Chapter 8 Hillary had clung to Tristan until dawn. The two of them were still sleeping soundly when a shrill ringtone shattered the silence. With clear irritation, Tristan picked up the phone. On the other end, his assistant's anxious voice rushed through. "Mr. Palmer, Miss Gibson has received a court summons. She's being charged with murder-two lives are involved... your wife's mother and brother." The drowsiness evaporated instantly. Hillary, who had been half-asleep, tightened her arms around him from behind, pressing her ear close to listen. Tristan patted her hand lightly, his voice low and rough. 'Explain carefully." The assistant hurried on. "The plaintiff is Miss Meredith. The evidence looks solid. Sir, what should we-" Tristan felt Hillary's hand tremble in his grasp. Forcing himself to stay composed, he answered n a low, steady voice, Hire the best legal team. No matter the cost." Once the call ended, Hillary immediately lifted her face to him, her eyes wide with fear. Tristan, what do we do? I-I won't go to prison, will I?" He turned and pulled her firmly into his arms. Don't be afraid. With me here, no one can touch you." She nodded obediently, but hesitation flickered in her eyes. I trust you, Tristan, but..." Her voice lowered, cautious. "Didn't you already make a deal with Meredith? She promised not to ›ress charges. Why would she go back on her word?" A frown tugged at his brows. "She lost two family members. It's only natural she'd lash out." No... I don't believe it's that simple." Hillary pushed herself upright, her gaze sharpening. "She agreed before only because of her brother. But after his accident, she didn't make a move. Now, suddenly, she's suing me? This had to be premeditated." Her voice cracked as panic rose, and tears welled in her eyes. "I'm starting to wonder-what if she's so desperate for revenge that she'd even sacrifice her own brother? She couldn't get to me directly, so she pinned everything on her little brother instead. Two birds with one stone... Her heart is vicious!" Suddenly, Hillary clutched her stomach, her face pale with terror. "She knows I'm pregnant. Yet she's still pressing me like this... Is she trying to destroy even our child? Tristan, I'm so scared..." He rubbed her back in slow, steady motions, but his chest burned with fury. "Meredith... I nearly let her deceive me again." "Don't be angry. Maybe she just-" "There's no need to defend her."His cold voice cut her off. "She's crossed my line one too many times. This time, I won't let her off." When Hillary finally drifted into a restless sleep, Tristan's gaze hardened. Every stunt Meredith had pulled was just to provoke him, to force his gaze back at her. Before, he had taken the bait without realizing it. But not this time. She hated Hillary because he cherished her. She resented him for giving Hillary what she had never received. So be it. He would only spoil Hillary more. Let Meredith choke on the truth-only obedience and sweetness earned his love. 2:51 pm GP P