Chapter 251

Rachel noticed something was amiss on Cynthia's face. "Cynthia, do you know her?" Lilian had already approached them.

"Cynthia and I were high school classmates and best friends," Lilian said sweetly. "Aunt Rachel, I know you. You're Cynthia's biological mother. It's nice to meet you. Please look after me." If you didn't know her well, you'd think she was thoughtful and well-mannered.

Lilian looked at Rachel with an innocent and sincere expression. "You guys are having such a hearty meal. I'm so hungry. Can I join you for dinner?"

When Rachel heard this girl was Cynthia's friend, she quickly said, "Of course, we just started eating. If you don't mind…"

Cynthia stepped in front of Lilian. "She was my close friend in high school, but she stole my boyfriend when I was at my lowest, talked behind my back, and framed me for things I didn't do. People like her disgrace the term 'best friend.'"

Rachel's face showed a mix of emotions. The term "best friend" reminded her of Selena and her own painful experience with friendship betrayal. Her expression turned cold. "Girl, our store isn't open yet, and we aren't accepting customers. Please leave."

But Lilian suddenly clutched her stomach. "It hurts! My stomach hurts…"

Cynthia pulled Rachel back. "Lilian, you've used this trick before. There's surveillance here, so don't even think about using any of your dirty tactics."

"No, Cynthia, it really hurts! It hurts a lot!" Lilian held the table, cold sweat beading on her forehead. "Take me to the hospital!"

Cynthia, unsure of Lilian's game, dialed 911. She was tired of the drama. After calling, she returned to the table, her tone indifferent. "Just wait a bit; the ambulance will be here soon."

Rachel, unsure what to believe, cleaned the kitchen. Lilian clutched her stomach, watching Cynthia eat. "Cynthia, how did you become so cold and heartless?"

Cynthia didn't look at her. "Haven't you ever heard the story of 'The Boy Who Cried Wolf'?"

"I'm really not lying! My stomach really hurts!"

Cynthia quietly sipped her soup. "That's not my problem."

"How can it not be your problem? Do you even know…" Lilian started, then clenched her teeth. Cynthia held up a small bowl. "What don't I know?"

"This is Filip's and my child. Don't you care at all?"

Cynthia laughed. "Ridiculous. Why should I care about my ex-boyfriend and some side chick's kid? I'm not crazy."

Lilian was in pain, likely from overexertion that morning. Panic set in as she saw blood on her pants. Her legs shook. "Blood! Help me! Save my baby, Cynthia, Cynthia!"

Cynthia sensed genuine distress. A bright red stain spread across Lilian's pants. The sight of the blood made her heart skip a beat.

Lilian cried out in pain. "Cynthia, please save my child! Save him, I beg you…" The ambulance hadn't arrived. Cynthia called for help, learning of a chain accident diverting ambulances. Though suspecting Lilian's scheme, she followed her conscience, lifting Lilian into her arms.

Rachel followed Cynthia to her car. Cynthia asked Rachel to record everything, in case Lilian tried to frame her. They arrived at the hospital. Lilian was quickly moved to the emergency room.

Cynthia waited outside. She called Filip repeatedly, but he didn't answer. She initially planned to leave, but waited for news.

A doctor asked, "Where is Lilian's family?"

Lilian, awake, pointed at Cynthia. "It's her."

Cynthia approached. "Doctor, what's going on? I can inform her family."

The doctor explained, "There's a risk of miscarriage. The placenta is low, and there was severe bleeding. But the bleeding has stopped, and both mother and baby are out of danger."

Cynthia breathed a sigh of relief, unsure if it was for the baby or because Lilian's scheme seemed to have failed.

"What caused this?" Cynthia asked.

"It's unclear. The mother's emotions, health, or the baby's movement could be factors."

Lilian was moved to a regular ward. The doctor prescribed medication and advised monitoring for two days. Cynthia initially planned to leave, but the nurse enlisted her help with Lilian's tests. The reports ended up in Cynthia's hands.

Cynthia heard the baby's strong heartbeat on the monitor. It was the first time she realized this was a new life. She found the heartbeat magical.

Cynthia left the report on Lilian's bed. "Threatened miscarriage. Take it easy and look after yourself." She turned to leave, but Lilian called out, "Cynthia, have you seen this baby yet?"