Ellen’s POV

I stared at the screen, hatred burning in my eyes. My stomach churned as I watched Zeke's captured interactions with Kamille—gentle, attentive, catering to her every need.

She was a bitch, and the audacity of her showing up at dinners, supposedly dead!

"Father," I called again. "How can Zeke take Kamille out while I'm still in his house? How can he do this to me?"

My father's gaze remained fixed on the screen, his expression as cold and calculating as ever. "All the more reason our revenge must be silent. When it strikes, it will have a devastating and lasting impact."

I nodded, swallowing hard. "Okay, Father." I forced myself to look back at the screen, anger bubbling to the surface. Kamille's face filled the television, and I sneered, "Pathetic. She always makes everything about herself, doesn't she?"

The phone rang. My hands shaking, I answered. "Hello, Becky."

"Hello, El. Have you seen the video?" Becky's voice was calm, but I detected underlying concern.

"Yes," I replied, my voice cracking with frustration. "I will make sure they pay for this."

Becky sighed. "Your sperm is ready."

I closed my eyes, trying to steady myself. "This better work," I muttered before ending the call. Turning to my father, I said, "I have to see Becky."

He nodded, his expression softening slightly. "Go ahead. I'll work on getting Gabriel released as soon as possible."

The mention of Gabriel irked me. Why him?

But I simply said, "Okay, Father," and left the office.

The drive to Becky's hospital was a blur. My mind raced, anticipating what was to come. Becky greeted me with a warm smile, though worry clouded her eyes.

"El," she said, leading me to a private room. "How are you holding up?"

I shrugged. "As well as can be expected. Let's get this over with."

We chatted lightly as she prepared for the insemination. She explained each step, emphasizing its importance. "IVFs are expensive and tricky," she reminded me. "Follow the guidelines for the best chance of success."

I nodded. "I understand, Becky. We've been over this. Stop treating me like a patient," I blurted.

The procedure was uncomfortable but quick. Becky's reassurance eased my nerves, but the weight of the situation remained. Afterward, I felt drained, physically and emotionally.

"You need rest," Becky said gently. "Take it easy for the next few days."

I managed a tired smile. "Thank you, Becky. For everything."

She squeezed my hand. "Take care, El. We'll talk soon."

Exhaustion seeped into my bones. The drive back was quiet, city lights blurring into streaks of color.

Upon arriving at the Reid mansion, a familiar voice roared from the living room.

"Where the fuck have you been?"

Zeke's voice made me jump. He stood there, eyes blazing with anger.

"I was at the hospital," I said, trying to maintain composure, though all I wanted was to scratch his handsome face for betraying me.

He stepped closer, his expression darkening. "You think you can just come and go as you please? You're not welcome here, Ellen. Watch your step."

My anger flared. "Why? Is it because of that whore you paraded for the cameras?"

He scoffed. "Shut your mouth before I shut it for you."

"Shut it?" I snapped. "You mean the mess you made with Kamille? How could you do this to us, Zeke?"

Zeke's face flushed. "There is no 'us,' Ellen. It's time your slow brain grasped that truth." He started up the stairs.

"And you have no idea what it's like to be constantly undermined by you!" I shouted, my voice trembling with rage.

He paused. "Look at the wall behind you," he commanded.

"What?" I turned to see the clock, then back at him, confused.

"Your time is running out. Don't push me to shorten it," he said, a cold glint in his eyes, then continued upstairs.

Was that a threat?

I took a deep breath. The confrontation had drained me, but I couldn't fall apart. Not now. Too much was at stake. Especially with this baby. I needed to avoid stress to ensure the procedure's success.

I went to my bedroom. Everything felt trashy. I slept in the ugliest room in this mansion, sharing the master bed with the master. I barely had a decent breakfast.

Miserable, I undressed and prepared for bed. But sleep eluded me.

No matter what, I would make Zeke beg at my feet.