Chapter 22
Like always, Ethan went through Katherine’s checkup step by step. Everything still looked stable.
“Keep it up, ma’am. Just watch your portions. By the way, try not to get too close to perfume, Ethan said as he packed up his tools.
Then he glanced at Mia and continued, “Most perfumes have trace amounts of musk. Not good for your health.”
The second those words escaped his lips. Katherine and Maeve instantly grew alarmed
Katherine practically launched herself away from Mia. Maeve rushed to throw open
en every window to air the place out
Mia’s perfume was pretty strong. They’d noticed it since she entered the house, but they never thought much of it. They knew Mia liked to doll herself up, and going heavy on perfume wasn’t unusual.
But Katherine knew Mia wasn’t the type to do something without a plan. Suddenly, she remembered how Mia had been sitting right next to her just now without saying a word.
Katherine gritted her teeth and thought, ‘So she already knew I was pregnant, and she’d already decided to get rid of my baby. The one thing I can never tolerate is someone trying to hurt my baby
Katherine asked, “Dr. Bell, the results are okay, right? Should I still go to the hospital for another detailed check?”
Ethan paused before answering, Just to be safe, I’d still recommend it.”
He glanced at Mia, who looked pale and ready to bolt any second, and thought, Well, this woman’s got guts, but she might end up miserably.
Hearing what Ethan suggested, Maeve didn’t waste a second. She called the driver and rushed Katherine to the hospital, while texting Derrick a quick summary on the way.
As for Mia, with security around, she wouldn’t be able to leave Riverbend Manor.
At the CEO’s Office of Riverbend Group, Derrick sat with a blank, slightly mocking expression as he listened to reports from each department manager.
One man finished speaking nervously. Derrick was just about to mock him and say something about “you think results like that deserve a high salary?” when his phone buzzed.
The ringtone was exclusive for Katherine’s and Maeve’s calls and messages,
Derrick hesitated for a second between chewing out his staff or checking the phone, and he chose the phone.
The man about to get yelled at felt the weight lift off his chest.
Lately, this kind of thing had happened often. No matter what mistakes they made, if that ringtone went off, they could get a free pass
After all, when their boss was in a good mood, losing a bit of money didn’t really matter.
But this time, after reading the message, Derrick suddenly stood up and ordered, “Put all the reports on my desk. We’ll deal with it later.”
After that. Derrick strode out of the room. Soon, his assistant came in to clear everyone out.
No one was allowed to linger in the CEO’s office when he was away
Derrick headed for the underground garage and raced his car toward the hospital. Just knowing Katherine had gone to the hospital
made bir heart race.
By the time he arrived at the hospital, the checkup was already over
Luckily, it was just a false alarm. The exposure was short, and there hadn’t been close contact, so both Katherine and her baby were doing fine.
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Chapter 22
But if she had stayed with Mia longer, no one knew what might happen.
When Derrick saw Katherine walking out perfectly fine, he finally breathed a sigh of relief.
As he came over, Ethan and Maeve instinctively took a few steps back.
Derrick asked Katherine. “How are you? Feel anything off?”
Katherine shook her head. Tm good. The doctor says everything is okay. I just never thought a family member I trusted so much would try to hurt me and my baby”
She let out a sigh and leaned against Derrick’s shoulder, looking heartbroken.
In reality, Katherine felt completely calm in her heart. She was afraid that acting too over the top would make Derrick suspect her.
After all, she used to be so close to Mia and Miranda, But after this incident, she finally got the perfect excuse to fall out with them.
Time for dinner. Let’s just eat out, Derrick suggested.
Katherine had no reason to say no. The food at home was good, but too much of the same thing could get boring.
I’m craving seafood, Katherine said, rubbing her belly and looking at Derrick with hopeful eyes.
Then she corrected herself. “Your baby is craving seafood.
Derrick’s tense face finally softened with a hint of a smile. He nodded. “Let’s have seafood.”
Once Derrick had Katherine settled in the passenger seat, he told Maeve, ‘Get the house completely cleaned and disinfected. No trace of that smell left. And Mia, lock her up somewhere, basement or whatever,”
Derrick wouldn’t let off anyone who dared to hurt his wife and child.
Maeve immediately nodded and promised, “Don’t worry, Mr. Graham. Fll handle it.”
Then Derrick turned to Ethan. “You’ll get your bonus. You did well this time”
Ethan flashed a smile. Thanks, Mr. Graham. I’m just doing my job.”
In Riverporsh’s center, there was a restaurant called Pearl & Brine- a huge, multi–floor place, over a thousand square yards in size.
The first and second floors were for regular customers, and the third floor was for VIPs and celebrities.
Once Derrick got in the car, he called a man named Gary from his contacts.
“Well, well, the big shot finally remembers me? The voice on the other end was a lazy, cocky drawl, thick with a local accent and tinged with old–money swagger.
In the background was a noisy mix of voices, including customers shouting orders.
“Get me a private room on the third floor, Derrick said flatly.
The man clicked his tongur. “Dude, you’re asking something from me, okay? What’s your attitude? No deal.”
Katherine was listening from the side, her eyes darting around.
She thought, This voice sounds familiar. Let me listen closer.
Derrick didn’t get annoyed. He glanced at Katherine out of the corner of his eye, then suddenly smiled, his tone carrying a quiet sense
of pride. “Make sure none of the dishes are off–limits for pregnant women. I’m bringing someone over.”
“Holy shit!” the guy blurted out without hesitation.
“Same spot as always. I’ll set it up right now,” the man replied and hung up
Katherine’s eyes gleamed with amusement. She leaned in and whispered, “Did I hear that right? Were you just showing me off? You sound pretty proud of having a pregnant woman by your side.”
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Chapter 22
Derrick’s features were lit up with barely contained happiness. He answered without hesitation. Tve got a wife and now a baby on the way. Why wouldn’t I be proud? Why wouldn’t I be happy?”
Katherine smiled and replied. “Yeah, sure, absolutely.”
Pearl & Brine was decorated like a giant cruise ship. From a distance, it was an impressive sight.
At night, the place was always packed, with a long line on the first floor.
VIPs dining on the third floor didn’t need the stairs–they could take the elevator straight up.
“Careful. Hold onto me.” Derrick kept reminding Katherine.
From the moment they got out of the car, he had never let go of Katherine’s hand.
He walked behind her, but his arm was in front of her, shielding her from anyone who might bump into her.
With his protection, no one could come anywhere near Katherine.
When they reached the third floor and stepped out of the elevator, they saw two men waiting on either side. Both had their arms crossed, smirks on their faces, eyes full of trouble.
Well, look who it is,” one said.
“Isn’t this the mysterious Mr. Graham we never see? What brings him here today?” the other chimed in.
Both of them spoke in that sarcastic tone, but their eyes were locked on Katherine, especially her belly.
Derrick took a step forward, blocked their view, and warned, “Watch your damn eyes.
