Chapter 11

Dahlia was so engrossed in the matter of Stella's pregnancy that she failed to notice her daughter's peculiar expression.

Frowning, Dahlia said, "A medical examination cannot reveal deficiencies in vital energy and blood or dampness in your uterus. If left untreated, these issues might make it difficult for you to carry a baby even if you get pregnant."

Stella fell silent.

Thinking she had gotten through to Stella, Dahlia continued, "Lately, Jackson has been getting close to the mayor's daughter. If they marry and have a child before you do, it might complicate things for Keegan's future in the company. You know how much the old lady values the eldest child and grandchild."

Jackson Kane was Keegan's cousin, the only son of Keegan's uncle.

'That's none of my damn business?! I'm about to get a divorce. Why should I care if Keegan faces difficulties? Besides, he doesn't seem concerned either. He doesn't want a child. Well, at least not with me,' she thought.

"Your mother has been in a coma for years with no signs of regaining consciousness. Meanwhile, your father is barely fifty. Considering his age, he might remarry. In that case, it could be challenging for you to return to the Jewell family. Your child will be yours, and they will be someone you can rely on in the future. Stella, you need to plan for yourself."

Stella wasn't naive enough to believe that Dahlia genuinely cared for her. Each member of the Kane family had their own agenda, and to them, Stella was merely a pawn.

"I understand," Stella replied, lowering her gaze, just as she had done before. She appeared obedient and timid.

Dahlia didn't say anything else, except for urging Stella to finish the fertility drink.

Feeling trapped, Stella had no option but to pick up the bowl and gulp down the medicine in one go.

'Keegan Kane, you bastard! This act is not worth it! We're definitely going to have to split the assets 40-60!' she silently cursed Keegan.

Shortly after taking the fertility drink, Keegan walked in.

With Dahlia having accomplished her purpose, there was no reason to continue the meal. She stood up and said, "I have a card game with Mrs. Wood in the afternoon, and it's almost time. You all can continue eating."

Aurora quickly followed, "I'm going shopping with a friend today. Mom, can you drop me off?"

The two escorted Aurora and Dahlia to the door. Before leaving, Dahlia reminded Stella once more, "Stella, don't forget to take it with you. And remember what I said."

Stella nodded.

After seeing them off, Keegan turned to Stella, asking, "What did my mother talk to you about?"

"Not much," Stella replied.

The medicine churned in her stomach, and she couldn't hold back the sick feeling. As soon as she finished speaking, she turned pale and began to gag.

Keegan furrowed his brows and grabbed her wrist, guiding her to the bathroom.

In the bathroom, Stella threw up most of the medicine she had taken, finally feeling some relief.

As she went to wash her hands, she caught a glimpse of Keegan in the mirror.

He stood behind her with a contemplative expression.

Feeling irritated that she was in this embarrassing situation because of him, she smirked and said, "Mr. Kane, do you have a fetish for watching people use the washroom?"

Keegan looked up and gave her a cool glance. "Not that I do, but I could cooperate if you need me to. After all, it's not the first time."

Stella was left speechless.

She couldn't help but recall Valentine's Day from the previous year when she got so drunk that she insisted Keegan accompany her to the washroom. In the end, she even made him pull up her pants for her.

'I've only done a handful of embarrassing things in my life, yet he remembers this incident so well. What breed of dog is he?!' she thought.

Seeing her hesitation, Keegan maintained his composure and asked, "Shall I take it off for you?"

Stella glanced at him. "Mr. Kane, we are about to divorce."

Keegan smiled and moved closer suddenly. Stella instinctively took a step back, but she had nowhere to go, finding herself pressed against the sink.

Trapped between Keegan and the sink, she was surrounded by his dominant and overbearing scent.

"What are you doing?" she pushed against his chest, trying to create some distance.

Keegan's gaze lingered on her lips for a moment before meeting her eyes.

"Weren't you the one who started it? You addressed me so lovingly and even fed me. Weren't you trying to seduce me?" he said in a husky voice.

Stella was taken aback.

'Who gave him such confidence?!' she thought.

Mr. Kane, I believe you've misunderstood something..." Stella began to say, her eyes widening in surprise. Before she could finish her sentence, she felt something dry and soft on her lips—Keegan kissed her.

This was the first time Keegan had kissed her without her initiating it. In the past, Stella had always been the one to start a kiss, and Keegan would only go along with it when he grew impatient with her teasing.

'When it comes to me, he never seems to desire to kiss me or take control. But with Bella, it's different. He even called her name when he had a fever or drunk,' thought Stella.

The realization made his touch on her feel unbearable.

As Keegan attempted to deepen the kiss by sliding his tongue in, she bit down fiercely. Though Keegan managed to avoid the worst of it, he still got bitten on the lip.

Tasting something blood in his mouth, Keegan frowned and let go of her. He shouted, "Are you a dog?"

Stella gritted her teeth. 'If I were a dog, he'd be the first person I'd bite!' she thought.

Keegan was about to say something, but his phone rang, causing him to frown. He quickly grabbed his phone, glanced at the caller ID—Baby, and then turned to Stella, instructing her, "Wait for me in the car."

With that, he went outside to take the call.

Stella noticed the caller ID and wiped the blood from the corner of her lips with a tissue, her emotions hidden.

She contemplated hailing a cab by herself, attempting to muster some courage. However, the moment she stepped outside, the biting cold hit her. What was once sunny weather had now turned chilly, with strong gusts of wind. Her light clothing offered little protection, and her hands and feet grew cold within moments.

The restaurant Aurora had chosen was in a newly developed area, making it challenging to find a taxi. After hesitating for a few seconds, Stella decided to get into the car on her own.

After about ten minutes, Keegan also entered the car.

The medicine Dahlia gave Stella seemed to have some side effects. Feeling drowsy after throwing up, Stella closed her eyes, ready to rest during the ride.

However, just as she was about to drift off, something heavy was suddenly thrown into her arms. Startled, she jolted awake.

Feeling furious, she wanted to ask Keegan if he was out of his mind. But her anger turned to astonishment when she saw the box on her lap. She cautiously opened it.

In the box, there was a fancy bag made of crocodile leather, called the Birkin bag. Stella thought, 'I think this bag costs three million dollars in Hustuabourgian money, but it's so rare that people might pay over four million for it. What's Keegan up to?'

She looked at Keegan, feeling puzzled, and said, "What's going on here?"

Keegan gave her an annoyed look and replied, "It's a present from a client. I can't really use it anyway."