Chapter 5: The Stolen Illegitimate Child

She had heard of the Maugham family's immense influence in J city.

She had no choice but to believe Darren Patrick.

"So, I have no choice? I must marry that half-dead person?" Selena Patrick clapped sarcastically at Darren Patrick's scheme.

"Think it over carefully."

Darren Patrick pulled Judy Patrick upstairs. The girl downstairs instantly paled.

Jeffrey Maugham, a name as eerie as a specter. Not only was she hurt by Steven Austin's betrayal and scheming, but now she was also forced to marry a half-dead man for good luck. Was there any fairness left in this world?

Even if she had a million reasons not to, how could she refuse when Edgar Patrick's illness needed to be treated? Fate had placed her at a crossroads.

Sharon Patrick came down from upstairs. Having just learned that Selena Patrick was chosen by the living dead Jeffrey Maugham, she felt that fortune was on her side. This way, she could marry Steven Austin with a clear conscience.

Without thinking, she gently touched her belly. This subtle gesture was caught by Selena Patrick, who looked up at her.

Sharon Patrick raised her chin smugly, looking down at her, "Congratulations, Selena. You're about to live a good life without worrying anything."

"What are you so happy about?" Selena Patrick gritted her teeth. "Do you think you can replace me and marry into the Austin family? Just like that?"

Sharon Patrick knew she wasn't the first choice for the Austin family, which had always been a sore spot for her. But now, she was carrying a baby. "I guess I'm just lucky."

"Sharon Patrick, don't think that having a baby will make you noble. Whether this brat can even survive until birth is still an unknown."

"You..." Sharon Patrick, furious, ran down the stairs and pointed at Selena Patrick, "You dare curse my child! I'll tear your mouth apart!"

As she said this, Sharon Patrick raised her hand to hit Selena Patrick. Selena Patrick escaped easily however Sharon Patrick lost her footing.

Staggering back, Sharon Patrick fell. The moment her bottom hit the ground, a sharp pain shot through her abdomen. A warm fluid began to flow out, and she screamed in terror, "Mom, Dad, come down quickly, I'm bleeding..."

"Ah... Mom..." Sharon Patrick's face contorted in pain.

Judy Patrick, hearing Sharon Patrick's agonized cries, rushed down the stairs. Seeing the blood under her skirt and her half-dead state, her heart leapt to her throat.

"Sharon, what happened? Why is there so much blood?"

Sharon Patrick pointed viciously at Selena Patrick, "It was her, Mom... my baby, my baby with Steven Austin, is going to be lost..."

Tears streaming down her face, Sharon Patrick closed her eyes, writhing in agony, "Mom, my baby, my baby is going to be lost..."

"It's not me. She tried to hit me herself and fell off without standing firmly." Selena Patrick said.

"Don't be afraid, Mom is here. I'll take you to the hospital right away."

Judy Patrick called the servants to carry Sharon Patrick out. Selena Patrick received a heavy slap across the face.

"You wretched thing, how dare you harm Sharon? If anything happens to her child, I won't let you off."

Darren Patrick's eyes bulged, as if he wanted to devour Selena Patrick whole.

"It's her mistake, what does it have to do with me?" Selena Patrick laughed mockingly instead of getting angry.

"You... Just wait." Darren Patrick stormed out, fuming.

Rubbing her stinging cheek, Selena Patrick watched the family leave with a fierce look. Better to marry than live like this, beaten and humiliated. After marrying, she wouldn't have to endure Darren Patrick's abuse anymore.

Closing her eyes, Selena Patrick thought this might be her best option. But before the wedding, she needed to meet the Maugham family.

Selena Patrick searched for the Maugham family's address. The Maugham residence, located in a prime location in J city, was known for its mystery.

The taxi dropped her off 100 meters from the entrance.

"Driver, it's still far. You can't leave me here," she protested, not wanting to walk, even for 100 meters.

"Miss, I dare not drive to the Maugham family's gate. Get out, I need to pick up another fare."

The driver left without further discussion, his words revealing a deep fear of the estate.

Selena Patrick got out, the heat and uphill walk making her temper flare. The massive, golden-black gates, as imposing as city walls, and the two stone lions guarding the entrance, were intimidating.

There was no doorbell, so she knocked loudly.

"Is anyone there? Hello? Anyone home... Ah!" The door suddenly opened.

A kind-looking old man in his fifties appeared. He examined Selena Patrick for a while before asking, "Who are you looking for?"

"I'm looking for the Maugham family."

"Which member of our family are you looking for?"

Selena Patrick thought for a moment, then said, "I'm looking for whoever is in charge."

The old man chuckled. "Follow me, then."

He led the way, and Selena Patrick followed closely. The path was long, lined with rare plants and valuable trees, adding to the estate's ancient and mysterious aura.

Entering a grand hall, the old man gestured for her to wait. As she sat, Selena Patrick observed the room filled with rosewood furniture, exuding a unique and unparalleled taste.

A servant brought tea, and she noticed the antique blue-and-white porcelain teacup. The Maugham family was even wealthier than she had imagined.

Soon, the old man returned, supporting an elegant, dignified elderly woman.

The woman smiled warmly, surprising Selena Patrick.

"Grandma?"

Wasn't this grandma she had helped on the road?

"I was planning to visit you in a few days to discuss the marriage. But you came first."

The old lady's words reminded Selena Patrick. Could the marriage proposal have come from grandma?

"Grandma, you can't do this to me just because I saved you," Selena Patrick said, looking at grandma with a betrayed expression.