Chapter 2

I was about to answer her when Melissa's phone rang.

She put it on speaker.

Richard's voice came through, low and gentle. There was a tone I'd never heard from him before. "Babe, are you hungry? I brought you your favorite chicken noodle soup. I'll be there in fifteen minutes."

I knew that place. People had to wait in line for three hours, and go halfway across Central City to get it.

One time, I was stuck at home with an injury and just wanted something light to eat, so I mentioned it once.

He was sitting by my bedside, peeling an apple, not even looking up.

Melissa showered him with affection, blowing kisses non-stop over the phone. "Honey, I love you the most."

While they were still being all lovey-dovey, I got up and headed to the bathroom.

I noticed there were way more guy's stuff on the sink here than at our own place.

I texted my assistant, telling her to dig into Richard's financial records.

He was going to pay for blowing my hard-earned money on another woman.

As I was about to step out, Richard's eager voice came from the doorway. "Guess what I brought you?"

Melissa cheered excitedly, "It's the sapphire I saw while shopping yesterday. I only looked at it for a second, and you already bought it for me."

"Then I have a surprise for you too." Melissa came over, acting all mysterious, and knocked on the bathroom door. "Ma'am, are you done?"

I turned off the faucet and opened the bathroom door.

Melissa bounced excitedly between us, waving her arms like she couldn't contain herself, her face lit up with pure joy. "Perfect timing, Ma'am. I've got some huge news to share with both of you.

"Honey got me a sapphire. And guess what, I'm pregnant."

I was stunned, my whole body jolting as I snapped my head up to look at her.

After having Lucas Lane, I'd always hoped for a sweet little girl.

He kept making excuses, but now I realized that he didn't want one with me.

Richard was grinning from ear to ear, but when his eyes met mine over Melissa's head, his smile vanished in an instant.

Richard's pupils suddenly contracted, his smile vanished. It felt like I was the intruder who had shattered their little world.

"What are you doing here?" Richard snapped, his voice tense and defensive.

I walked back to my seat and sat down, letting my gaze wander between the two of them.

My silence made him uneasy, as if he thought I was provoking him.

He quickly moved in front of Melissa, putting himself between us like he was guarding her. "If you've got a problem, take it out on me. Leave Melissa out of this."

Melissa looked confused and tugged at his sleeve. "Isn't she your mom?"

Richard paused, then snorted with a teasing grin. "Sweet dummy, you've got a good eye. She really does look old. But unfortunately, she's the one I'm legally married to."

Melissa's eyes widened as she suddenly realized who I was. Her face went pale, then flushed red, and she clapped a hand over her mouth, "Ma'am, no, I mean, miss, I'm sorry, I didn't mean it like that. It's... It's all my fault..."

She couldn't come up with an excuse, her face turning bright red with embarrassment.

Richard pulled her into his arms, then snapped at me, "Don't apologize to her.

"Evelyn, get out."

Melissa hid in his arms, shooting me a smug, mischievous look.

I finished my tea, grabbed my coat, and walked right up to her. "Alright, you got your wish."

As the elevator doors were about to close, Richard rushed out and blocked them with his hand.

He saw I wasn't grilling him like usual, and his face got all complicated. He actually looked a little rattled, almost nervous, and I couldn't quite figure out why.

He said, his voice low and urgent, "Evelyn, this wasn't supposed to happen.

"You know, pregnant women can't get too stressed out.

"Divorce would cost us a lot. She doesn't change your position at all."

Richard knew I treated the factory like my own child, and if we divorced, I'd end up with half the assets.

He was basically holding it over my head.

I knew he wouldn't back off unless I said something.

I gave a soft "Mm-hmm" and waved him away.

Richard let out a breath and finally relaxed.

Suddenly, a bag of trash landed at my feet.

"Take the trash down," he tossed out, like I was the help.

As the elevator doors were about to close, I kicked the trash bag out.

Did he really think I came here today without a plan?