Chapter 91: Chapter 91: Holding Her Close, Kissing Her Lips
Café.
Corbin Prescott glanced at his watch; an hour later, Julian Fordham came out.
"Director Zhou, please take care of Victoria for me. Here’s my card. If anything happens to her, I hope you can inform me immediately."
"President Fordham, you’re too kind."
After Director Zhou left, Corbin Prescott immediately asked, "Is the Madam pregnant?"
Julian Fordham furrowed his brows, "No, Director Zhou changed her medication two months ago, which has caused her to lose her appetite, experience nausea, and have drowsiness as side effects."
"Then why did the Madam dress like that last night?"
"Perhaps it was the clothes for MRI scans; her stomach isn’t feeling well."
Victoria Monroe had a difficult childhood and developed stomach issues early on; he knew about this.
But he’s a bit puzzled. The sanatorium can run tests; does she hate him so much? Does she even want to hide her health checks from him?
He feels this isn’t as simple as it seems.
Julian Fordham rubbed his forehead, exhausted from staying up all night.
Sitting in the car, he flipped through Victoria Monroe’s medical records from the past three years; the number of ultrasounds, egg-stimulating shots, tests, and medications she’s tried.
Julian Fordham closed his eyes. He knew it wasn’t easy for her, and seeing these records weighed heavily on his chest.
No wonder she reacted so strongly upon learning Rachel Hayes was pregnant; she’s given her all over these three years.
What has he done?
Victoria, I’m sorry.
*
"Thank you, Director Zhou."
"Ms. Monroe, this is just a stopgap measure. In this world, no cover can hide smoke forever. Whether you choose to abort or keep the child, since you and President Fordham are married, I suggest discussing it with him."
"I understand. Your trip abroad will be arranged soon. Goodbye."
Victoria Monroe hung up the phone, feeling a sense of escape.
She looked at Rhys Hawthorne beside her, "Thank goodness you noticed. If there were no precautions, everything would be exposed today."
Rhys Hawthorne’s voice was calm, "Don’t worry, I’m here for everything."
Seeing Victoria’s weary face, he reminded her, "Take a rest, I’ll let you know when I hear from Grandma."
He escorted Victoria back to her room and tucked her in.
Seeing the tall and slender figure by the bedside, Victoria felt much more at ease.
A brother who harbors no romantic feelings for her but has connections everywhere—Victoria felt lucky at heart.
"Rhys, I’m glad to have you." Exhausted, she murmured these words before losing consciousness.
Once she was asleep, Rhys Hawthorne gazed at her peaceful sleeping face, as if kissed by an angel.
Victoria Monroe had striking features, almost resembling a mixed-race person.
Her biological father had always been a mystery, even to her grandmother.
When she stepped into the entertainment circle with her striking looks, she stirred quite a storm.
Victoria Monroe wouldn’t know that her later smooth success wasn’t solely due to her efforts; Rhys was always supporting her behind the scenes.
Notably, the man wanting to spend eighty million to keep her wasn’t just anyone with a simple background.
He could produce eighty million, so he wouldn’t mind offering more.
What he wanted was inevitable; Victoria Monroe was destined to be his.
Back then, Julian Fordham was utterly unable to protect her, while Rhys Hawthorne shielded her and helped her rise.
Once she was asleep, the man knelt with one knee next to the bed.
His usually clear and indifferent eyes were now imbued with fierce desires, his gaze revealing raw intentions in the empty room.
Victoria Monroe’s lips were just within reach, and he stared aggressively and wild-eyed at her rosy lips.
The beast inside him, constrained for so long, was almost uncontrollable.
The body he’d embraced in the car was so soft, and her lips were equally tender.
Recalling their shared kiss scene, he had been so close to her.
He could distinctly feel her breath and body heat.
Even though it’s been over three years, he remembers that day clearly.
Rhys Hawthorne’s Adam’s apple bobbed; he longed to hold her and kiss her lips once again.
Even if just to stroke her cheek one more time...
A mere inch from her face, his hand dropped with beads sliding from his wrist; he snapped back to reality.
Rhys Hawthorne looked away; what was he just about to do? How could he take advantage of her?
Rhys Hawthorne slowly stood up, his eyes reverting to their usual cold stare as he raised his head.
Julian Fordham wanted to enter and see Victoria Monroe but was stopped at the door by Assistant Woods. Angrily, he shouted, "Get out!"
"President Fordham, Ms. Monroe stayed up all night. Are you sure you want to disturb her rest?"
"Rhys..."
Before he finished speaking, the door opened. Rhys Hawthorne’s upright figure appeared by the door, his gaze fixed on Julian Fordham. He lowered his voice, "Can I have a word?"
Tea room.
This was the second time Julian Fordham met Rhys Hawthorne alone.
He remembered Rhys Hawthorne firmly stating, "I want her," with a resolute expression.
Julian Fordham’s first words were, "I won’t let go."
His eyes were fierce, "I made mistakes in the past, but I’ve realized my errors now. From now on, I won’t betray her again."
He wasn’t lying; after seeing the digital diagnostic records, all he felt was guilt.
Rhys Hawthorne skillfully brewed tea, his distinct fingers pushed the teacup towards him.
Throughout, he exhibited good manners, seeming more like a friend than a rival to Julian Fordham.
He gently raised his eyes, "President Fordham, I actually admire your capability."
Julian Fordham was surprised; he anticipated confrontation but didn’t expect Rhys to praise him.
"Even back then, I knew you were exceptional. Time proved that to be true. Within a few years, you’ve achieved your current status and show unparalleled potential for the future. You’ve advanced even faster than I imagined."
"I feel, with your feelings for Ms. Monroe and your wealth and status, you can protect her well. That’s why I’ve never expressed my feelings, silently hoping for your happiness. But—"
Rhys’ tone changed, his peaceful gaze replaced with sharp aggression, "But I didn’t expect that like many after success, you’d make the common mistakes: believing you could control everything, sacrificing a woman’s well-being for your benefit."
"If it’s wrong, it’s wrong. If she’s willing to forgive you, I have nothing to say. But she’s prepared to sever ties with you. Your apologies and attempts to make amends only serve as moral coercion. Do you believe she hasn’t suffered enough, that you should further wound her heart?"
"I never intended to hurt Victoria, Mr. Hawthorne. Since you’re reasonable, you should know that even if I separate from her, she’ll never accept you. Why not step aside gracefully this time? We could even become friends. With the Hawthorne Family’s complexity, if you need assistance in the future, I’d fully support you in reaching high ranks. What do you say?"
Rhys Hawthorne stood up abruptly, looking down at Julian with clear eyes, "Julian Fordham, if you truly respect her, you should understand one thing: Ms. Monroe isn’t a bargaining chip in business, and I will never use her for any transaction."
With a loud bang, he slammed the teacup onto the tea table.
"I forgot to tell you, Lumens is my company."
Rhys Hawthorne gave him a significant look, then turned to leave.
Upon hearing this, Julian Fordham was stunned, a trace of shock passing through his dark pupils.
"It was... you!"