Realising that Lexi was getting angry, Anna put her hand on her arm and said "Forget about him for the moment. Let us enjoy the day, but my advice, is go with the flow. I was messed about by my ex, but in the end, it led me to the love of my life. You had that with your first husband," Anna saw a strange look that pa.s.sed across Lexi's face that made her wonder if that was the case but Anna understood that was a question she did not want to ask "and who know what your new marriage will bring. Plus, being nice can help you manipulate him when you need."

"Sneaky, you think like a lawyer"

"I am one but let us have fun."

Three hours later, Lexi and Anna were sitting in a restaurant having a light lunch when Anna's phone rang. She immediately noticed the caller was Hou Yi. As she answered Anna said, "Checking up on me?"

"Just seeing you are OK."

"Worrywart, you have seen how much I have spent today already…"

That brought a round of laughter from Hou Yi "It is nothing, you deserve it. Plus, it is fine, you do not do this often, unlike my mother and aunt …"

"Who you control. I know, that is getting old. And before you ask, we are having lunch before we head to Lexi's studio. Everything OK?"

"Now who is worrying. You know me and business."

"Well get back to it. I want to go home as soon as you are finished."

"Yes Sweetheart. Promise me though if you are too tired, you will come back here. Do not let Lexi bully you into anything."

"Yi darling, when does anyone but you bully me into things." With that final retort, Anna hung up on Hou Yi before he could say anything.

Lexi quietly said, "He is worried about you?"

"Understandable. There have been a lot of things going on that have impacted me during this pregnancy, and I think that worries him."

"We can head back if you want."

"And give him the pleasure, let alone have your leash pulled for the day. Forget about it. I am quite willing, if it is not risky aiding and abetting you frustrating that arrogant husband of yours. It is fun messing with people who think they know everyone."

Lexi saw a look in Anna's eye that made her realise that if Matthew was in front of them, he soon would be brought down verbally by this seven-month pregnant woman. That would be something she would pay to see.

"Come on then, let us head to the studio. I have a few things you might like there."

Twenty minutes later, they were in a small building Anna estimated was about five minutes' drive from Jax Corp. As soon as Anna entered, she realised the seriousness of Lexi as a designed. On one wall was a photograph, which Anna remembered seeing in one of the shops in M Mall. After thinking for a few seconds Anna realised the name, LY "You own LY?"

"That is my second baby. Hence why it took me eighteen months once I made the decision to return. Moving the design headquarters was an issue."

"d.a.m.n, if I had known I would have ditched the mall and simply come here. I love your stuff and have a number of pieces in my wardrobe."

"That is the praise that I like to hear. We have a new release of maternity wear clothing about to go out. Let us go and have a look if here is anything you would like." Lexi then motioned to Anna to follow her into an area where she was pa.s.sed item after item.

After ninety minutes of trying on clothes Anna selected three pieces and when she offered to pay for them Lexi turned and said "Forget about it Anna. You have been here today to listen to me venting. I needed that today. Now I just have to work out how to handle the mess that is my life."

"You know I am a call away if you need to talk. I need friends around me. Yes, I love my in-laws, who treat me better than in particular my mother ever did, and my brother and his wife also are near me, but they have her family as well. All the friends I have are a couple of co-workers, one of which is the mother-in-law of my brother, and I would like to add you to that group."

"Absolutely. Plus, you can help me work out how to deal with that so-called husband of mine. Deal?"

Anna took a step in and hugged Lexi, before saying "Deal. Now you have to promise me that when I give birth you will be there."

"With bells on. That idiot who wants to control me can go jump!" Looking at her watch, Lexi realised that they only had ten minutes to get back to Jax Corp otherwise her brothers will make one call which will literally send out the army.

When they entered the foyer of Jax Corp, Chester and Andrew Yao along with Hou Yi were waiting for them. After farewells, Anna and Hou Yi left Jax Corp to head back to the airport and headed home.