Chapter 480

Alexander had a poor impression of Annabelle. He suspected she'd used the porcelain vase to achieve her goals, explaining her determination to have it repaired and her willingness to pay a substantial sum. She intended to use it again. He refused to assist her.

"No one on my team can help you," Alexander stated coldly.

His assistant added, "Ms. Green, let me show you out."

Annabelle glared at Alexander, clenching her jaw. She felt he was dismissing her, and that he and his team possessed unpleasant dispositions, having rejected her generous offer. Disappointed, she left.

As she departed, Alexander instructed his team, "Use Annabelle as the starting point for your investigation."

Driving home, Annabelle found a stack of medical reports in her car, unease tightening her throat. She'd anticipated Jeremy wanting her to have an abortion, but his firmness surprised her. Since the vase shattered, she'd sensed his distance. She was determined to keep the child and maintain her relationship with Jeremy.

At home, she tried contacting Natalie, but found herself blocked. Their last exchange showed Natalie's threat to block her within ten minutes—a threat Annabelle initially dismissed as empty. She hadn't expected Natalie to follow through.

Using a different account, Annabelle sent a friend request and a message: "Don't you want to know Jeremy's secret?"

Receiving no immediate reply, she continued: "Does your lack of curiosity stem from confidence that Jeremy would never cheat? Aren't you a little too confident, Natalie? What's so special about you? Just because you were childhood friends? I've never heard of a successful relationship like that. Just you wait. Once my belly grows, you can watch as your husband becomes the father of my child! We'll see how confident you are then!"

Jealousy consumed Annabelle.

An hour later, Jeremy arrived. "Give me the reports," he said emotionlessly.

With teary eyes, Annabelle handed them over, pleading, "Mr. Hughes, perhaps we're meant to keep the baby. It's a life, one we both created. I never thought we'd have children. I'll keep my promises; I won't bother you or let the child disrupt your life. Please let me give birth to it. I promise I won't let anyone know it's yours."

Her desperation was evident, but Jeremy only grew colder. He reviewed the reports and the doctor's advice.

"I've arranged for you to have a re-examination to ensure the abortion is performed safely," Jeremy stated. He knew regular hospitals might not guarantee a smooth procedure, but he had contacts who could.

Annabelle's face paled. "Do you have to do that? The baby is a life too!" She clutched her abdomen, cold sweat beading on her forehead.