“I have nothing against you. You’re my dearest friend–how could I possibly say a bad word about you to your mother–in–law? All I want is to restore our partnership with the Simmons Group.”
“You know how useless my brothers are, and my uncles are just waiting to pounce.” “If they find out I lost the Simmons contract, our family’s standing at Marshall Holdings will be finished. We could lose everything–our control, our security, everything I’ve worked for.”
“I had nowhere else to turn, that’s why I begged your mother for help.”
“Laney, please, forgive me, won’t you?”
“Please, help me. I’m begging you.”
Blanche pulled her hand away from Ingrid’s grasp, unable to stand another moment of her insincerity. She closed her eyes, shutting her out completely.
The warmth vanished from Ingrid’s gaze, replaced by something cold and sharp. Angry, she stormed out of the hospital room.
Almost immediately, she dialed Jeannette, her voice low and tense as she revealed Blanche’s pregnancy.
If Blanche wanted to make her suffer, she’d make sure Blanche suffered more.
That child would never be born.
As soon as Ingrid left, Eddy took a call and hurried off as well.
The door swung open again.
“Well, well… I never imagined you’d be expecting too.” Jeannette’s voice made Blanche turn sharply toward the doorway.
“So what if you’re pregnant? Your husband’s heart isn’t with you anymore–he certainly won’t care about your child. And in case you’re wondering, I just spoke to your doctor. You’re having a girl, but I’m carrying the grandson Lorraine’s always wanted.” Jeannette sauntered closer, smug and triumphant. “You made the Simmons Group pull their investment from my parents, didn’t you? Who else would have it out for us like you, you spiteful bitch? You’re getting a daughter–guess that’s your punishment.”
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Chapter 83
“Oh, and did you know? The moment I told him, he handed me a credit card–no limit, spend as I please.”
A daughter?
The words left a bitter sting in Blanche’s chest, an ache she thought she’d buried long ago. Was this little girl the child she lost four years ago, coming back to find her?
Jeannette, mistaking Blanche’s silence for defeat, pressed on, her malice growing bolder. “You want to know why your husband suddenly abandoned you? I called him, told him I was having cramps, and he rushed right over to me.”
“Honestly, sis, you’re just pathetic.”
“Your father doesn’t want you or your daughter. Your mother left you behind. Your husband doesn’t love you, and your children will leave you, one after the other.” Jeannette’s poisonous words made Blanche’s brow furrow in pain.
Blanche had no interest in listening to Jeannette’s endless venom, nor did she intend to let her walk away unscathed. “Are you so sure Eddy loves you? Every time someone gets hurt in the end, it’s not me, is it?”
“You-!” Jeannette’s face twisted as memories of all their past confrontations flashed through her mind. She had always been the one left behind, discarded, and the resentment bubbled up, dark and furious.
Her phone rang–the screen lit up with Eddy’s name. An idea sparked. She answered, voice syrupy–sweet.
“Baby, I’m at the maternity ward and I don’t see you anywhere,” Eddy’s deep, gentle voice drifted through the phone.
Jeannette watched Blanche’s face darken with each word and put on her most innocent act. “I just heard Blanche was admitted, so I thought I’d check on her-”
“Ah! Blanche, what are you–don’t pull my hair—!”
Quick as lightning, Jeannette ended the call, tossed the phone to the floor, and grabbed Blanche’s wrist, dragging her toward the window.
Blanche’s body was so weak she was barely clinging to consciousness, her heart fluttering dangerously close to collapse. She had no strength to resist as Jeannette hauled her forward.
Eddy reached the hospital wing just as a body crashed to the ground less than a yard from him.
Chapter 83
There was a sickening thud, bright red blood spreading beneath her.
Eddy’s eyes went wide with horror. Terror seized his heart as he rushed forward and gathered her into his arms. “No… please, no…”
