Chapter 12

The nurse?

She was a.. spy?

Alexander had planted her as a spy?

Conner's whispered words hung in the air, and I stand stiff for a while, unaware of how to react. No wonder he had shut me out twice when I was about to ask him to fake the DNA results.

He already suspected the nurse.

I nod. "I had no idea, I'll be careful next time."

Conner straightened his back with a smile. “There will be no next time Mrs. Blackwood. My business with you is finished. All I await now is a positive response about my charity event."

I nod curtly, trying to process everything. For Alexander to actually plant a spy.. does it mean he still does not believe my lie?

"Of course." I respon to Conner's statement, my voice flat.

As I exited the hospital, the bright sunlight that enveloped me was a stark contrast to the turmoil brewing inside me. I walked to the car and entered the back seat, the silence between Alexander and I thick with tension.

It seems we were not using the chopper to return..

I dart my gaze around the car awkwardly, having no idea of what to say, but Alexander's voice soon pierced through the deafening silence. "What were you doing in there?"

His question caught me off guard and I freeze unsure of how to respond. Alexander arched a brow, his gaze unmoving and fixated on me.

"I was.. uh, thanking the doctor!" I stammered. "Y-yes, I was thanking him for having us."

Alexander's gaze lingered, his expression skeptical. He knew I was lying, but he didn't press on the issue.

It made me wonder why.

Instead, he spoke, his voice deep. "I see you were telling the truth about being pregnant."

I gulped, nodding wearily. "Yes, I was."

"I'll have to be more careful with you then. We don't want you having a miscarriage."

His words sent a wave of unease through me. Did he initially plan on doing anything to me that could could cause a miscarriage?

I cough slightly and gaze out the window, my hands fumbling with the hem of her dress to stop them from sweating, this was a dangerous path I was threading, Alexander was a dangerous man.

"Yes, we definitely do not want a miscarriage.."

The silence between him and I returned and this time thicker, but Alexander's voice once again sliced through it. “What do you plan on naming it?"

I turned to face him, surprised by his question and a furrow formed between my brows. "Name? I haven't thought about that."

Alexander nodded curtly. "I see." His gaze lingered on me, and for a moment, I felt like he saw right through me, through my lie, but I knew I was over thinking for no reason.

I awkwardly rest my head against the window, he wouldn't gain anything by playing along either ways.

As we arrived at Alexander's residence, the tension between us remained palpable. I stepped out of the car, Alexander's long strides leaving me struggling to keep up.

He didn't pay me any heed as usual and walked into the house, but I followed suite, Jarred staying behind just leaning against the car door.

Inside..

I gazed up at Alexander as he ascended the stairs and a frown settled between my brows. "You're retiring to bed already?" I asked but Alexander ignored my question, halting mid step to gaze at me over his shoulder. His expression was unreadable, as usual.

"That reminds me." He said. “The chefs, cleaners, maids, and other workers will resume tomorrow. You may choose from one of the maids to assist you personally. Once you give birth, you'll resume your chores yourself."

My eyes narrowed, irritation surfacing but I don't day a word.

"I'll take my leave." Alexander said, disappearing into his room without another glance.

I plopped onto the nearest chair, my gaze drifting to the beautiful chandelier above. The soft glow of the crystals seemed to mock me. "This won't do."

I whispered to myself, frustration creeping in. How was I supposed to become a renowned socialite, secure Alexander's sponsorship for

the charity event, and exact revenge on the Winstons if my key to it all treated me like a ghost?

Determination ignited within me. I knew I had to change things.

The Next Day..

Victoria's alarm shattered my sleep once more and I immediately make a mental note to reset it.

After freshening up, I strolled out to the garden, craving some fresh air. The scent of blooming flowers enveloped me, calming my nerves.

As I walked further down the garden path, I heard someone singing, the melodious voice was captivating, and I followed the sound.

Soon, a petite brunette lady comes into view, likely one of the new staff members. She was watering the plants, lost in her song. When she spotted me, she immediately dropped the watering can in her hand and lowered her head.

"I sincerely apologize if my voice was too loud, I promise not to sing again.” She said, her voice trembling.

I approached her, intrigued. "Why would you do that?" I asked, genuine concern etched on my face.

The girl looked up at me, her eyes wide. "Sorry, ma'am?"

"Why stop singing when you have such a lovely voice?" I repeated, my smile warm.

Her cheeks flushed, and she stuttered, "T-thank you."

I nodded, taking in her humble demeanor. "What's your name?"

The girl's gaze faltered, confusion written across her face. "But you already know my name Mrs. Blackwood.. I'm Layla."

I chuckled nervously, of course Victoria must have already been familiar with the staff here.

"Of course.” I said, recovering quickly. "I'm not feeling very well, it must have slipped my mind."

Layla's expression softened. "Do you want me to make some tea for you? I heard it's soothing."

I shook my head, touched by her concern. "No no, thank you. You may continue with what you're doing."

As I walked back into the house, I suddenly collide with something hard-Alexander's chest. Flustered, I took a step back and I cleared my throat.

"You don't have eyes?" Alexander suddenly speaks and I bit back a retort, reminding myself that I needed to tread carefully.

"I have something to discuss with you." I finally speak taking in a deep breath. Alexander slowly arched a brow. "I'm listening."