I was completely stunned! Amanda Gordon is pregnant? I was petrified, struggling intensely to digest this earth-shattering news! After a while, I gradually regained my senses and looked at Adrian Gordon, asking, "Does she... know who the child’s father is?" The moment I asked this, Adrian’s face turned more terrifying than Yama’s. A shiver ran through me, making me realize how inappropriate the question was. So I immediately apologized, "Sorry, I didn’t mean to..." It was truly just a reflexive question that popped into my mind at that moment. Amanda was gang-raped; she definitely doesn’t know who the child’s father is, unless the baby grows up and a paternity test is done. But how could she carry the child of the rapist! This will be her nightmare and disgrace for a lifetime. She’s really managed to ruin herself completely. Even if she aborts, not only does her body suffer a double blow, but she’ll be deeply pained whenever she thinks about it in the future. The lesson and price are far more devastating than any prison sentence. She must regret it now, and undoubtedly hates me to the core. I looked at Adrian Gordon. His gaze was vicious, staring at me, clearly blaming me for his sister’s ordeal. If I didn’t have strong resolve and a tough heart, I’d really feel guilty and ashamed now. "Adrian Gordon, I sympathize with her plight, but she started all this. If it weren’t for my good luck, the one enduring all this suffering would be me now." "But since you realized, you could have just dumped that drink; why did you set her up?" Adrian suddenly asked sharply, ringing alarm bells in my head once more. He’s getting more and more treacherous now. Even these seemingly casual conversations are traps laid for me. After all, we once loved each other, and I even saved his life. How could he be so cruel? It’s true; if he can’t have it, he’ll destroy it. "Adrian Gordon, stop trying to trick me. If you have grievances, save them for court. I sympathize with your sister’s ordeal, but I didn’t cause this. Your moral blackmail won’t work on me." I left those words behind and walked away without looking back. When I arrived at Wennie Lane’s house, she opened the door for me while coughing. I went inside, put down what I was carrying, and turned to look at my friend who had snuggled back into the sofa, asking with concern, "Are you feeling any better today? Did you go for another injection?" Wennie shook her head and rasped, "Water, hot water." I quickly poured a cup of hot water and handed it to her. She drank it, sighed, and groaned, "Being sick is terrible..." "Why don’t you go home? It’s better to have someone take care of you than toughing it out alone," I advised, feeling sorry for her. "I went home for a while yesterday. My mom kept nagging, telling me to drink water, take medicine, then making soup; it was annoying!" "You’re ungrateful for your blessings." Thinking of myself, I can’t even recall what it feels like to be loved and cared for by my mom. Wennie glanced at me, "Is Chairman Carter still on a business trip? You still have time to see me..." "He just got back. I met him downstairs at my company." Wennie was surprised, "Why didn’t you go with him?" "Do you think I’d prioritize romance over friendship?" Wennie immediately smiled happily. Knowing she hadn’t had dinner yet, I got up and went to her kitchen. After rummaging around, I cooked some vegetable and lean meat porridge and stir-fried a couple of small dishes. Wrapped in a blanket, she leaned against the kitchen door, chatting idly with me, "Isn’t your court case with Amanda Gordon the day after tomorrow?" Talking about this, I thought of Adrian Gordon coming to me, widening my eyes and turning to her. "Wennie, I need to tell you something." "Amanda Gordon is pregnant." Sure enough, Wennie’s reaction was much like mine at the time. "She’s pregnant with the rapist’s child? Weren’t there two thugs? So this..." Wennie and I both thought of the same problem. Stirring the porridge pot, I said flatly, "She’s not going to have that child, so it doesn’t matter whose it is. Adrian Gordon came to me, hoping I’d let go and settle, but the case has reached this point; I consulted a lawyer. Whether or not to settle out of court doesn’t matter anymore." "Why should you settle? She caused all this; if it wasn’t her misfortune, it would be yours." Wennie said hoarsely, very angrily, sharing my sentiments. "But... being so ruthless, am I being too cold-hearted?" I pondered all the way, still feeling a bit hesitant inside. "The thing is, even if you’re not ruthless, they won’t appreciate your kindness, so why bother?" Wennie’s words awakened me. Indeed, even if I agree to settle now, the Gordon Family won’t appreciate it; they’ll just think I’m feeling guilty and ashamed. With my friend’s support, I felt reassured again. These matters, I didn’t dare tell Daniel Carter, fearing both his worry for me and that he’d think I’m dark-hearted. Thankfully, I still have my friend to confide in. While I was having dinner with Wennie, Daniel Carter called. I thought he was getting impatient, and I felt shy when I