Chapter 20 Pregnant, Aren't You?

I followed behind, witnessing the manager hand something resembling a shopping card to the clerk, threatening, "This matter has been suppressed by the president of Skyreach. If you dare to speak out, you won't survive in Swan City!" She said only one sentence. When I tried to use my phone to record evidence, the manager had already walked away. I blocked her path, demanding answers. But the manager merely gave me a cold stare. "I don't know what you're talking about." Then she left. I was certain this entire incident was Leona's scheme—her way of making me lose favor in Dominic Hawthorne's eyes. But I never expected Dominic Hawthorne to turn a blind eye to everything, even help her! I couldn't bear it! I stormed straight to the Skyreach Group building, determined to confront Dominic Hawthorne and demand the truth. Skyreach was a major corporation; entry required an access card. I thought it would be difficult to get in, but as soon as I reached the entrance, the receptionist came over and greeted me warmly, "Madam Hawthorne." I was escorted upstairs and smoothly entered Dominic Hawthorne's office. When I walked in, Elliot Anderson—the man who had picked me up that day—was inside. Seeing me, he immediately stepped out. "Anything you need?" Dominic Hawthorne didn't even look up. I didn't beat around the bush. I asked directly, "Did you have someone tamper with the mall's surveillance footage?" "Yes." I had expected him to deny it, but he admitted it without hesitation. "Why?" "No reason." I loathed his indifference—letting Leona scheme against me, even secretly aiding her! "You know perfectly well it was Leona who set me up! You know she's two-faced! Then why are you helping her? You're the CEO of a massive company—can you really let a woman manipulate you like this?" The more I spoke, the angrier I became, my voice rising. Yet Dominic Hawthorne remained utterly unmoved. He simply picked up the pen on his desk and signed his name at the bottom of the document. Only after closing the file did he lift his head, his dark eyes icy. "I've chosen her. That's why I allow her to do these things." I froze. Staring at Dominic Hawthorne, I suddenly felt he was no longer the man I had loved for twelve years. I knew him as a man of strategy and decisive action. But I never imagined he could be so deeply devoted—and utterly without principle—when it came to love. I stood there, forcing a bitter smile, and asked, "Then what about me? What are you going to do with me?" He replied coldly, "If you love living in a gilded cage, then I'll let you stay in it. But I will never love you in this lifetime." He truly knew how to cut me to the core. My hands clenched into fists, my back rigid, refusing to let myself appear broken. I managed a faint smile. "Fine, Dominic Hawthorne. I understand. From this day forward, I'll make sure I stop loving you too." With that, I turned and left. The moment I stepped into the elevator, I was hit by a wave of nausea. By the time I reached the first floor, I rushed into the restroom and retched, but nothing came up. A cleaning lady happened to be inside. Seeing my condition, she kindly said, "Young lady, aren't you pregnant? Carrying a dried sour plum usually helps ease morning sickness." I froze. Pregnant? That's impossible!