Chapter 287
After Nathaniel finished speaking, he tossed the apple core into the trash can. Melanie observed his expression: it was indifferent, devoid of the distress she’d seen before. He was serious; he wanted to break up. His words rendered her pretense unnecessary. Taking a deep breath, she said, "Yes, I framed her. So what?"
"If she hadn't dodged, I wouldn't have fallen and lost my child," he retorted.
Clutching her lower abdomen, she cried, "Even if it was my fault, the child was innocent! And it was your child!"
Nathaniel shook his head. "I don't care who the child belonged to. It was innocent, yes, but I didn't want it, and neither did you!"
Meeting her wary gaze, he looked up at the ceiling and sighed. "Mel, you've gone too far."
"I had your hospital records transferred," he continued. "You went for an abortion recently, didn't you? If not for the inflammation, I think the child would have died long ago."
Melanie was stunned. She hadn't imagined he'd discover this. Hospital information was confidential; that's why she'd avoided clinics. She hadn't anticipated his discovery.
"Since we were lovers, I'll be generous. You can keep the house, and I'll provide compensation. However, you're no longer director of MN Inc. You can stay if you want, but I won't stop you from leaving. You have your ambitions; I wish you a bright future."
Panic seized Melanie. She needed MN Inc. to compete, win awards, succeed in the industry! Without it, she wouldn't even qualify. "No, Nate! You can't do this!"
Ignoring the IV line still attached, she sat up. "I know I was wrong, but you know how much effort and money I invested in this new product! You can't do this!"
"At least let me leave MN Inc. after the annual competition," she pleaded.
Nathaniel looked at her freed hand. "I didn't ask you to leave the company. You don't have to go, but the director's position…"
"If I'm not director, how can I stay? How will employees see me? How will the lab see me? How can I compete?" She was distraught. "Nate, you can't do this!"
"Mel, be reasonable. Why did you have that position except for our relationship? What qualifications do you have? You've been there too long. MN Inc. wants someone competent. I gave you my best, but you didn't appreciate it. What else can I do?"