Chapter 0169

Amelia thought frantically, trying to come up with a convincing lie. But as she looked into Mr. Timberlake's eyes, she knew she couldn't escape the truth. She took a deep breath and whispered, "It's Uncle Smith. It happened a long time ago, even before I married Jackson. He...he took advantage of me, raped me, and then blackmailed me into keeping quiet."

She covered her eyes, fear trembling in her voice. "I couldn't bring myself to tell Jackson. I was ashamed and scared. If there was a way to get rid of Uncle Smith, I would. I've been trapped in this nightmare for so long."

The room remained silent, Amelia's heart pounding in her chest. She slowly opened her eyes, whispering, "Father..."

Mr. Timberlake's expression twisted in anger. "Don't 'father' me," he growled, closing the gap between them. His hands wrapped around her neck, his grip tightening. "Who is the father of the child?" he demanded, his voice low and menacing.

Amelia flinched, her voice barely audible. "It's...it's