The Unwanted Wife and Her Secret Twins (Mia and Kyle) novel Chapter 174

**Mia's POV**

His expression darkens. "I'm not sure. Let me check." He speaks rapidly into his walkie-talkie, listening to the response with a deepening frown.

"Reporters," he says finally, turning back to me. "Three or four of them, trying to get onto the site. They're claiming they're doing a piece on innovative architectural design, but..."

He doesn't need to finish the sentence. We both know they're not here for the architecture.

"My apologies, Ms. Williams," he continues. "This is a closed site. They shouldn't be able to get in, but perhaps we should continue our inspection indoors."

I consider the suggestion. Part of me wants to retreat, to avoid the confrontation. But another part—the part that's increasingly tired of being pushed around—rebels against the idea.

"No," I decide firmly. "This is my project, my site visit. I won't be chased away."

Javier looks surprised but nods. "As you wish. I'll have security reinforce the entrance."

We continue our inspection, moving from the sensory garden to the outdoor play area, where specialized equipment is being installed for children with varying physical and sensory needs. I try to focus on the work, on the important details that need my attention, but I can't help glancing occasionally toward the entrance, where I can see Robert's security team engaged in what appears to be a tense conversation with the would-be intruders.

"The material for the climbing structure should be changed," I tell Javier, forcing my attention back to the task at hand. "This rubber compound will get too hot in direct sunlight. Let's switch to the composite we used for the sensory path instead."

He makes a note on his clipboard, nodding in agreement. "Good catch. I'll notify the supplier today."

As we move toward the transition area between the outdoor space and the main building, I hear a commotion behind us. Turning, I see that two reporters have somehow made it past the security checkpoint and are hastening across the construction site, cameras ready, calling my name.

"Ms. Williams! Mia! Just a few questions about Kyle Branson's statement yesterday!"

"Mia! Is it true you're reconciling with your ex-husband? Can you confirm the pregnancy was planned?"

Their shouts ring out across the site, drawing the attention of every worker in the vicinity. Gas growls low in his throat, positioning himself protectively in front of me.

"It's alright, boy," I murmur, though my heart is racing. I turn to Javier. "Is there another way inside?"

He nods, grim-faced. "Through the delivery entrance. This way, quickly."

We move as fast as my pregnant body allows, but the reporters are gaining ground. Robert's security team is rushing to intercept them, but they won't reach us in time.

"Ms. Williams!" One of them catches up to us just as we reach the door. "Liam Parker, Celebrity Watch. Our sources say you've been seen with Wallace Thomas. Can you confirm you're dating while carrying Kyle Branson's children?"

The brazen question stops me in my tracks. I turn slowly, facing the man with his camera and ingratiating smile.

"I'm inspecting a construction site," I say coldly. "A therapeutic center for traumatized children. This is not the place for your gossip and intrusion."

As they escort the unwelcome intruder away, Javier guides me through the delivery entrance and into the relative safety of the building. My heart is pounding, my hands shaking with a combination of fury and adrenaline.

"Are you alright, Ms. Williams?" Javier asks, genuine concern in his eyes. "I'm so sorry about that. We've never had security breaches like this before."

"It's not your fault," I assure him, though my voice doesn't sound quite like my own. "This isn't about the center. It's about me, or rather, about Kyle's ridiculous press conference."

Gas whines softly, pushing his nose against my hand. I scratch behind his ears, drawing comfort from his steady presence.

"Would you like to continue the inspection?" Javier asks hesitantly. "Or we could reschedule for another day when—"

"No," I interrupt firmly. "I refuse to let these people disrupt my work. Let's continue."

The next forty-five minutes pass in a blur of technical discussions, material assessments, and design adjustments. I force myself to focus, to be present for this project that means so much to me. By the time we finish the interior inspection, I'm feeling calmer, more centered.

"Let's head back to the car," I tell Javier as we complete our final checklist. "I've seen everything I needed to see today."

He nods, escorting me back toward the main entrance where Edmund should be waiting with the car. As we approach, I spot a familiar figure standing next to a sleek black Mercedes.

Thomas Wallace.