Not only did Edith fail to realize her mistake, but she also felt deeply wronged. "The child that Abigail is pregnant with is the Zane family's child. So, the child is surely the most important. I did it to preserve your family's bloodline. I had no personal interests."Margaret was furious when she heard that. "Edith Hoggan, as a doctor, do you have any idea what you're talking about?"Edith disappointedly stopped talking when she saw Margaret was truly angry.Margaret continued saying seriously, "First of all, I want to make it clear to you that nothing's more important than Abigail's life. If this child is lost, Abigail can have another one in the future. But Abigail only has one life. If something happens to Abigail because of me, I won't be able to face her grandmother when I die."Edith remained silent.Margaret continued to say, "You're a doctor. Don't you have any medical ethics? Don't you understand that saving a life is the top priority? Didn't you know that if Abigail w
Susanna asked, "How are you planning to explain this to Mr. Blau?"Margaret said, "You two are my employees. When my employees make a mistake, it's only right for me to take responsibility."Susanna felt especially guilty. "I'll go and apologize to him."Margaret responded, "You? Do you think you can handle this matter?"The Blau family was highly respected. And Johann was known for sticking to his words.Margaret thought, 'His granddaughter had almost lost her life because of our actions. He'll surely not let it go if I don't give him a satisfactory explanation.'She fixed her clothes and went back to Johann. "Johann, it was my employees' fault today. I apologize..."Johann raised his hand to stop her. "You don't need to apologize. Take your people and leave. Also, give me your word that no one from your family will ever appear in front of Abigail again from now on."Margaret responded, "I consider Abigail as my own granddaughter. I can't just stay away from her. Moreover, she
Margaret was furious. "Keith Jackman, are you mute or deaf? Or is it that none of you respect me anymore?"Keith's voice could be heard on the phone after a while. "Nova has taken over Zane Corporation, and I still have a lot of work to do. I'll hang up now. When I'm free, I'll visit you at the Zane residence."After saying that, Keith actually ended the call. He was extremely brave.Margaret thought, 'Keith still speaking like that when the news of Zane Corporation changing control and Nova being back as the leader is all over the place showed that Zane Corporation isn't in trouble.'She was not worried as she said, "This brat hung up on me."At the same time, she could hear another voice. "Old Madam, you're here too."It was Kane. It had not been long since Kane and Margaret last met, but she found him looking much older. "Kane, what's going on with you? You look like you've suddenly aged several decades."Kane responded, "I'm fine. I heard that Abigail had an allergic reactio
Kane said, "This medicine is made entirely from traditional herbs. Even pregnant women can take it. But I spent a lot of time to make just this small amount. It's only enough for Abigail. Please don't give it to someone else."Susanna responded, "I'd never give something meant for Abigail to anyone else.""So why did you ask if pregnant women could take it?" After Kane asked the question, he realized a possibility. "Are you implying that Abigail is pregnant?"Susanna recounted what had happened earlier today.After Kane listened to it, he was so excited that his hands trembled. "God is merciful and doesn't want the Zane family's lineage to come to an end..."Margaret asked, "What are you talking about?"Kane's eyes flickered. "N-Nothing."Recently, Margaret had been unable to reach Xander. Whenever she called him, Keith would answer and claim that Xander was busy.In the past, no matter how busy Xander was with work, he would always return her calls immediately once he was free
Kane nodded. "Xander felt that he didn't have much time left, and was afraid that Abigail wouldn't be able to carry on without him. So, he made arrangements for her in advance."Margaret angrily said, "So foolish!"Kane remained silent.Margaret continued, "He didn't even consult Abigail before deciding for her. Did he think what he did was noble? It wasn't. It was selfish."Kane could not stand anyone speaking negatively about Xander, even if Margaret was Xander's family member. "Xander wasn't being selfish. He was afraid. He did his best to minimize any potential harm to Abigail.""So, even I can't see him one last time if he's about to die?" Margaret looked at Kane. Her tone gradually softened. "He's always been considerate of Abigail, but has there ever been a moment when he thought of me, this lonely old woman?"Tears welled up in her eyes as she spoke. But she did not want others to see her vulnerable side. So, she turned around and continued saying, "Did he ever think that
Abigail said, "Grandpa, Susanna has been nothing but kind to me. She's probably worried sick. Can we let her come in? I want to talk to her."Johann replied, "Is it Susanna you can't let go of, or is it the whole Zane family connection?" Abigail hesitated. Johann continued, "If you're struggling to let go, I'm here to help you through it.""Grandpa, I got this. Grandma has been really good to me, married or not," Abigail said.Johann cautioned her, saying, "Look beyond what's on the surface. Those folks are cold-hearted, willing to risk your life just for the baby you're carrying."That was when it hit Abigail. "Hold on, what? I'm having a baby?""Yep," confirmed Johann.Puzzlement crossed Abigail's face. "But I haven't been sick or anything. How could I be pregnant?"The doctor walked in for the checkup just in time to hear her. "You know, not every pregnant person feels sick or needs to throw up. There are lots of ways it can show up. Seems like you've been feeling super tired