answered, but he apologized, "I got a call from home. The old master is feeling unwell, so I have to go back to Carter Manor. I might not have time to be with you tonight." Upon hearing this, I quickly asked, "Is your grandfather unwell?" "You should hurry back then, we’ll talk later." After hanging up, Wennie Lane teased me with a mischievous smile, "Blame me! You two finally managed to meet after being apart for days, and I delayed you again." I played along, "Yeah, at least you know it! Your punishment is to finish all this porridge!" Leaving Wennie’s place, I got home late at night, around ten. I stared at the design on the software, unable to calm my mind. Thoughts drifted to Adrian Gordon’s ruthlessness, Amanda Gordon’s fate, Daniel Carter, Old Master Carter... Ultimately, my mind turned to Jessica Sawyer after thinking about Old Master Carter. If Old Master Carter isn’t feeling well, would Jessica come along with her elders to visit? Should I ask Daniel about it? Would asking make me seem petty or overly calculating? But if I don’t ask... I’m afraid I’ll miss proper etiquette in front of Old Master Carter. Frustrated for a while, I suddenly realized I was overthinking and quickly stopped. Early the next morning, still in a daze, I heard knocking amidst my slumber. I thought it was someone else’s door, ignoring it. I forced my eyes open and reached for the phone, it was Daniel. "Hey, you’re up so early—" I spoke weakly, still sleepy. "Open up, I’ve brought breakfast for you." Daniel said with a smile. I abruptly woke up, "It’s you knocking?" Oh my, I clutched the phone hastily, jumped out of bed, and rushed to open the door for him. Daniel stood at the door, holding a thermos box, handsome face smiling, eyes warm. ᴛʜɪs ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ ɪs ᴜᴘᴅᴀᴛᴇ ʙʏ novel_fіre.net "Stayed up late again? It’s almost seven and you’re sleeping like a log." He joked with a laugh, stepped inside, bent down attempting to kiss. "No!" I quickly covered my mouth, leaning back to dodge his kiss. "I haven’t even brushed my teeth, hair unkempt and messy." Giving a concise response, I turned and headed straight for the bathroom to wash up. Daniel set the breakfast on the table, then stood by the bathroom door waiting for me. With a mouth full of foam, I turned to glance at him, catching his smiling face. "Stop watching, go sit on the sofa for a bit..." I refused with my mouth full. Feeling increasingly awkward, I managed to push him out and shut the door. After finishing up, he immediately opened the thermos, setting the breakfast out in front of me. Sea cucumber porridge, soup dumplings, corn walnut drink, and two eggs. "So sumptuous, have you eaten?" I sat down with a smile, thinking how nice it is to have a boyfriend. It’s something I never experienced during my six-plus years with Adrian. "I’ve already eaten, hurry and eat while it’s hot." "This is too much, share some with me." I went to the kitchen to fetch a bowl and gave him some. "How’s your grandpa’s health? I wanted to ask last night but worried you might be busy, didn’t want to disturb you with a call." I was being honest; I intended to call last night but feared he might be with the elder, and my call would be an intrusion. Daniel drank some porridge, nodded, "It’s not a big deal. The old man is in his eighties and has carried many injuries from his military days. Cold weather tends to flare them up. Army doctors are at home; he should be fine." "Oh, that’s good to hear." I replied, but my mind drifted back to last night’s pondering, unsure whether to ask. Daniel gave me a few glances, seemingly having something to share. I chuckled, deciding to ask directly, "What do you want to say?" He smiled shyly, said with a soft chuckle, "I was thinking... if you’re free these days, I’d like to bring you to meet the old man." I felt a slight jolt; it’s meeting the family again. This time it’s an even higher specification, it’s Old Master Carter. "You know, having trained alongside Grandpa in the military for years, his guidance has been more than my parents. He’s been hoping for me to settle down and start a family; now, after finally winning over the girl I adore..." I understand Daniel’s intent. From his perspective, it makes perfect sense. Having finally pursued the one he loves, naturally, he can’t wait to introduce her to those he respects the most. Yet, I’m quite busy lately. "Tomorrow... there’s the case against Amanda Gordon going to trial, next week I have to go to Veyrona, and after returning from the business trip, it will be the year’s end." Daniel said nothing but seemed troubled. I immediately added, "Then how about this weekend, I’ll pay a visit." His expression brightened some, "Free this weekend?" "I can squeeze in some time." Next week is the Veyrona business trip; the weekend is actually pretty packed with work, coordinating with colleagues, ensuring the final entry pieces—lots to follow up on. But since Daniel has already brought it up twice, it seemed wrong to decline again. "Okay, then this weekend." He nodded with a smile, eyes full of anticipation.