Chapter 326: Am I Pregnant?

The turmoil continues; the Sanders' fury trades blows with new horses, refusing to fade. From the Sanders to the current Bolton era, my denials and revelations intermingled in a reign I could barely imagine. I once believed death was the final chapter, but it was merely a prelude to something far greater. Anna's true identity remains a mystery, and the car patrolling the wing hides in the boat, its intentions unclear. No matter where we are, whether at the Sanders' or the Boltons', this case remains relentless and unforgiving.

The sky loomed heavy and gray, casting a shadow over our spirits. At the Bolton Residence, the bodyguards—a large number of them—had accompanied us to the hospital, where a bewildered Carter waited. Seated in his wheelchair, Carter’s face was stern. "Explain this to me," he demanded. "How does someone vanish into thin air?"

"Sir, perhaps it's best if you take a look for yourself," one of them urged.

I had known about the secret room in Anna's room for some time and had informed Carter. Inside, aside from a wall covered in photos of Luxe, there were only a few personal mementos between the two. Carter had ordered an inspection; nothing seemed amiss. But we'd all missed one crucial detail: behind that wall of photos, another world existed! A secret passage, constructed long ago, revealed Anna's escape route.

We stood before the passage, faces grim. "It's possible that during your time away from the Boltons," Carter mused, "there isn't just one secret passage. The entire house might have fallen under their control."

The Bolton Residence was no longer a safe haven. Carter, after years abroad, now faced an organization that had been scheming for decades. We had to be extremely cautious.

"Let's move," Carter commanded, his voice firm.

Even if we found all the secret routes, if the opposing side felt trapped, they could hide small explosives—triggered remotely—in walls, vases, or plants. This would cause far greater damage than Sheila's minor influence. This location had become the most dangerous threat.

Carter ordered the piano on the rooftop removed. Meanwhile, Jeffrey looked deeply concerned. His health had been declining for years, and after recent events, he was barely hanging on. Seeing him like this pained me. He and Penelope are the only elderly people who still look out for me. Despite their age, I yearn for their well-being and long lives.

He, along with Adam and Luke, relocated to different Bolton villas. Carter and I gave him a lift. As we sat in the car, he gazed back at the fading Bolton Residence, his eyes filled with loss. Our family was ruined by my actions. Adam remained consumed by the grief of losing his son and wife, his face devoid of emotion; the outside world seemed to hold no meaning for him.

The police took Sheila and Silas' bodies for investigation; neither had been buried yet. We once believed the Boltons were fortunate, but now we all seemed to be mere pieces on a chessboard, struggling to break free, trapped in the same square. Silas is a pawn, cannon fodder with no retreat; Anna, a knight; Sheila, the rook. The mastermind remains hidden, and despite setbacks, the game is turning in their favor.

To simplify Jeffrey's care, our two villas are nearby, in the same neighborhood. The house felt cramped, and we had fewer servants. The officers arrived later and collected statements regarding Sheila's incident. After giving my statement, I turned to Nelson with worry. "Captain Tucker," I asked, "with so many involved, have you identified the person behind this?"

"Ms. Gardner," he replied, "the guards and those carrying out orders are only minor players, currently being questioned. A special task force has been created to investigate. The results may take time, but we must thank Mr. Bolton for his assistance. You helped protect many innocent lives, and on behalf of those who perished and those who remain safe, we are grateful."

"Ms. Gardner," he continued, "there's no need to be concerned. Justice may take time, but it will arrive. The darkness will eventually be overcome by the light, and the truth will be revealed."

I nodded, but my unease remained. That organization felt like a constant threat, looming over us.

In just a few days, we’d endured so much. After calming Jeffrey, Carter and I returned home. After showering, I lay down on my bed. The sound of running water from the bathroom, my fingers tracing the pendant on my neck, a deep sadness settled within me. The moment I closed my eyes, images of Silas and Sheila’s deaths flashed before me.

"Ugh!" I pressed my hand to my mouth, fighting nausea.

"Chloe, what's happening? Is your stomach still bothering you?" Carter appeared, worry etched on his face.

"Carter…" I clung to him, burying my face in his chest. "I'm scared. I don't know if someone will die tomorrow, or who it might be."

"Don't worry, I'm here. You haven't eaten all day. Should I ask the housekeeper to prepare something?"

"I can't eat," I replied. "Every time I close my eyes, I see Sheila's head at my feet, her eyes staring at me, blood everywhere."

The image made my stomach churn. I rushed to the bathroom. Not having eaten made it difficult to throw up, but the stomach cramps were unbearable. Carter gently patted my back and offered water to rinse my mouth. Once I had settled, he said, "Chloe, don't dwell on it. Even if you're not hungry, you should try to eat something."

I held his hand, a question forming in my mind. Despite being in Zoey's body for two months, I'd never had a period. I panicked. Having spent over a month as a spirit, even now, in Zoey's body, my subconscious still saw me as Chloe. I didn't know when Zoey's last period was, but it had been two months since I took over her body. Panic surged. "Carter, could I be pregnant?"

"That can't be," Carter answered bluntly.

"How can you be so sure?" I asked.

His expression flickered with uncertainty before softening. "Aside from today, I've always been cautious. Most of the time, I've used protection, and there were a few times where I didn't finish inside you."

I bit my lip and tried to educate him on basic biology. Even aside from that, men sometimes release a small amount of fluid. It could have happened then…

Carter gently caressed my face. "Chloe, the chances are very small. You won't get pregnant. Stop worrying about it."

Despite his reassurance, the firmness in his voice left me uneasy. I gripped his wrist tightly. "How can you be so certain I won't get pregnant? Do you really not want me to?"