Chapter 481

Annabelle had underestimated Jeremy's ruthlessness. With his network, he could easily find her a skilled doctor—one who wouldn't hesitate to operate where others might refuse.

Jeremy glared at her. "He's not destined for me," he said. His children could only be Natalie's.

Terrified by the cruelty in his eyes, Annabelle pressed, "Mr. Hughes, please consider my suggestion. I'll leave the country with the baby. Wouldn't that be enough?"

Was he this cruel to Natalie? No. Annabelle had seen him call and text her; he reserved his gentleness for Natalie, concealing this cruel side of himself.

"Someone will pick you up tomorrow morning," Jeremy said coldly, leaving Annabelle to watch him go.

She saw two men downstairs—Jeremy's bodyguards, frequent companions at important events. He'd sent them. Was he afraid she'd leave tonight?

Annabelle checked her phone. Natalie hadn't replied. Using a different account, she requested to follow Natalie and sent a direct message: "Don't you want to know about my relationship with Jeremy?"

After getting into his car, Jeremy instructed his bodyguards, "Stay here and watch her tonight. I hope there are no mishaps."

"Yes, Mr. Hughes."

On the way home, Jeremy called Natalie, but she didn't answer. He called twice more, with no response. Was she busy?

He threw his phone aside, massaging his temples. He regretted letting Natalie work. That Austin…

He called a private investigator: "How's the investigation going?"

"Mr. Hughes, it's complete. Austin is unremarkable. His parents died young, he never attended university, hindering his early career. However, his exceptional acting skills have earned him numerous awards. He has a stellar reputation in the industry, with directors repeatedly seeking his collaboration. I've investigated thoroughly for days, but found nothing. He's never had a girlfriend, nor received any undue assistance. He's a self-made success. His personal life is simple—when not acting, he travels and participates in extreme sports."

He'd hired a private investigator, yet only uncovered positive information about Austin. Austin was too clean, unsettlingly so.

As Jeremy neared home, he called Natalie again. No answer.

She finally called back after he'd showered.

"Honey, I accidentally silenced my phone. It's noisy on set, and I wasn't paying attention. I'll be finished in about half an hour."

Jeremy's unease subsided. "Alright, I'll wait for you at home."

"Yep! Wait for me. I saw that bakery you love on the way to work this afternoon. I'll get you that bread you like so much," Natalie said, her thoughts immediately turning to Jeremy upon seeing the bakery.

"Yes, of course," he said gently.

Natalie hung up cheerfully. Her smile hadn't even faded when she saw the Instagram requests.