Chapter 434: Embraced by Happiness (2)

While enjoying a hearty breakfast, Hannah said to Max, "Max, I don't think I need such a large breakfast until I get pregnant."

"Mrs. Wells, I disagree," Max replied seriously. She hadn't expected Max to be more insistent than Oscar.

"Pregnancy will greatly challenge your body, even from the start of preparations. The healthier you are, the better for the baby. Mrs. Wells, nourishing yourself is paramount. It's the only way to conceive a healthy child. Please eat plenty." Max bowed respectfully.

Preparing for pregnancy had become her primary focus since returning from Wells Manor. Oscar and Max were both helping, creating a mental burden. She didn't want to disappoint them.

Hannah resumed her breakfast, only rising to leave for the office after thoroughly filling herself.

"Mrs. Wells, please be careful. If you become pregnant, pay special attention to the first three months; the baby needs careful tending," Max kindly reminded.

"Okay."

"Oh, and Mrs. Wells, you should stop drinking coffee; it could harm the baby."

"Okay…"

"Please take care." Max repeated.

She felt like running away. Having a baby felt like a heavy burden.

In the car, she noticed Jimmy driving slower than usual. While she wasn't worried about being late, it felt strange.

"Jimmy, please speed up a bit," Hannah said.

"But Max told me this morning you might be pregnant, so I'm driving slower," Jimmy explained honestly.

She was speechless. Max would be the most disappointed if she didn't conceive, she realized. Taking a deep breath, she looked out the window, surprisingly looking forward to pregnancy and motherhood.

She wondered if the baby would resemble Oscar or her more. The thought sent her heart racing. Since marrying Oscar, she'd eagerly anticipated their future together.

As the car reached the building, Jimmy stopped her before she could exit. "Mrs. Wells, please wait."

She frowned, watching him get out and open her door.

"I can do it myself," Hannah said.

"Max suggested you avoid strenuous activity for the baby's sake."

Speechless—she wasn't even pregnant yet!—she stepped out.

Jimmy hurried after her. "Max suggested you slow down to avoid tripping."

"Jimmy, you're talking too much today," Hannah huffed.

He fell silent. Both Max and Oscar had given him instructions, but Oscar had suggested attributing everything to Max if she became annoyed. Since their marriage, Oscar had grown more cunning, Jimmy thought.

Entering the office, Rose approached. "The new employees from the day before yesterday have completed registration and are ready to begin work. Ms. Hannah, would you like a meeting?"

"No. Tell Human Resources to draft a weekly evaluation report for each new employee."

"Okay." Rose continued, "There's a meeting chaired by Mr. Chairman at 10:00 AM. In the afternoon, there's an anniversary ceremony for the Group's commercial complexes. Mr. Chairman wants you to present on his behalf. Several senior executives will attend, including…"

Rose began listing names.

Hannah added, "Include Tan Laurier."

"Okay. That's today's schedule. Ms. Hannah, anything else?"

"Though we won the South Bay New Town bid, we urgently need more projects. We'll face financial losses if we're complacent. Give me a list of ongoing projects. Then tell market exploration, sales, and other branches to seek potential projects. We must strive for more."

"Yes, Ms. Hannah." Rose made a note.

"Report to me the day after tomorrow."

"No problem."

Hannah smiled. A capable secretary saved her considerable time.

"Alright, that's all. You may return to work."

"Ms. Hannah, black coffee?" Rose asked.

Hannah hesitated. "No. Just milk."

Confused, Rose clarified, "Milk in your coffee?"

"No. Just milk. No coffee."

Rose was surprised by the sudden change. Oscar must be incredibly charming to inspire such changes in the independent Hannah, she thought.

After the morning meeting, Hannah headed for lunch, but Rose entered with a delicate lunchbox. "Ms. Hannah, your lunch."

"My lunch?" Hannah was surprised. She hadn't ordered anything.

"A man named Max sent it."

Speechless, she hadn't expected this.

"He said to keep it until Jimmy brings it home for him to clean."

"Okay," Hannah nodded.

Rose carefully placed the box down. Before leaving, she couldn't resist asking, "Ms. Hannah, are you pregnant?" The milk instead of coffee, and the delivered lunch, led her to this conclusion.

"Nonsense! I'm not!" Hannah denied emphatically.

"Then you must be preparing for it."

Hannah glared.

"I'm right!" Rose was delighted.

Rose had become more outgoing since starting; before, she'd seemed a cautious, nerdy type.

"Rose, you're single, right? How do you know? You must be in love!" Hannah teased.

Rose's face flushed.