Chapter 157

Angela POV

I rushed into Shaw Tower's lobby, my heart pounding against my ribs.

Most employees had already left for the evening, with only a few security personnel still at their posts-a small mercy, as I didn't want to be recognized by former colleagues.

Sean had taken my children-our children-directly from their school, and every minute that passed only intensified my anxiety.

At least it was after hours. I wouldn't have to face curious stares from former colleagues who might recognize me. Five years had passed since I'd last walked these halls as Mrs. Sean Shaw, and I had no desire to resurrect those memories now.

"Good evening," I said to the receptionist, forcing my voice to remain steady. "I need to speak with Thomas Smith."

The young woman glanced up from her computer, offering a polite smile. "I'm sorry, ma'am, but Thomas has already left for the day."

"He's gone? What about Sean Shaw? Is he still in his office?"

Her brow furrowed slightly at my informal use of her boss's name. "Mr. Shaw hasn't been in the office this afternoon. Thomas left about ten minutes ago."

A cold knot formed in my stomach. Sean hadn't been in the office? Where had he taken my children?

I stepped away from the desk, pulling out my phone. Something felt wrong-deeply, irrevocably wrong. Sean picking up the children without warning was one thing, but disappearing with them was quite another.

Thomas answered on the third ring, his voice cautious. "Ms. Wilson?"

"I need to find Sean," I said without preamble.

"Mr. Shaw?" There was a slight hesitation in his voice. "He's not with me at the moment. Is there something urgent you need to discuss with him? Perhaps you could try his personal number?"

"I've tried. He's not answering."

"That's... unusual," Thomas replied, surprise evident in his tone.

"Do you know where he is?" I demanded.

"Well..." Thomas paused. "Mr. Shaw didn't come to the office this afternoon. I'm not entirely sure of his schedule."

A cold laugh escaped my lips. "You're his executive assistant, and you don't know his schedule? Does that make any sense to you?"

Silence stretched between us.

"Fine. If you won't tell me, I'll find him myself."

"Are you planning to go to his residence?" Thomas asked quickly. "Ms. Wilson, you should know that Mr. Shaw moved after the divorce. He no longer lives in the apartment you would remember. Would you like his new address?"

I froze. Sean had moved? The thought struck me as oddly significant. He had always been particular about his living space, curating every detail with meticulous care. Moving would have been a major decision for him.

"Yes," I replied tersely. "Text me the address."

The address Thomas sent brought me to one of the city's most exclusive residential buildings-a sleek glass tower in the wealthiest district. As I approached the entrance, a uniformed doorman stepped forward, blocking my path.

"Good evening, ma'am. May I help you?"

"I need to see Sean Shaw," I stated firmly.

The doorman's expression remained professionally neutral. "I'm sorry, but Mr. Shaw's residence requires pre-authorization for visitors. Do you have an appointment?"

"No, but this is urgent. I'm Angela Wilson."

Recognition flickered briefly in his eyes, but he shook his head. "I apologize, Ms. Wilson, but I cannot allow unauthorized access."

I stepped away, frustration mounting as I dialed Thomas again.

Twenty minutes later, his sleek black sedan pulled up to the curb. He emerged looking somewhat flustered, adjusting his glasses as he approached.

"Ms. Wilson, please allow me to escort you upstairs?"

"Thank you," I nodded, following him into the marble-clad lobby.

As we rode the elevator to the penthouse floor, I studied Thomas's profile. His nervousness suggested he might not be fully informed about Sean's plans regarding the children. Still, I maintained a cautious distance, unwilling to reveal too much.

The cold evening wind had tousled my dark hair during my wait outside, and I brushed it back impatiently, my thoughts focused solely on finding Aria and Ethan.

"Here we are," Thomas said as the elevator doors slid open. "The security code is 0425. I should get going now. Good evening, Ms. Wilson."

I watched him retreat into the elevator before turning to the keypad beside Sean's door. My fingers hovered over the numbers as the significance of the code hit me-04/25, my birthday.

Something twisted in my chest as I punched in the familiar digits. Even after five years of separation, Sean had kept this small piece of me in his daily life.

The door unlocked with a soft click, and as I stepped into the foyer, a melodious female voice announced, "Welcome home, Mrs. Shaw. Interior temperature has been adjusted to your preferred setting."

I froze, the automated greeting catching me completely off guard. Mrs. Shaw. A title I hadn't heard in five years, yet Sean's system still recognized me as his wife.

Shaking off the unsettling feeling, I moved deeper into the apartment. The space was immaculately designed-minimalist yet luxurious, with floor-to-ceiling windows. Despite being a completely new residence, elements of our shared past were everywhere-the particular shade of gray on the walls, the specific arrangement of furniture, even the artwork displayed in the hallway.

"Aria? Ethan?" I called out, moving swiftly through the living area. No answer.

I tried Sean's number again, listening to it ring endlessly as I searched through each room. Where had he taken them?

A sound from the master suite caught my attention-running water. I followed the noise to a closed bathroom door, my heart pounding against my ribs.

"Sean!" I pounded on the door with my fist. "Sean! Come out!"

When no response came, I knocked harder. "Where are my children? Give them back to me!"

The water shut off abruptly. Moments later, the door swung open to reveal Sean standing there, a towel wrapped around his waist, water droplets still clinging to his tanned skin. His chiseled torso and defined abdominal muscles momentarily caught my attention before I forced my gaze back to his face.

His brow furrowed as he took me in, surprise giving way to something more complex in his emerald eyes.

"What do you mean, give your children back to you?" he asked, his deep voice sending an involuntary shiver down my spine.