Chapter 6

The hospital recommended that Gia stay for further observation, but she did not want to see Lucas again, so she checked out of the hospital.

She was still weak, but she did not dare waste time. She rushed to sort things out and had documents sent from her private investigator.

Gia opened them and saw Cecilia's prenatal reports inside.

The DNA results showed a 99 percent match. Lucas was indeed the father of the unborn child.

Her expression barely changed. She had suspected it, and the evidence only confirmed it.

She called someone and instructed, "Suspend all funding and investments for Lucas's lab next month."

At that moment, the doorbell rang. Gia frowned, and on the monitor she saw his parents, Linda Hoffman and Shane Isles–and they did not look happy.

Gia took a deep breath before she opened the door.

"What took you so long?" scolded Linda as she shoved her way inside, her judgemental gaze fixed on Gia. "I heard you were in the hospital? You do look a bit worn out," she said.

Gia said nothing, and Linda did not seem to care. She pulled out several bags and began rummaging through them. "I found more remedies for infertility, and this time, I'll make sure you drink them every day," she said.

"You've been married for three years and still have no child. Our family's reputation must be a laughing stock for other people!" she exclaimed.

She laid out bundles of dark and powdery medicine. The pungent smell filled the room, and Gia frowned. "I won't drink it," she said.

"How dare you?" snapped Shane. "How can a woman not give birth to a son? I asked an old doctor for help. You're rich anyway; give me a hundred thousand so I can send him a gift."

Gia let out a cold laugh.

'The topic of children was only an excuse. The real reason was for the money,' mused Gia.

"What are you laughing at? You're nothing but a useless hen that can't lay eggs, and you still dare to laugh!" yelled Linda.

"Mom, Dad, what are you doing here?" Lucas could be heard from the doorway. He walked in quickly and gave Gia a reassuring look.

"I've told you so many times that Gia's health and career come first. Why are you pushing her to have a baby again?" he asked.

Shane grew furious and said, "Our bloodline ends if she doesn't bear a child. It'll be so embarrassing for the family!"

Lucas suddenly said, "Don't worry, I have a plan."

Everyone turned to look at him.

Lucas held Gia by the hand and spoke gently, "Gia, since we don't have a child, why don't we take Cecelia's baby as our godchild? Wouldn't that be good? Think about it. My parents would have a grandchild, and when that child grows up, he could help you manage the company. Isn't that the best of both worlds?"

Gia froze. Had she misheard him or something?

'Does Lucas want to publicly make his illegitimate child their godson, let him manage my company? Am I a complete fool to him?' she thought.

Anger and humiliation overwhelmed Gia as she shouted, "No!"

Linda slapped her harshly.

"How did our family end up with such a shameless daughter-in-law? Things are settled if Lucas has decided. Who are you to refuse?" she exclaimed.

The slap was so harsh, Gia's head swung to the side. A burning pain spread across her cheek.

"Mom!" Lucas stepped in front of Gia, but instead of protecting her, he gripped her tightly to stop her from striking back.

He was afraid that Gia would fight back.

"Alright, it's decided. Cecelia is pitiful. We should help a widow and her child. You're being unreasonable, Gia," said Lucas.

Gia felt like her heart was shattering into pieces. The voices around her grew distant and fractured.

"Anyway, the company is marital property. At least half of it is mine to decide. When Cecelia gives birth, I'll treat that child like my own.

"Don't be stubborn, Gia. I'm a man, and I need someone to succeed. He's only a godson. You can understand that, can't you?" asked Lucas.

His voice was fading to her.

Suddenly, Gia tasted blood in her throat.