Ronan had some truths he was afraid to say out loud. He was sure that Abigail had forgotten him. Even if she remembered, he did not think she would like him back. He once told Johann he would make Abigail his wife in a year. But Johann said he only had half that time. Ronan agreed, even though he thought it might not happen. He did not want to miss another chance.Johann did not know what Ronan was feeling. He nodded and said, "You're spot on, Ronan. It doesn't matter nowadays if someone was married before or has kids. Liking someone is more important than that. And Abigail, you've got smarts and looks. Don't be sad about your past. To me, you're tops."Abigail stayed silent. She was not down on herself; she was hinting she did not want to get married again. She figured Johann and Ronan got the message but were acting clueless. Then, she decided to just tell it straight. "Let me just say what's on my mind, Grandpa."Johann said, "Sure, tell me."Abigail went on, "I'm not interested
Ronan chuckled, but there was a clear hint of sadness in his eyes. He thought, 'Sometimes if you miss out on someone or something, you might never get the chance again.'When Abigail walked into her apartment, fresh from the hospital, she noticed right away that Susanna's things were gone. There was not a phone call or a text from Susanna, just a short note left behind.[Hey Abigail, looks like our time together is up. If we're lucky, we'll bump into each other again someday.]Feeling anxious that Susanna might be in trouble, Abigail quickly dialed her number, but a recorded message said it was not working. She tried texting Susanna via WhatsApp; the message just hung there with one gray check mark, which would mean the message was not delivered.Abigail felt a mix of worry and disbelief. "Could Susanna have actually blocked me? She's never done anything like this before." Compelled by a nagging concern, she quickly dialed Margaret's number. Sure enough, Margaret answered immediate
Emma turned and dashed into the bathroom. She cranked the faucet on and splashed water on her face, aiming to soothe her nerves.Although they were engaged, they were still too young, with countless uncertainties looming over their future. The possibility of actually walking down the aisle was up in the air.Decisions made in a rush of happiness could eventually become sources of regret. And Emma knew all too well that she couldn't afford any regrets.She thought that fortunately, Ron hadn't pushed things further, which gave her time to cool off.After freshening up, Emma stepped out to find Ron on the balcony, a cigarette in hand.She couldn't resist chiding him, "I've told you to cut down on smoking. Why can't you seem to remember?"This time, Ron complied, snuffing out the cigarette. "We should get some sleep. We've got to put our best foot forward when we meet your family tomorrow.""Okay, I'll sleep on the couch. You take the bed," Emma responded.Ron simply replied, "As y
Ron looked at her dawdling pace with disdain. "If you, a lady, can handle it, why can't I, a grown man, stay?"His words sounded noble, but Ron regretted them the moment they arrived at the hotel.Despite now earning a decent income, Emma was still reluctant to spend money.This place was hardly a hotel; it was clearly a budget inn charging only a few dozen bucks a night. The hygiene was questionable at best, and safety seemed like a gamble.Ron turned on his heel, dragging her suitcase behind him. "We're leaving, now.""It's too late, and we can't get a refund for the room.""Are you trying to get us killed?"Emma fell silent, her thoughts a whirlwind of frustration. 'I told him he wouldn't be used to cheap places. He insisted on coming with me, and now he won't even let me stay here alone. Why is he so annoying?'However, considering Ron had rushed over in the middle of the night to help her, Emma decided not to hold it against him.Ron picked the best hotel in the area—the
Rebekah glanced over at Ron; she exchanged a knowing look with him before saying, "I'll have someone tidy up the rooms. Why don't you two stay here tonight and keep me company?"Ron replied simply, "Sure."Emma had purchased a midnight flight back to South Florivera, necessitating a rush to the airport, which made staying over after dinner impossible.Yet, she found herself at a loss for words, struggling to decline Rebekah's kind offer.As she hesitated, Ron stepped in to clear the air. "Mom, I've got something on tonight. After dinner, I'll drive Emma back to her dorm."Rebekah raised an eyebrow. "What's so important?" she wondered aloud, thinking, 'Wasn't he the one insisting Emma stay over? What's he up to now?'Ron kept it mysterious. "Life stuff."Rebekah could not help but chide him lightly, "You, always the joker."Right after dinner, Ron insisted on leaving to take Emma back to her dormitory. But as soon as they were out of the gated community, he asked, "So, you reall
