CHAPTER TWO HUNDRED AND SIXTY SEVEN – ARE YOU ADEQUATE?

As Kayla moved closer to her due date, an aura of excitement and anticipation seemed to settle over the penthouse. Lance hovered near-constantly, doting on her with equal parts devotion and worry. "Are you sure you don't want to start your maternity leave a bit early?" he fretted one morning as Kayla prepared to head into the office. "There's no shame in putting your feet up at this stage." Kayla chuckled, leaning in to peck his cheek with a grateful kiss. "I'm pregnant, Lance, not an invalid. The doctor says I'm perfectly fine to keep working right up until I'm due." "As long as you take it easy," he insisted, watching her gather her briefcase and handbag with a critical eye. "No unnecessary stress or exertion, you hear me?" "Yes, dear," Kayla replied, only half-mocking. Truth be told, his protectiveness was more endearing than annoying these days. As it turned out, however, avoiding undue stress at Storm Enterprises was about to become downright impossible. No sooner had Kayla a