Chapter 204 Pregnant

Olive glared at Monica. "Monica, where did you hide my grandfather? Are you guilty? Afraid he'll one day tell me the truth about what happened years ago?"

"Olive, I don't understand what you're talking about," Monica replied proudly. "It was someone who pushed the poor old man down the stairs. We're restricting your visits for his safety. Who knows what you might do? We're keeping him safe from you, Olly."

Olive didn't bother arguing. She turned and went downstairs. A maid emerged from the kitchen with a bowl of medicine.

"Ma'am, it's time for your medication."

As Olive passed, she paused, eyeing the medicine. Monica's expression shifted. She rushed downstairs and slapped the maid.

"Little bitch! Who told you to bring this? Take it back!"

"Okay, ma'am," the maid stammered, hurrying back to the kitchen.

Olive looked at Monica with a hint of inquiry. "Monica, you're sick, right? I'm a doctor; I can check your pulse." She moved toward her.

Startled, Monica recoiled. "Olive, leave! Or I'll have you dragged out!"

"Monica, take care of yourself. I'm going." Olive left the villa.

Outside, she paused, her senses sharp. A familiar scent—medicine—reached her. If she was right, it meant one thing: Monica was pregnant! Olive hadn't expected Monica, in her fifties, to conceive a third child. Monica's evident concern about the child explained her secretive behavior and the Hart family's recent low profile.

Olive's phone vibrated. A message from Divine: a photo. "I met someone at the mall. Is this your father?"

The photo showed Patrick, not alone, but with a young, beautiful woman—Pearl, Gabriella's best friend! Patrick carried numerous shopping bags; another photo depicted Pearl hugging and kissing him.

Chapter 204 Pam

"Wow, Olive, your father has a sugar baby!"

Olive, preoccupied, initially dismissed it. She hadn't expected Patrick's life to be so seamless: his wife pregnant, and he with a young woman meeting his needs.

Olive thanked Divine, adding a surprised emoji. Then, she called North.

"Olive, why are you calling?" North's voice was soft.

"North, Monica's pregnant, and Patrick has Pearl as a sugar baby," Olive revealed.

North gasped. "Olly, what now? Cooperate with Pearl?"

Olive shook her head. "No. Pearl's not a good person, not a suitable ally. We have a bargaining chip. Let's strike while the iron is hot. Monica's done wrong, but the child is innocent. Let's wait and see."

"Okay, Olive," North grumbled. "You really should have taken care of the Hart family."

Monica, after scolding the maid, drank her anti-abortion medicine. Her phone rang—Pamela.

"Hello, Pamela."

"Mom, take your medicine. This pregnancy is important. Dad always wanted a son. Have him, and Olive won't be a problem."

Monica placed a hand on her stomach, smiling. "Pamela, don't worry. I'll have a son."

"Is Dad home?"

Monica's face hardened. Patrick ignored her, sleeping in the study. He used to be different.

"Pamela, your father is unscrupulous. He's often out. He wasn't home last night," Monica complained.

"Mom, he's just mad. He doesn't know you're pregnant. He'll be happy. His birthday's soon. A nice surprise."

Monica agreed; she had no leverage.

"Mom, don't let Olive near Grandpa. I saw him move his finger; she must have treated him," Pamela added anxiously.

Old Mr. Hart's movement had frightened them. They'd moved him overnight.

Monica, solemn, agreed. Patrick was selfish, but filial. The secret must be kept.

After hanging up, Monica showered. Her phone beeped—a photo from an anonymous number: Patrick with Pearl at the mall, then at a hotel.