Chapter 3

In the quiet of the night, I stroked my restless baby bump, whispering a promise:

"Don't be afraid, baby. Mommy is braver than you think. I'll protect you, and I'll protect myself."

The baby seemed to sense my resolve, kicking in response.

Finally, at seven in the morning, after Julian and Bethany had left for work, I quickly took out my notebook and planned.

Their prolonged disappearance would certainly arouse suspicion from Julian's parents and Bethany's family.

If they reported it to the police, it could lead to trouble for me.

After considering several options, I decided to send both families on vacation.

Preferably to a remote location like Alaska, for about two weeks.

With that thought, I called Julian.

Hearing I was paying for his family to go on vacation, he was overjoyed and immediately called his mother, Mrs. Davies.

Mrs. Davies, who usually never had a kind word for me, surprisingly called me directly for the first time.

"Scarlett, darling, I heard you're sending us all on a trip to Alaska? All-expenses-paid, hotels, flights, and even a thousand dollars for each of us?"

I was about to nod when her disdainful voice rang out again.

"That's not very generous, is it?"

"Scarlett, I heard you won the lottery! Don't you think you should give us elders a five-thousand-dollar bonus each? A thousand is so cheap!"

Mrs. Davies was always greedy, and once she found an opportunity to take advantage, she'd never stop.

If I gave in now, she'd demand more and more.

I wouldn't give her that chance.

"Mom, if you think I'm being selfish, then I won't pay for this vacation, which is costing around thirty thousand dollars. I'll cancel the trip right now."

"You wouldn't dare! If you cancel, I'll make Julian divorce you!"

"Fine, I'll cancel it then."

Fearing I actually would cancel, Mr. Davies intervened, saying a few placating words.

For the sake of my plan, I didn't press the issue and then called Bethany.

Learning her family could go on a free vacation, she was as thrilled as Julian.

However, upon hearing the flights were for the day after tomorrow, she asked cautiously,

"Scarlett, why are the tickets booked so last minute?"

Of course it was urgent.

Just moments ago, I'd received a text from Isabella.

【Tomorrow night, 7 PM, The Golden Palace Club, Room 708.】

I was busy sending them both to hell; how could I let these people ruin my plans?

I brushed her off, "Well, my due date is getting close, so I just thought they should go early and come back early, you know?"

Hearing my answer, Bethany no longer seemed suspicious and calmly went to pack for her parents.

To lure Julian and Bethany to the club, I suggested we have a farewell dinner at The Golden Palace tomorrow night.

Everyone was thrilled.

【The Golden Palace! That's a high-end club, it has everything! We're so lucky because of Scarlett!】

【Yes, Julian is truly blessed to have such a wonderful wife. He needs to cherish her.】

Julian suggested inviting Bethany's family as well.

A cold laugh echoed in my mind. He truly kept Bethany in his thoughts, always making sure she got her share of any benefits.

But this was exactly what I wanted.

【Sure, we're all family, let's make it a big celebration!】

Before going to sleep that night, I synced my plan with Isabella.

She told me that once Julian and Bethany were led there, special people would intercept them.