Read The Unwanted Wife and Her Secret Twins novel by Artemis Z.Y. Updated 2025 -26 - The Unwanted Wife and Her Secret Twins Chapter 157

The Unwanted Wife and Her Secret Twins Chapter 157

Hidden Moves

Mia’s POV

The tension in Robert’s office was palpable. I shifted uncomfortably in my chair, one hand resting protectively over my growing belly as I tried to process what he had just told us. Chapters first released on

“Released again?” My mother’s voice cut through the silence, sharp with disbelief. “How is that even possible?”

Robert sighed, removing his glasses to rub the bridge of his nose–a gesture I’d come to recognize as his tell for extreme frustration. “The judge cited insufficient evidence that the text message came directly from Taylor. Her attorney argued successfully that anyone could have sent that message from an unidentified number.”

“But it was clearly her,” I insisted, feeling the twins shift restlessly as my blood pressure rose. “Who else would send something like that?”

“I know,” Robert agreed, his normally composed face showing rare signs of genuine anger. “But Whitfield managed to create just enough reasonable doubt. He argued that with Taylor’s notoriety following her arrest, anyone could be impersonating her to cause trouble.”

Mom leaned forward, her eyes narrowed. “And the judge bought that?”

“Judge Monroe is extremely careful about evidence standards,” Robert replied. “She’s known for requiring absolute certainty, especially in high–profile cases.” He glanced at me apologetically. “I’m sorry, Mia. We pushed as hard as we could.”

I nodded, trying to keep my breathing even. Dr. Matthews’s warning about stress echoed in my mind. I’d been discharged from the hospital less than three days ago with strict instructions for modified bed rest. Being here at all was pushing those boundaries, but I couldn’t stay home while Taylor’s fate was decided.

“What about the ankle monitor?” I asked. “Is she still required to wear it?”

“Yes,” Robert confirmed. “And the restraining order remains in effect. She’s prohibited from coming within 500 feet of either of you or contacting you in any way.”

“For all the good that did last time,” Mom muttered.

“We’ve increased the security measures,” Robert assured us. “The first violation was a warning. If she breaches the order again, Judge Monroe made it clear there won’t be a third chance.”

I closed my eyes briefly, gathering my thoughts. “What about Edward Porter’s involvement? Any progress there?

||

Robert shuffled through some papers on his desk. “The financial investigation is ongoing. We’ve confirmed that he’s the one funding Taylor’s defense, but establishing his direct connection to Richard’s crimes is proving challenging. He’s covered his tracks exceptionally well.”

“Too well for someone operating alone,” Mom observed. “He must have help.”

“That’s our thinking as well,” Robert agreed. “But identifying his collaborators has been difficult. These are sophisticated financial maneuvers designed specifically to obscure ownership and involvement.”

Chapter 157 Hidden Moves

The twins kicked sharply, making me wince. Recently, their movements had become less playful and more like territorial disputes as they competed for increasingly limited space.

“Are you alright?” Mom asked immediately, noticing my discomfort.

“I’m fine,” I assured her. “Just the boys boxing each other out.”

Robert smiled briefly. “My wife had twins. I remember those last few months–she said it felt like hosting an internal wrestling match.”

The momentary lightness faded quickly as we returned to the matter at hand.

“Do we have any recourse?” I asked. “Any way to challenge the judge’s decision?”

“Not immediately,” Robert admitted. “But we’re continuing to build our case. Every piece of evidence we gather strengthens our position for the actual trial.”

My phone buzzed in my purse. Normally I would have ignored it during a meeting, but given the circumstances, I checked it quickly.

It was Kyle: Just heard about the hearing. Are you okay?

I slipped the phone back into my purse without responding. I would deal with Kyle later.

“What’s our next step?” Mom asked, bringing my attention back to the conversation.

“We focus on Porter,” Robert replied. “He’s the weak link in their chain. If we can establish his connection to Richard’s financial crimes, we can potentially expand the conspiracy charges to include him directly. That would significantly strengthen our position against Taylor as well.”

“And in the meantime, Taylor is free to walk around the city,” I said, unable to keep the bitterness from my

voice.

“With restrictions,” Robert reminded me. “And my contact at the DA’s office assures me they’re watching her closely. One misstep and she’s back in custody.”

“Unless Whitfield manages to explain that away too,” Mom said.

Robert’s expression hardened with determination. “I’ve been practicing law for twenty–five years, Sarah. I’ve never seen a defense attorney as slick as Whitfield, but everyone makes mistakes eventually. We just need to be ready when he does.”

As we prepared to leave, Robert handed me a folder. “These are the updated security protocols for your building. I’ve coordinated with the private security team Kyle arranged. Between them and the police detail the DA assigned, you’ve got round–the–clock protection.”

“Thank you,” I said, accepting the folder.

“One more thing,” Robert added. “The DA’s office received an anonymous tip this morning about a potential connection between Porter and Alexander Branson’s death.”

I froze. “What kind of connection?”

Chapter 157 Hidden Moves

“Nothing concrete yet,” Robert cautioned. “Just speculation that their business relationship may have ended… contentiously. The investigators are looking into it, but it could be nothing just someone trying to complicate the case.”

“Or it could be exactly what we need,” Mom said.

The ride home was quiet, each of us lost in our thoughts. The twins were particularly active, perhaps sensing my anxiety despite my attempts to remain calm.

“You should lie down when we get home,” Mom said, watching me adjust position for the third time in as many minutes. “Doctor’s orders.”

“I know,” I sighed. “I just feel so helpless, Mom. Like I’m watching everything happen without being able to do anything about it.”

“You’re doing the most important thing already,” she said, placing her hand gently on my bump. “You’re keeping these boys safe. Let the rest of us handle Taylor and Porter.”

“It’s not that simple,” I protested. “This is my life, my family being threatened.”

“And your mother who spent a decade in a coma because of these people,” she reminded me, her voice gentle but firm. “Trust me, Mia. I understand the desire for justice better than most. But right now, these babies need to be your priority.”

I knew she was right, but that didn’t make the enforced inactivity any easier to bear.

When we reached our building, Eduardo greeted us with his usual warmth, though I noticed his eyes scanning the street with new vigilance. The security upgrades were already evident in the lobby—a second guard had been stationed near the elevators, and the previously decorative desk now featured a monitor displaying camera feeds from around the building’s perimeter.

“Mr. Branson’s security team did a complete assessment yesterday,” Eduardo informed us as he escorted us to the elevator. “They’ve upgraded all the entry points and installed additional cameras.”

I nodded, not trusting myself to speak. Kyle was being thorough, I had to give him that. Whether his motivation was genuine concern for my safety or merely protecting his unborn sons.

In our apartment, Gas greeted us with his customary enthusiasm, circling my legs and whining softly as if checking that I was okay. Mrs. Patel had been walking him during our absence, and a note on the counter informed us that she’d fed him lunch already.

“I’m going to make some tea,” Mom announced. “You should rest. Doctor’s orders, remember?”

“I will,” I promised, moving toward the sofa. “I just need to respond to a few messages first.”

First was Scarlett:

*This is INSANE. How the hell is that psycho out. I need to meet you.

I sighed. Scarlett was right, this was all crazy.

I missed Scarlett too, especially today. I decided to ask Scarlett to come over. It seemed like I was always askingCome over to my place, I need you.