Ron chuckled. "I didn't know you were aware that even a cornered rat will fight."Emma shot him a glare. "Are we going or not?"Ron quickly said, "Of course. When Miss Blue commands, how can I dare not obey?"Fearing another of his notorious driving escapades, Emma hastily buckled her seatbelt as she settled into the car.Thankfully, this time Ron kept it smooth, driving steadily.As they neared their destination, Ron finally spoke up, "You know, that Tucker guy is a married man. Don't let his kindness fool you into being the other woman."Emma's gaze on Ron was fiery, seething with anger. "Do you even hear yourself? Is that what you think of me? For the last time: Tucker and I share nothing more than a mentor-mentee relationship. There's nothing else between us.""I'm just looking out for you, worried you might get deceived," Ron said, witnessing Emma's fury for the first time. Yet, he could not help but find her anger not at all intimidating, but rather endearingly foolish.R
The two sisters had a pact: no cell phones at home to keep their secrets from the prying eyes of the Blue family. Thus, Emma could call only at prearranged times, the sole window for Rihanna to catch up.Rihanna's voice bubbled with excitement over the phone, as she chattered away about her life's minutiae.Knowing Rihanna was doing well eased Emma's mind.Just as Emma was about to end the call, she heard Rihanna's voice, soft and wistful. "You're really not coming home for the holidays? If you don't, I'll be all alone."Emma's heart clenched at those words, and she made up her mind in an instant. "I'll come back the day before New Year's Eve."The Blue family had their hands full with festivities that day, too busy to notice Rihanna's absence. Emma figured slipping back unnoticed then would be her best shot.After hanging up, Emma immediately booked a flight from Valtara to South Florivera. With her ticket secured and her last bit of work finished, Emma prepared to leave her off
Emma had no interest in romance, let alone the audacity to dream that Ron might fancy her.This time, she did not pick up the thread of conversation.After dinner, Ron, as usual, drove Emma back to the university.Before parting, Ron said, "Winter break is almost upon us, and the dorms might be off-limits. Are you sure you don't want to stay at my place for a couple of months?"Emma offered a smile in response. "Thanks for the offer. I've spoken with the dorm supervisor and submitted an application in advance. I'll be able to stay over the holiday period."Ron paused before saying, "Well, if you need anything, just let me know. I'll text you my number in a bit; make sure you save it."Emma nodded. "Sure."Without further ado, Ron drove off.Upon returning to her dorm, Emma saw Evelyn and Cassie, busy packing their bags, surrounded by gifts for their parents bought from Valtara.Evelyn asked Emma, "Are you really not going home for the winter break?"Emma replied, "No, I won't
Emma did not have the guts to risk failure because she did not have a safe haven to fall back on.Lucas kicked Ron in the shin. "Come on, if you fancy her, out with it. No Hagrid heir dithers like this."Ron glared at him. "Mind your own business." In his head, Emma was already his. The thought of losing her was unimaginable.Lucas said, "Without my meddling, she'd never be yours."Ron changed the subject. "I called you here for a serious discussion."Lucas replied, "No matter how serious, it can't outweigh the matter of your lifetime happiness."Ron was exasperated. "Lucas!"Lucas relented. "Alright, alright, you talk, I'm all ears."Ron spelled out Emma's music venture with Tucker. After hearing it all, Lucas could not help but see Emma in a new light."Never pegged Emma as such a dark horse," Lucas said.Silently listening to their conversation, Emma was thrilled to have her work recognized.Lucas said, "But, getting back to it, whether a song makes money, and how much, d
Ron barked, "Lucas!"With a chuckle, Lucas responded, "Alright, alright, I'll stop teasing Emma. I'm starving. Let's grab some food and talk business while we eat."Ron snapped, "Get lost!"Lucas could not help but revel in Ron's frustration. "Ron, have you fallen so quickly? Who was it that told me they would never accept an arranged marriage?"Emma was increasingly confused by their banter. "If it's inconvenient for me to be here, I can just take a cab and leave."Ron said, "Call you dumb and you won't admit it!"Emma thought to herself, 'I didn't want to be a third wheel, cramping their style. Was that really so wrong? No good deed goes unpunished, apparently.'Suddenly, Ron grabbed Emma's hand and led her inside. "It's cold out; let's go inside."Emma had to quicken her pace, practically being dragged along.Seeing them together, Lucas laughed heartily from behind. "Ron, oh Ron, never thought I'd see the day.""Don't laugh too soon. Your day is coming," Ron shot back.Th
Emma said, "Okay."Ron asked, "Have you won over your crush?"Lucas responded, "Secret."Ron replied, "Looks like you haven't won her over."Lucas said, "As long as I make a move, there's no girl I can't win over. But I haven't made a move yet because the timing isn't right."Ron asked, "Is it because of the Sandow family?"Lucas answered, "The Sandow family wants to marry their daughter to me, and my family wants me to marry her too. But I've told them long ago that I'm not willing to do that. Nobody can make me marry a girl I don't like."Emma remained silent. 'I didn't expect that Lucas would also have the same problem as me and Ron.'It seems like the wealthier the family, the more they'll arrange marriages based on social status without considering personal preferences.'Lucas seemed to sense Emma's thoughts. "Emma, my situation with the Sandow girl is different from yours and Ron's. Don't lump us together."Ron looked at Emma and suddenly said, "There isn't any other gi