Chapter 838: The Baby's Room

Manuel’s face contorted at Susan’s words. Seeing his disbelief, she added seriously, “It’s true. You’re hotter.”

Manuel flinched and looked away.

“I’ve seen a lot of men, but very few are hotter than you,” Susan insisted, truthfully.

“How many men have you seen?” Manuel asked, his face falling as he stared at her.

Susan appeared to be calculating, a reaction that enraged Manuel. He would have struck her if he hadn’t been controlling himself.

“A lot. It’s hard to say,” Susan admitted honestly. She’d been watching pornography since eighteen; years had passed, and she couldn't recall the number of men she’d seen.

“Fine,” Manuel said, his anger growing. “Get out.”

“Okay,” Susan nodded, readily obeying. As she reached for her laptop, he added, “Stop watching porn.”

Susan pursed her lips, silently resentful. Why couldn’t she enjoy herself? Why couldn’t she watch porn when she felt the urge?

“I’ve deleted it all,” Manuel stated.

Susan was furious but dared not argue.

“Don’t be late for work tomorrow; otherwise, you’ll receive a salary deduction, per Phillips Bank regulations,” he said.

“Okay,” Susan nodded, listening attentively.

“Anything else?” Manuel asked abruptly.

Susan frowned, considering. Then, rolling her eyes, she said, “Mr. Johnson, thank you for giving me another chance at Phillips Bank. I promise to do my best.”

“Out!” Manuel snapped angrily.

Susan, realizing he disliked flattery, grabbed her laptop and hurried out.

Manuel fumed, wondering why Susan hadn't defended herself regarding the document incident. He knew the document had been deleted and subsequently restored by him; the timing suggested Clara was responsible.

He clenched his fists, wishing Susan were more sophisticated. She even watched pornography—something he’d never encountered. He’d been shocked to discover the “Mermaids” folder on her laptop and, impulsively, watched a video. He took a deep breath, stepping to the French window to cool down.

Then, Susan’s words, “You’re hotter!”, echoed in his mind, making him swallow hard.

Oscar had stayed in Kensbury City for four days, leaving on the fifth morning. Hannah awoke to find him gone. They’d shared the same roof like strangers, an uncomfortable situation neither enjoyed. Hannah, however, felt relieved by his departure.

“Ms. Cooper,” Max addressed respectfully, approaching Hannah, who was watching television.

Hannah looked up. “What is it?”

“Well…” Max hesitated. “Would you like to see something?”

Hannah, surprised, followed him to a second-floor room. Max opened the door.

Hannah gasped at the sight of the fully decorated baby’s room, painted entirely in pink. A cot, changing table, carpets, and numerous toys filled the space.

She wondered where Oscar had planned to put all the baby items they’d purchased. To her astonishment, he'd built the nursery in just a few days. Overwhelmed by the sight of the lovingly created room, she mused on the heightened sentimentality of pregnancy.

“Master Oscar built it all himself. I offered to help, but he refused. He even painted the walls,” Max explained.

Hannah pursed her lips. They'd lived together but spent little time together, except for her birthday shopping trip. She'd had no idea what he'd been doing.

“Master Oscar was so tired he fell asleep in the nursery last night,” Max added.

Hannah remained silent, unable to comprehend his actions. She knew he wanted the child, but couldn't fully understand his feelings, wondering if they mirrored his feelings for Lilian’s baby.

“Master Oscar still…”

“Max,” Hannah interrupted.

Max, understanding her reluctance, felt compelled to do Oscar a favor, witnessing the restrained heartbreak in Oscar's gaze towards Hannah.

“I’m tired. I want a nap,” Hannah said, leaving.

She avoided the nursery, the room Oscar had painstakingly created.

At a private hospital in the capital, Lilian watched her doctor perform an antenatal checkup. Rowan sat beside her, both wearing serious expressions.

The doctor examined the baby. “Miss Collins, the baby is sixteen weeks. Everything looks good.”

Lilian, however, wasn't concerned about the baby’s health; she wanted to know the sex. She glanced at Rowan, who nodded subtly; their unspoken understanding was clear.

Later, waiting in the car, Rowan emerged. He sat beside Lilian.

“Father, is it a boy or a girl?” Lilian asked anxiously.

Rowan maintained a serious expression.

“A girl?” Lilian asked, her disappointment palpable.

Rowan nodded. Lilian found this unacceptable, the worst possible outcome.

“But the doctor said there might be a mistake, and we can check again at twenty weeks,” Rowan offered comfort.

“It can’t be a mistake,” Lilian insisted, unconvinced by the possibility of error.

Rowan, though sharing her skepticism, hoped for a different result.

“Father, we must determine Hannah’s baby’s sex. It’s our top priority,” Lilian stated coldly and fiercely.