Chapter 4

On the top floor, in a suite decorated in a luxurious vintage style, a man stood in front of the floor-to-ceiling windows. Dressed in a gray suit paired with a black vest and trousers, his silhouette was tall and slim, reflecting a striking profile in the glass—his sharp features and a strong jawline were vaguely visible. He held a transparent goblet in one hand, the other tucked into his pocket. From any angle, he exuded an undeniable charm, his presence as noble as it was intimidating.

His expression wasn’t cold; rather, it conveyed an inscrutable depth.

A knock echoed from outside the door.

“Come in.”

A shadow entered, placing a medical report on the mahogany desk. “Sir, the report is ready.”

“And the woman?” His voice, deep and melodic like a cello, showed no hint of anger.

“She has been arranged to rest and will be sent out tomorrow morning.”

With a light grunt, he didn’t turn around. “What does the report say?”

After a brief pause, Raven replied, “The doctor said she’s in early pregnancy. Miss Howell’s body is already weak, and the first three months are a dangerous period. If forced, it could lead to severe consequences.”

The man’s face remained expressionless, but Raven finally couldn’t hold back. “I’m sorry, Mr. Henderson. I failed to handle this properly. I arranged for her to take emergency contraceptives, which should have prevented this… I’m willing to take the responsibility.”

Even Maxwell found it puzzling; could there have been an issue with the medication? But that shouldn’t be possible…

He lowered his gaze, hiding the light in his amber eyes, then raised it to gaze into the endless darkness outside. “This isn’t your fault; it’s her body’s condition. Other women would die from even a touch of my blood, yet she’s perfectly fine. Don’t you find that strange?”

“Yes, but I had her blood tested by a doctor, and there were no abnormalities. Everything was normal. So what’s next…”

“From now on, bring her here on the first and fifteenth of each month.” His eyes darkened, and he tightened his grip on the goblet, suddenly serious. “Those people think they can force me to yield? Take good care of her; there must be no mistakes.”

“Yes,” Raven promised. “I’ve already sent people to look for a solution; we should have news soon.”

“You can go now.” Each lengthy session was not only a torment for Alice but also left Maxwell feeling drained. He rubbed his throbbing temples and turned in for the night.

---

At the Stanley family home, Michelle lay on the bed, moaning in pain. Her body was covered in injuries, feeling as if a thousand ants were burrowing into her flesh.

A servant applied ointment but lacked the right touch, causing her further discomfort and earning a fresh round of scolding.

“Enough whining; save your strength,” Robert admonished sternly. Michelle’s tears streamed down her face. “Robert, how can you yell at me? You useless man, how dare you hit me…”

The man had indeed ordered her double punishment, and as she clenched her teeth in anger, Robert’s expression was equally grim.

At that moment, Kate knocked and entered, concerned. “Hey, how are you? I brought you some imported medicine for your injuries.”

“Thank you, Kate,” Michelle replied, grimacing.

Kate looked at the wounds, horrified. She turned to Robert, asking, “Brother, who were those men today? Why did Dad seem so scared? And Alice—she’s really pregnant? Whose child is it?”

“It must be that man who came to take her away. That little wretch has no idea who she’s entangled with, and she might drag our whole family down. It’s best if she never returns; otherwise, I’ll make her pay!” 

“How do you want her to pay for it?” Michelle fumed, just as an elderly, authoritative voice cut in from the doorway. Startled, she shivered, while Robert quickly turned around. Kate rushed to wrap her arms around her father’s, smiling sweetly, “Dad, you’re here! I missed you so much in the past month.” She leaned against Marcus’s shoulder, and he finally smiled slightly. “I know you are the good girl.”

“Dad, who were those men earlier? They seemed quite powerful,” Kate cautiously probed.

Mention of this made Marcus’s expression grow serious. “This matter ends here. When Alice returns, I expect you all to behave. Kate, go tidy up the room next to yours for Alice.”

“Why?” Kate protested, displeased. “That’s my dressing room. Why should that little brat get to use it?”

“Be quiet!” Marcus had never scolded her before, but he was unusually firm on this issue. “Don’t question me. Just follow my orders. No one is to upset Alice. If anything happens to the child in her belly, the whole family will pay the price!” His final words were pronounced with such gravity that they left everyone present in shock.