Married To My Ex's Brother, Reborn Miraculously-Chapter 231: You can never be a part of the Granet family.

Augustine had gone to the Sphere Group’s branch office to attend the meeting.

After handing over the files to the director, Anne made her way back to her workstation. But as she turned the corner near the operations wing, familiar figures approached her.

"Oh, Anne!" Lilly exclaimed, her eyes lighting up as she spotted her. "You have practically disappeared ever since you became the CEO’s secretary. What’s going on? Is the big boss keeping you that busy, or are you just avoiding us now?"

Anne let out a soft laugh, just as delighted as they were. "You know how it is. The boss doesn’t slow down, and neither can I. He is incredibly focused. I’ve seen him work non-stop without even realizing the time."

She spoke casually, but carefully, aware of the invisible line she was walking. No one in the office knew about her relationship with Augustine, and she intended to keep it that way, at least for now.

At the head office, she had already seen the curious stares, the whispers that followed her. She didn’t want to work in such an environment.

"Hmm." Lilly nodded thoughtfully. "We have seen him dashing back and forth between this office and the Sphere Group’s branch. Honestly, he seems like a total workaholic. I wonder if he has a girlfriend. Does he even have time for a love life?"

Anne laughed, her eyes twinkling with mischief. If only they knew how impatient he could be when it came to being alone with her.

"I don’t know how you keep up with him," Rose added with a teasing smirk. "Must be exhausting."

Anne smiled, feigning exasperation. "The secretary’s job is no joke, that’s for sure. But honestly, he is not like other employers I’ve had. He respects the people he works with and understands the value of his team. He knows profits don’t come without the hard work of everyone around him. He is... well, very much a businessman, but a fair one."

Anne grinned. "Deal. But you’ll have to catch me when I’m not buried under paperwork."

Lilly was confused. "I honestly can’t tell if you are complimenting the boss or cursing him."

Rose laughed. "Oh, come on, you dummy. She is clearly praising him." Turning to Anne with a warm smile, she added, "Well, if you ever need a break from your secretarial world, come find us. We’ll have coffee together and try to alleviate your stress." She reached out to hold her hands. "It’s really nice to see you again. And let me say this — you are glowing, Anne. You look like someone who is hopelessly in love."

Anne’s breath caught for a moment, her cheeks tingling. "Really?" She tried to laugh it off, but her bashful smile betrayed her. Had Rose seen through her?

"Oh, absolutely," Rose nodded knowingly. "You are totally blushing."

Lilly narrowed her eyes, leaning in closer. "Wait a minute — you are blushing!" she exclaimed, her curiosity suddenly piqued. "Okay, tell us everything. Who is the lucky guy? Someone from the office? Or... maybe that handsome man who dropped you off this morning?"

Anne stiffened.

"Yes! I saw him too," Rose added excitedly. "He looked more like a bodyguard than a boyfriend, though. But he is definitely hot. Is he the one?"

Anne’s smile faltered. They had noticed Sam.

She had suspected this would happen, and it had. Early this morning, she had argued gently with Augustine, insisting she could come to work alone. But he hadn’t budged.

"It’s about your safety," he had said. And so Sam had driven her.

And now, her friends were speculating that Sam was her boyfriend.

Anne parted her lips to explain, but before a word could escape, a sharp voice cut through the air.

"What is going on here?"

The light mood shattered instantly. All three women turned to see Megan approaching. Her arms were folded, and her eyes were locked on Rose and Lilly.

"What are you two doing here?" she snapped coldly. "Wasting time? Get back to work unless you are looking to get written up."

Rose leaned toward Anne, lowering her voice. "She is always bossing us around. Can’t stand her. I’d better go before she makes a scene. But you," she added with a wink, "should definitely find time to have lunch with us someday."

Anne nodded, whispering, "Okay."

With that, Rose and Lilly scattered, leaving Anne alone with Megan.

Anne made a subtle move to step away, but Megan shifted to block her path, arms still folded, a scowl twisting her lips.

"You," Megan said icily, "as the CEO’s secretary, should be setting an example, not standing here gossiping in the hallway. This is disappointing, Anne."

Anne’s jaw clenched. She didn’t want to argue with her and cause a scene.

Without saying a word, Anne tried to step past her.

But Megan suddenly stretched her arm wide to block her again.

Anne’s eyes hardened. "Move."

"I’m not finished yet," Megan snapped back, stepping in closer.

Anne tilted her head. "Just now, you said I was wasting time. Why are you stopping me?"

A slow, bitter smirk tugged at Megan’s lips. "Because I have a warning for you."

Anne didn’t flinch. "Oh?"

Megan leaned in slightly, her voice turned threatening. "Stay away from Nathan."

Anne’s brows drew together. A flicker of surprise crossed Anne’s face. Her heart beat a little faster as she realized Megan knew Nathan had been searching for his long-lost sister. But what stunned Anne more than the revelation itself was the venom in Megan’s tone.

Why wasn’t Megan happy that her long-lost sister, kidnapped twenty years ago, was finally being reunited with the family?

Instead, there was something dark in her eyes.

"You can never be a part of the Granet family," Megan hissed through clenched teeth, her hostility evident. "Don’t even try... I am the only daughter of the Granets. There is no place for another."

A knot twisted in Anne’s stomach as a cold unease crept over her. Now she understood. Megan was insecure about the fact that the return of the family’s eldest daughter threatened her place. Maybe Megan feared losing her position in the family. But Anne had no intention of being shaken by her hostility.

If Megan were looking for a rivalry, Anne would rise to the challenge. She wouldn’t back down.

"Time will tell whether I earn a place in the family or not," Anne said coolly. "Now, move aside. I’m not as idle as you."

With that, she brushed past Megan, her chin high, her stride resolute.

Behind her, Megan stood frozen, fury bubbling inside her as she watched Anne disappear around the corner.

"I won’t let you step into the family," she muttered under her breath. "For that, I can do anything."