Chapter 644

Rowan huffed coldly. "You don't want me to make a mistake?"

"Yes, Rowan," Jenny insisted, biting her lip.

"Jenny, I'm not an idiot. You know what you were thinking. I saw through your intentions the moment you joined Martin Group. I won't be your backup. Don't call unless it's absolutely necessary."

He was clearly distancing himself. Jenny, stupefied, hadn't even noticed the call ending. She realized Rowan no longer wished to wait for her, or have anything to do with her. She bit her lip, finally lying back down after a long while.

"I don't regret joining Martin Group. I can't lose Joe. As for Rowan… he'll understand eventually."

Rowan wasn't married; he was only engaged. That was it.

Natalie arrived home before Jeremy that day. He'd texted that last-minute work would keep him late. She hadn't realized how relieved she felt stepping into their house, knowing he wouldn't be home.

After dinner, she showered and went upstairs. Just as she drifted off, her phone rang. She answered without opening her eyes.

"Natalie, I've made a mistake! I shouldn't have pursued someone unattainable. I used underhanded tactics against Mr. Hughes. He never loved me; he fell for my trap. Please, tell him to let me go! It was all my fault. Forgive Mr. Hughes, and live a good life with him. Please say a good word for me."

Annabelle's desperate pleas filled the phone. Natalie sat bolt upright. "Annabelle?"

Annabelle's sobs intensified. "It's all my fault! My life can't be ruined like this. I left home, slaved my way to Jipsburg… how could I bear Mason's child? How?"

Natalie was bewildered. "Why are you calling me?" Annabelle was begging for Jeremy's forgiveness. What had he done?

"Natalie, I can't stand it anymore! Mr. Hughes had Mason, my rapist stepfather, take me home. He's forcing me to bear his children! He brainwashed my mother. I've come so far… how can I bear a rapist's children? I won't let myself be destroyed!"

"I know Mr. Hughes is behind this. I'm constantly monitored; I can't escape. He adores you; he'll listen to you. Help me reason with him. I'll leave the country and never return. He never loved me; I manipulated him," Annabelle confessed, her voice hushed, as if afraid of being overheard.

Chapter 644

Annabelle was clearly eager to confess. Natalie understood.

"You'd have been better off calling the police. Annabelle, you're saying this to anger me, to drive a wedge between us again, aren't you?" Natalie pointed out the obvious.

After a moment's silence, Annabelle said hurriedly, "No! I regret what I've done. No one can stop Mr. Hughes. The police won't help; Mason left no evidence. I can't prove anything."

"You're my only hope! Natalie, you're kind. So…"

Natalie's drowsiness vanished. "Do you think you can still manipulate me? We're adults; we must face consequences. If criminals could plead for forgiveness based on their victim's kindness after committing terrible crimes, wouldn't that be a lawless world?"

"You!"