"Vincent Moretti promised his pregnant wife he would come back for her after their private jet made a terrifying emergency landing. But he took his first love to safety first—and moments later, the aircraft exploded before Anna emerged. For three years, Vincent believed he had buried his wife and unborn child… until one crowded gala changed everything.

Vincent felt as if the room had lost gravity. His eyes locked onto the boy resting on her hip. The child had Vincent’s own jet-black hair, his distinctive eye color, and the subtle, stubborn dimple on his left cheek.

"Anna..." Vincent’s voice shook uncontrollably. "What... what is this? How did you survive? Who... who is this?"

The woman raised an eyebrow. Her expression wasn't one of fear or anger—it was pure, polite indifference.

"I think you have me confused with someone else," she said smoothly. She extended a hand with manicured nails, free of any wedding ring. "I am CEO Anna Bennett of Bennett Global Logistics. And this is my son, Leo."

"Leo..." Vincent whispered. His mind was racing, memories colliding with reality. Seven months pregnant. Three years ago. The math was exact. "No. No, you're Anna Moretti. You're my wife!"

A soft chuckle broke out among the surrounding guests who had gathered to watch the commotion.

Sophia finally caught up, her face pale as paper, clutching Vincent’s arm frantically. "Vincent, stop it! You're causing a scene! She said she isn't Anna!"

Anna Bennett looked at Sophia, then at Vincent’s hand clutching her arm, and her eyes flickered with a brief, icy flash of contempt before returning to professional calm.

"Mr. Moretti, isn't it?" Anna asked, her tone dry. "I’ve read about you in Forbes. I didn't realize Chicago’s premier tycoon was prone to hallucinations. My late husband was an international shipping executive who died four years ago. I assure you, I have never seen you before in my life."

"You're lying!" Vincent stepped closer, his body language intense, desperate. "Anna, I know my wife! Look at me! Look into my eyes and tell me you don't know who I am!"

Little Leo whimpered slightly at Vincent’s raised voice, burying his face into Anna’s neck.

Instantly, Anna’s demeanor shifted from cold indifference to dangerous protection. She stepped back, her eyes narrowing into slits. "Back off, Mr. Moretti. You are scaring my son."

Two large, imposing security guards in dark suits stepped out from the crowd, positioning themselves between Vincent and Anna.

"Is there a problem here, Ms. Bennett?" one of the guards asked respectfully.

"Mr. Moretti seems to have mistaken me for a ghost," Anna said coolly. "Please escort him away so the rest of us can enjoy the evening."

"Anna! Wait!" Vincent tried to push past the guards, but they held their ground firmly. "Anna, please! I searched for you! I thought you died in that plane!"

Anna paused, turning her head slightly over her shoulder. Her voice was a quiet dagger that cut through his chest.