The media had been abuzz about Vivienne's pregnancy for days, yet Sophie was disinterested and exhausted, struggling to keep her eyes open."That jerk Cedric! It's been days. Is he ever going to respond?"Vivienne's news had broken just as Austin publicly confessed his feelings for her, but Cedric's silence was deafening."If I were you, I'd seriously consider Austin. He's been by your side all these years, caring for you and Cherry. Where else would you find such a good man? Linda, what's that saying? The best kind of love is companionship," Jeanna commented."That’s more often said about parents and children," Linda corrected gently, her role as a senior secretary making her quick to ensure accuracy."Right, I meant that the best kind of romance is one that grows over time and endures into old age."Jeanna rolled her eyes. Compared to Cedric, Austin seemed like the more dependable type. After all, if not for his timely intervention years ago, Sophie might not have survived. The
"You're now part of Paramount," Sophie informed Valerie in a professional tone. "As your boss, I hope to see your value increase. However, I must remind you not to be too optimistic. The entertainment industry is brimming with fresh talent now, and it's quite different from what you knew before. Make sure to seize this opportunity."Although Sophie warned her, she was confident that Valerie was astute enough to leverage her strengths."Yes, boss." Valerie chuckled, pleasantly surprised by their smooth collaboration. "Who would've thought we'd mesh so well?"Once, Valerie had found it difficult to even tolerate Sophie."By the way, is it true about Vivienne being pregnant with Cedric's child? Or is it just a publicity stunt?" Valerie shifted the conversation to gossip after their serious discussion. The news had been all over her phone for days, yet something seemed off.'How could Cedric have let Vivienne become pregnant?'At the mention of Cedric’s name again, Sophie felt a head
"Ms. Luxford, is everything okay?" Linda asked, noting Sophie's serious expression and growing worry."I just came from the hospital where I visited Valerie. As I was leaving, I saw a man entering Vivienne’s room. What if her pregnancy is..." Sophie's voice trailed off, suspicion clouding her thoughts.Was she doubting her instincts, grappling with Vivienne’s pregnancy, or unconsciously seeking excuses for Cedric?Although she left her sentence unfinished, Linda quickly caught on. After pondering for a moment, she remarked, "I've heard rumors that Mr. Carlson intended to send Vivienne abroad until Tristan was older. Given her desperation to stay, she might resort to anything. And using a child has always been her tactic."Sophie's troubled expression deepened. 'Could that really be true?'-At X Corp.Cedric's expression was unreadable. He glanced up as Evander entered. "Any progress?""The hospital surveillance has been wiped clean, quite thoroughly. It'll take specialists to
'The Carlson heirs…'Ironically, neither of her children belonged to the Carlson bloodline.Vivienne pressed down on her stomach, her fingers curling involuntarily with emotional turmoil. Tristan was a stain in her life she could never erase, and now, she was burdened with another revolting presence inside her.She wished she could rid herself of the fetus but understood the harsh reality. As long as the child was alive, Cedric could not harm her. Without it, he would have no hesitation in sending her away.A sharp pain shot through her lower abdomen as she pressed too hard, deepening her frown."Ms. Kerrigan, are you feeling alright?" The nurse noticed the sudden change in Vivienne's expression and felt her own heart race. This job was turning out to be more challenging than she had anticipated."I’m fine," Vivienne muttered, the pain intensifying her frown. "Take me back to my room."As the nurse wheeled her back, Vivienne's peripheral vision caught a shadowy figure, sending a
The nurse observed Vivienne clutching her stomach, growing increasingly worried.Cedric had made it clear that the child must remain unharmed. Could something already be wrong with the baby?"Ms. Kerrigan, are you feeling alright?" she asked.Vivienne bit her lip, praying the sharp pain in her abdomen would subside. Instead, it worsened, and suddenly, she felt a warm trickle down her legs. Looking down, she saw a fresh stain of red blood."Ms. Kerrigan, you're bleeding!" the nurse exclaimed, dropping her clipboard in shock and dashing to summon medical help.Soon, Vivienne was rushed into an examination room. As the cold ultrasound probe pressed against her belly, turning her face even paler, she kept her eyes glued to the screen."Doctor, is my baby okay?""Ms. Kerrigan, try to stay calm. There's some bleeding, but the embryo is still viable for now. However, there are signs of a threatened miscarriage."Ms. Kerrigan, you are less than three months pregnant, and certain activi
"Right away!" Evander carefully closed the office door, his mind swirling with thoughts of Cedric's shocking day.Cedric was drugged into fatherhood and now bore the stigma of a cuckold—his fate seemed exceptionally cruel today.Alone in his office, Cedric set down his pen and approached the panoramic window. His typically stern face softened, a faint smile gracing his lips. 'Soph, just a little more time, and I'll resolve everything. No obstacles will hinder us again.'-Not far off, Sophie sneezed, prompting Jeanna to jest, "Didn’t you just come back from the hospital? Why are you still sneezing?""Diseases arrive quickly but leave slowly. How could the medicine work instantly?" Sophie countered, wiping her nose. She was puzzled by her persistent sneezing despite feeling better after two days of treatment.Suddenly, Linda burst into the office, her anxiety evident."What's wrong?""I just received a call from the hospital. Vivienne is bleeding.""Did she miscarry?" Jeanna's
Since the bleeding, Vivienne had been especially cautious, taking medication and receiving progesterone injections on time every day. Although the cast on her leg had been removed, she dared not move around too much. Fortunately, there had been no further instances of bleeding.The doctor wiped the probe clean, set it aside, pointed at the small lump on the ultrasound screenshot, and said with a smile, "Ms. Kerrigan, look, the fetus looks quite healthy. As long as you get through the first trimester, there shouldn't be any major issues."Upon hearing that the baby was healthy, the tension in Vivienne's heart finally eased. Although Cedric had not visited during this period, he also had not mentioned anything about sending her abroad.'But... If this child is born...' Vivienne's expression changed as she thought of William, who clung to her like a detection dog. 'No, Tristan has been turned into his leverage, I mustn't let him get hold of another leverage.'Seeing her expression gro
'All my money?' Vivienne thought and bit her lip.After a momentary silence, she shook her head and said, "I don't have any money."After uttering those words, a heavy slap landed on Vivienne's cheek. Despite her cast being removed, she hadn't fully recovered, and William was powerful. With that single blow, she tumbled onto the bed, a fresh red mark instantly marring her cheek."Even if you hit me, I won't give you the money," Vivienne declared, her hand now covering her burning cheek, unable to conceal the hatred in her eyes. This wretch had destroyed her life, and she vowed not to give him a single penny.William withdrew his hand and took another bite of the apple before disdainfully looking at Vivienne, "If you don't pay me, I'll tell Cedric that Tristan is my son. I'll also tell him about how you willingly climbed into my bed and asked me to take you away back then. Let's see if Cedric will still keep you here."The threat struck a chord, igniting Vivienne's fear. Her resolu