Chapter 225

Lilia, her voice filled with innocent curiosity, asked, "Mommy, when will she be born?"

Joanna heard her and instinctively glanced at Bruce. She suspected that Bruce had deliberately planted the idea in the children's minds. Otherwise, how could they know so much at such a young age?

Bruce's handsome, noble face remained impassive, but a wave of tenderness surged within him. These children were his, and soon, Joanna would give birth to another. The six of them would live together. Suddenly, he realized this could be the ordinary happiness he'd been missing.

"Mommy, is there really going to be a little sister in your belly?"

"Uh" Joanna's eyes remained fixed on Bruce.

"Why are you looking at me? The child is asking you a question!"

Joanna rolled her eyes, finally shifting her gaze to the children. "Maybe! She won't be born for a few more months!"

"Wow, when the time comes, I'll bake cookies for her."

"If you have a little sister, will you stop favoring me?" Lilia asked one of her brothers.

"No way! I will love you just the same!"

Irvin lay on the bed and asked thoughtfully, "Mommy, are you tired? I'll give you a massage!"

Davian quickly climbed onto the bed. "I'll give Mommy a massage too!"

Irvin held Joanna's thigh while Davian embraced her arm, displaying their sincere affection. It had been a while since they'd shown their mother such affection.

Bruce watched from the side, feeling a pang of jealousy. These children didn't seem to have much of a bond with him. No wonder it was said that fathers and sons were enemies from past lives! Fortunately, Lilia was closer to him.

"Alright, Mommy's tired. It's time for you all to go home."

"It hasn't even been an hour! Let us stay with Mommy a little longer!"

Bruce's face turned cold, and he said sternly, "It's been over forty minutes, which is practically an hour! Hurry up and go home!" He couldn't tolerate his sons being so clingy to Joanna.

"Bruce, can't you let them stay a little longer?" Joanna said, annoyed. She couldn't understand his harshness towards her sons.

"You're not feeling well. The doctor told you to rest! They're making a fuss and disturbing your rest!"

"No, they're well-behaved!"

Bruce snorted. "Yeah, the kids are quite obedient! But you, as an adult, aren't obedient at all. Can't find a single child who listens!"

A pang of hurt shot through Joanna. She was an adult and didn't want to be treated like a child.

"Bruce, I really don't like you acting this way!"

Bruce sneered. "I'm not like money. I don't need everyone to like me!" From childhood to adulthood, he'd always been the center of attention, giving orders to others. This habit was ingrained.

Joanna's head began to throb; she had no desire to argue. He was a troublemaker, and no one could out-argue him.

Sensing her growing anger, Bruce softened his tone slightly. "Just cooperate, and you'll get to see the kids every day!"

Davian and Irvin pouted. "Mommy, we'll go back first!" During this time, they'd come to understand Bruce's authority. He was the leader, and misbehavior brought consequences.

"Alright, behave!" Joanna kissed each child's cheek reluctantly as they left. Once they were gone, Bruce sat by the bedside, casually loosening his tie. Joanna was taken aback. "What are you doing?"

"Time to sleep! I'm exhausted, let's lie down!" Bruce stretched out on the bed with an air of entitlement.

Joanna felt frustrated. "Bruce, can we have a proper conversation?"

"Go on!" Bruce didn't open his eyes.

"I I really don't want this child!"

Bruce's gaze turned icy. "This is your debt to me! You've angered me so much that you owe me another child. An eye for an eye!"

Joanna was speechless.

Bruce grabbed her arm. "If I tell you to give birth, you better do that! This child is mine, so take good care of it! Otherwise, you'll regret it!"

Joanna felt even more frustrated by his threats.

"Alright, let's drop it!" Joanna lay down angrily. "Take care of your pregnancy and stop overthinking!"

Joanna paused, asking indignantly, "If this child is born, will you take the child away from me again?"

Bruce rolled his eyes but gave no response. He hadn't made up his mind yet, but the child had to be born first. "Then can you give me the phone? I need to make a call!"

Bruce replied coldly, "Phones emit radiation, and it's not good for the child!"

"You're incredibly annoying. I can't contact the outside world. Everyone thinks I've disappeared!"

"Don't worry, I've delegated all company matters to the vice president. I've also informed Mr. Roger and Mr. Paul about your situation!"

"But"

Bruce interrupted. "No 'buts'! The most important thing for you now is to protect this child! I'll take on all the losses of your company!"

Bruce said it, but deep down, he felt contemptuous. Joanna's factory in Mossbourne had only received a modest investment. Even if it made money, it wouldn't be much. But this child…this child was worth far more.

In an instant, Joanna realized she'd been trapped for a week. There was no way for her to reach the outside world; no one could find her. Jaydon had no idea what was happening.

"Madam, it's mealtime." The servants brought in more food.

"I want to go outside!"

"Mr. Everett wants you to stay in bed and rest!"

Joanna shot an irritated look at the servant. "I've been cooped up in this house for an entire week. I'm starting to lose it! If I lie down again, I'll go crazy!"

"But" The servants hesitated.

Chapter 225

"I won't go far, just a little stroll on the lawn!"

"Then I'll go check with Mr. Everett!"

After a short while, the servants returned. "Madam, he said you can go out to the lawn for a while!"

Joanna put on her shoes and walked out of the room. Finally, after a week, she stepped outside. Although servants trailed behind, she could breathe fresh air.

Joanna stood on the lawn, her mind buzzing. Given Bruce's personality, leaving was nearly impossible. Escaping was even slimmer. For now, she'd play along. When Bruce let his guard down, she would contact the outside world.

The next day, Bruce came with the three children. While Bruce stepped out to make a call, Joanna said, "Nancy, I'm craving some grapes. Go wash them for me!"

"Sure thing!"

"Ms. Chain, can you heat up a glass of milk for me? Add some extra sugar!"

"Yes, Madam."

Joanna devised a plan to send all the servants away.

"Davian, come here!"

Davian obediently walked over. "Mommy!"

"When you come tomorrow, can you bring Mommy a phone?"

Davian tilted his head. "Mommy, why do you need a phone?"

"Don't ask too many questions. Mommy really needs one right now! But we can't let Daddy find out, and we can't let anyone else know either! It's our little secret!"

"Yes, Mommy, don't worry!"

"Good boy!"

Just then, Bruce approached.

"What secret conversation are you two having?"

"I didn't say anything!"

"Alright, it's about time for today. Mommy needs to rest!"

Joanna exchanged glances with Davian. Davian flashed her an "okay" sign.

"Bye, darlings!"

"Bye, Mommy!"

"Feeling better now?"

"It's alright!"

"What do you need? Just let Ms. Chain and the others know!"

"I understand!"

"Then I'm leaving too!" Bruce said.

"Okay," Joanna replied coldly.

Bruce felt unease. A week had passed, and her icy attitude hadn't changed. She was still furious about his grandmother. Now, she was angry at him.

(The final sentence "SEND GIFT" is unrelated and has been removed.)