---- Chapter 13 "After all, Oliver was in a lot of pain from the allergy at the time, calling you daddy. Others heard and naturally assumed I was your wife," said Jennifer, looking as if she had suffered a great injustice. Her eyes reddened, but she forced a sympathetic smile and looked at Mike with longing. "Mike, do you mind this a lot? If it really bothers you, then... then I can step forward and clarify things," she continued. Before she finished speaking, she pretended to sob as she slowly stood up, acting as if she was about to leave. Her performance was so exaggerated that anyone could see how fake it was. As expected, before she could take more than a few steps, Mike quickly stepped forward, blocking her path. His brows furrowed tightly, and his face was full of impatience. "No need," he said curtly. Jennifer felt secretly pleased in her heart. She couldn't ---- help but let a sly smile tug at her lips. She had already figured out Mike's thoughts. She knew he was someone who disliked attention and cared about his face. If she made a big public clarification now, it would only make him feel even more humiliated. So, long before Oliver's allergic reaction, she had already carefully planned everything out, secretly arranging for reporters to stake out the hospital for interviews. She was confident that as long as Mike was willing to treat Oliver's allergy and mobilize the city's medical resources, public opinion would rise rapidly. At that time, she would naturally become the widely known Mrs. Ashton. Even though Shannon held the marriage certificate, who would still believe her under the overwhelming media pressure? Moreover, she had prepared a backup plan. She just needed to spend some money to hire a group of internet trolls to spread rumors online, claiming that ---- Shannon was a homewrecker. In this way, she and her son would firmly take over, and Shannon and her daughter would be completely pushed out. Jennifer's slender fingers kept scrolling on the phone screen, her eyes fixed on the trending search terms. Every news push was about how Mike, the domineering CEO, had given his all to save his "son." The heat was rising visibly and rapidly. Looking at the results of her meticulous planning on the screen, a smug smile curved at the corners of Jennifer's mouth. She was certain this risky move had been the right one. She put away her phone and immediately replaced her expression with one of concern. Looking at Mike, she asked softly, "Mike, what's wrong? You seem distracted. If something's bothering you, just say it. Maybe I can help share the burden." Mike furrowed his brows and slowly shook his head, sighing heavily, his face full of helplessness. "T just overheard the nurses talking. Melanie is also in ---- the hospital, and it's an emergency," he said, his voice tight with worry. He paused for a moment, panic flashing in his eyes. He took out his phone and fidgeted with it, continuing, "But I can't get through to Shannon. I don't know what's happening over there." That afternoon, sunlight streamed through the window into the ward, but it couldn't dispel the gloom in Mike's heart. He paced back and forth in the room, anxiety overwhelming him like a tide. Finally, it seemed as if he had made up his mind. He stopped walking and spoke in a deep voice, "I need to go back and check on Shannon and Melanie. If Melanie really had an emergency, she must be terrified alone..."