Chapter 55

The study room was soon silent. Gregory sat smoking in quiet agitation. The pain that tugged at his injured face reminded him of how Alexander would not let things slide easily this time. He went through several cigarettes in a row. When Beatrice walked in, the thick reek of smoke caused her to frown. She then strode over and snatched the cigarette from his fingers and crushed it. "Greg, you really shouldn't smoke that much. It's bad for your health." Gregory raised his gaze, a deep gloom in its depth, yet he offered no resistance to her actions. She crouched beside his feet, tilting her head up to meet his eye level. Her eyes shimmered with tears as she announced, "Greg, I'm pregnant." Her smile faltered when the joy she expected didn't come. Refusing to give up, she pressed on, "You're going to be a father." Irritated, he reached out for another cigarette. He gripped the pack, but after a slight furrow of his brow, he tossed it aside. "Have you forgotten what I said, Bea? I