Chapter 202: Killing Two Birds with One Stone

+10 Free Coins

I understand why Anna chose the Bolton Group hospital. She had worked there for years, and the Boltons owed her favors. It was easy for her to obtain a fake medical report.

Typically, a woman doesn't show signs of pregnancy until three to four months, but Anna was barely two months pregnant, so it wasn't noticeable yet. Even though Ashley and Anna lacked an emotional connection, Ashley's ambition and shortsightedness made him susceptible to her scheme. Knowing his family elders adored children, he unknowingly seized this opportunity to improve his standing.

He had two older brothers and a sister above him in the family hierarchy. One brother worked in entertainment; the other ran the family business. Neither was married, let alone had children. If Ashley had children first, he could significantly improve his position at home.

After learning of Anna's pregnancy, Ashley became attentive. Anna skillfully manipulated him with her charm, easily winning him over—her specialty. The Hudsons, however, were oblivious to her past dealings with the Boltons. They perceived her as innocent. Perhaps she would even blame me, portraying herself as a victim. Her pregnancy skyrocketed her status within the Hudson family.

Today, Anna felt unwell, experiencing peak early pregnancy symptoms at nearly two months. Ashley quickly took her for a checkup, unaware Sadie would catch them. Before anyone reacted, Sadie slapped Anna.

It was the spectacle I craved, but the poor lighting the other night obscured my view. Now, I had a clear view of the drama. Worried my mother might get involved, I moved her to watch from a safe distance.

Given Anna's agility, I'm sure she could have dodged the slap, especially since Sadie warned her. But Anna didn't move; she was playing it up for Ashley. It was a classic Anna move—retreating to advance. I'd fallen for it many times before.

“M-Ms. Gardner? Why did you hit me?” Anna's gaze was evasive, her expression the epitome of innocence. Men fell for it every time—Luke was a prime example. Ashley, previously insignificant in the Hudson family and a toady to Sadie, now felt bolstered by a vulnerable, pregnant woman who depended on him. His attitude toward Anna changed drastically.

When Sadie slapped Anna again, Ashley stepped in front of her. “Sadie, what are you doing?” he asked. Tears welling, Sadie furiously demanded, “What are you doing here?”

Witnessing this, Bill’s expression darkened; he was clearly displeased his daughter embarrassed the family. The smart move would have been to distance herself, but his lovestruck daughter refused to listen. Monica Carroll stepped forward, attempting to calm her daughter. “Enough, Sadie. You’ve broken up with him. Why are you still making a scene?”

But Sadie was beyond reasoning; she clung to Ashley’s sleeve, ignoring her mother’s questions. “Tell me, why are you here?”

“Sadie, I’ll explain later. There are too many people around,” Ashley said. One of his hands was around Anna’s waist; the other sleeve was tugged by Sadie. They stood outside the ultrasound room, attracting stares and clear judgment of Ashley.

Ashley, obsessed with his pride, had privately led Sadie on, but he didn’t love her. He'd strung her along to keep his options open. Now that his engagement to Anna was public knowledge, he couldn't afford a public fight with Sadie. Yet, Sadie wouldn’t listen. Through her tears, she pleaded, “How can you do this to me? You promised you’d love me forever. I’ve been so good to you, paying for every hotel room.”

Bill, unable to tolerate it, shouted angrily, “Sadie, have you caused enough trouble? Go home!” He was mortified by her behavior.

Sadie turned to him. “Dad, I can’t live without Ashley. Please, let him work at our company. I’ll overlook his relationship with Anna, but I can’t watch him marry someone else.”

“You fool!” Bill snapped, his anger exploding. Sadie was essentially asking him to hand over Gardner Group to Ashley. I hadn't expected such foolishness from her.

I'd hoped to use Sadie against Anna, but with her naiveté and childish behavior, she wouldn't stand a chance against Anna's mastery of manipulation. Bill stepped forward and slapped Sadie harshly across the face. To think, she was his favorite daughter.

Monica rushed to explain. “Honey, Sadie didn’t mean that; she…”

Bill glared coldly. “Is this the daughter you raised? She’s as dumb as a rock! Take her away before she embarrasses us further!”

At that moment, the ultrasound room called for my mother. I’d seen enough. I led Philippa out while everyone watched. Anna finally noticed me; she didn't react much. Monica forcibly dragged Sadie away. Ashley tried to smooth things over. “Bill, I can explain everything about Sadie.”

“Stay away from my daughter,” Bill warned, his voice low and furious. “If I find out you’re still in contact with her, I’ll break your legs.”

Bill disappeared into the room to find my mother, leaving only Anna and Ashley. Ashley patted Anna’s hand. “Are you alright?”

“I’m fine,” she replied softly.

“You two seem really close,” I remarked with a smile.

Anna blushed shyly. “Well, Ashley and I have been getting to know each other better these past few days. He’s been so kind to me.”

“That’s good,” I replied, maintaining a polite distance.

“Anna, I need to speak with Mrs. Bolton. Please wait in the car for me.”

“Okay,” Anna said, appearing sweet and considerate in front of the men.

As soon as she left, Ashley’s smug expression returned. “Zoey, Anna is pregnant.”

“Oh, so what?”

He lowered his voice, sneering. “I got her pregnant on the first try. You could’ve had that chance, but instead, you chose a cripple who can’t even have children. You’ll never know what it’s like to be a real woman. Pathetic. Are you regretting your choice now?”

I was stunned by his illogical words.

“Well, I guess I do regret it,” I said, smirking.

“Haha, I knew it,” he grinned, believing he’d won.

+10 Free Coins

I smiled and countered, “If I had known you were this good, I would’ve had Sadie put gold and silver on your… you know what. Or maybe I should have it surgically removed, place it on a shrine, and worship it day and night.”

Tue, Dec 10 pr 203 My Husband Is Good In…