The doctor quickly assessed her condition and began preparing for the procedure. Lisette stayed composed and silent, her eyes shut tight, bracing herself for the ordeal. Had William been unkind to her, she might have fought fiercely to keep the baby. Yet, he had been good to her. Hence, despite his current coldness, she was prepared to endure it. But just as she was being wheeled towards the operating room, Rhea arrived. “Stop everything right now!” Lisette’s eyes flew open. Rhea burst in, pointing an accusing finger at the doctor. “Dr. Morris, are you truly going to proceed with this?” Andrew Morris looked weary.

“Mrs. Preston, if William does not want the baby, there is nothing more I can do.” “He doesn’t want it, but I do! This is my grandchild, and I intend to care for him myself!” “Mrs. Preston, I—” “Stop talking! Return her to her room immediately, or our long-standing relationship is finished!” Faced with Rhea’s forceful insistence, Andrew had no choice but to instruct that Lisette be taken back to her room. “I’ll give you a warning—if William comes searching for me, I will say this was your order.” “Say whatever you want. Let him come find me!” “Alright. I’ll do as you say, then.” Back in her room, Lisette replayed Rhea and Andrew’s conversation in her mind. She placed her hand gently on her still-flat stomach and whispered, “Baby, are you still here?” This isn’t a dream? It’s real? Rhea soon returned with more updates. “Since neither of you want this child, I do. From now on, someone will come to look after you until the baby is safely delivered.”

With that, she turned on her heel and walked away. Lisette called after her. “Rhea.” Rhea halted, her displeasure evident. Lisette clutched her stomach and gazed at her. “Rhea, after the baby’s born—” Before she could finish, Rhea cut her off. “The baby will have no connection to you once it is born. You and William will continue as before.” Lisette’s grip on her clothes tightened. The baby will have no connection to me? But this is my child … Summoning courage she didn’t realize she had, Lisette sat up. “Rhea, can I take the baby with me?” Rhea’s eyes widened in disbelief. “What are you talking about?” How could a divorced woman possibly take a Preston child away? Does she even understand what she’s asking?

“This is my baby. I want to raise it. I—” “Be quiet! This child belongs to the Prestons. There’s no way you can take it. Lisette, don’t make demands of me. I can give you money, but if you think you can take this child, forget it!” Fuming, Rhea stormed out, leaving Lisette with a bitter smile. She knew her hopes were probably naive, but the thought of losing all connection with the baby was heart-wrenching. At Luxon Group—a towering skyscraper that seemed to pierce the sky, with its expansive view from the fifty-sixth floor projecting an aura of authority and prestige. It was Lincolnville’s tallest building, symbolizing immense power. William stood before the massive floor-to-ceiling windows, his dark eyes scanning the cityscape below, filled with towering buildings. Knock, knock, knock. The sound of knocking was followed by Kurt’s entrance. “Mr. Preston, we’ve received an update from the hospital. Mrs. Preston has taken Mrs. Lisette away.” William’s gaze grew colder, his eyes narrowing. “When did this happen?” “An hour ago.”