the dot when starting his workday. However, he decided to wait a few minutes in the crowded first-floor lobby as if in search of something… or someone in particular. He leisurely hung out at one of the shops that rented space in their spacious lounge area as he carefully eyed the still small crowd of elevator passengers lining up in one of the ground-floor hallways.

And even though he acted like he was interested in a row of fresh fruit and cream-filled pastries that were displayed at the store's glass display counter, all his wolf's heightened senses were focusing on was that growing line of people in front of a specific lift.

I see her! There she is, third to the last on the second elevator… hastily informed the low growling voice in his head. Come on, V, or we’ll lose her!

The thrilled Silvercrest President brisk-walked towards the aforementioned elevator, hardly able to contain his growing excitement. Despite getting a bit of attention due to his height, looks and bearing, most of the workers in that lift were not even aware of who he was since he didn't usually mingle with the blue-collar crowd of his company. Which was fine by him...

It meant better chances of not being recognized, which is his main intention for this specific operation. And yes, to his mind, this was a very special operation…

Well, at the very least, it is to him!

He was the second to the last passenger to enter the elevator, and he slowly pushed himself to the farthest end of the crowded cubicle. Even as he leaned against the mirrored walls of this elegant, compact enclosed space, he singled out the scent of a specific beauty who was trying to huddle in the opposite corner from where he was.

After a few moments, Vincent inhaled deeply...

It was a good thing that she was too busy with her phone to notice that he was giving her his special attention. Otherwise, he would have been tagged as a creep by any mundane human at that moment.

But he was not at all mundane, and his wolf had to be sure that this special lady wasn't one either...

When the elevator opened on the 22nd floor, this lovely, top-heavy female stepped out, still typing on her mobile, as if she could sense what level she was on without looking up. V smiled as he watched her smooth, graceful movements, realizing that the young woman didn't even know how sensual a sight she was...

And she was just walking!

It's her. It's definitely her, stated Roth with a resolute tone.

You don't have to tell me twice. And damn, I'm so glad it's her! Time to put our plan into motion, wolf...