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Willa felt an inexplicable pang of guilt, her head dropping as she muttered, “Well, that’s just what you do, isn’t it? You respect your elders, that’s only natural…”
“Enough,” George cut her off sharply, his voice like a whip.
His eyes, cold and piercing, were fixed on Rachel, who stood there with a mocking smile. George took a deep breath and turned to the security guards. “Get me the surveillance footage.”
Rachel, however, wasn’t fazed. She didn’t fear the truth.
Callie shifted uncomfortably, wanting to intervene, but as soon as her gaze met George’s warning eyes, she instinctively lowered her head. She silently cursed herself, reminding herself that she hadn’t said anything that could worsen the situation. And, truth be told, it was Rachel who had collided with their car.
The security guards hurriedly ran off, and soon returned with the footage.
Rachel stood there, calm as ever, watching George review the footage from start to finish.
Willa, growing impatient and seeing George’s serious expression, couldn’t resist interjecting. “Our car was driving just fine when she suddenly crashed into us. Callie was terrified, I was fine, but the baby in Callie’s belly is so fragile–anything could happen. This definitely has something to do with her. I mean, what are the odds of this happening?”
But George, with a chilling glare, didn’t even look at her as he shut her down. His lips pressed together tightly as he turned his attention back to the screen.
Willa fell silent.
Callie, her voice soft, tried to speak up, “So, what’s the verdict, George? I was really scared–I didn’t know what happened, but the car almost flipped over. For a moment, I thought I’d never see you again…”
George cut her off, his tone curt. “It was the fault of your driver, not Rachel.”
He placed the footage in front of Callie, who stared at it, disbelief written all over her face. She watched, meticulously analyzing every detail, hoping for some sign that Rachel had intentionally caused the crash.
The footage clearly showed Rachel driving out of the underground garage when the Fox family’s car suddenly appeared in front of hers. Rachel swerved to avoid the collision, but it was the Fox family’s car that slammed straight into hers.
Callie’s heart sank. She swallowed her frustration, managing to force a small, apologetic smile. “Ms. Sarratt, I’m sorry. I didn’t notice at the time–it looks like this was just a misunderstanding. I was just too worried about the baby, and I misjudged the situation. My bad.”
“Enough,” Rachel said, her face impassive. She didn’t want to waste any more words. “Mr. Fox, since that’s the case, I’ll arrange for the repair costs to be sent to you. I have things to do, so I’m leaving now.”
Without waiting for a response, Rachel turned and walked back to her car, getting in and driving away without a second glance.
“Rachel, wait…”
Her words hit George like a stone, sinking heavy in his chest. But Rachel didn’t give him a chance to speak. She left without a
word.
Now, a weight pressed down on him, and the silence felt unbearable.
“George, do you think Ms. Sarratt is upset?” Callie asked timidly, her voice filled with anxiety.
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Chapter 52
George didn’t answer, his mind elsewhere. “Let’s go inside.”
He walked off without a glance back.
“George…” Callie hurried to catch up.
But George was distracted, his attention unfocused. Even as he took Callie in for her checkup, he seemed detached, as though he wasn’t really there.
His mind was still on Rachel’s words. He’d always believed that, even though their marriage hadn’t brought Rachel much joy, at least it gave her a life of luxury. As Mrs. Fox, she should have been comfortable, secure. Even though he didn’t love her, he’d given her everything she needed.
But now, after arranging for.Callie to be sent home, George found the butler.
“Was Rachel telling the truth? Was she really bullied in the Fox family?” George asked, his voice low.
The butler lowered his gaze, avoiding eye contact, too afraid to speak.
Only when George’s cold stare bore into him did the butler finally stutter, “It was… it was madam who ordered it. We didn’t want to, really…”
It was true.
George rubbed his temples, his frustration mounting. He could feel the anger seeping into his bones.
Back at home, Rachel had just stepped through the door when she saw Bryant.
“Rachel…” Bryant’s voice was dripping with sarcasm. “So, you dare to come back?”
“Don’t even start with me,” Rachel snapped. “I haven’t finished with you for last time.”
“Rachel, I only wanted to help you and George get together,” Bryant said, raising his hands. “I know I made a mistake. But I just found out, he’s got another woman pregnant! A man like that doesn’t deserve you. I’ll deal with him. Every time I see him from now on, I’ll make sure he regrets it. A blind fool like him!”
Bryant ranted and raved, but then, just as suddenly, Rachel’s stomach lurched.
She quickly pressed a hand to her mouth and rushed to the bathroom, vomiting.
Her pregnancy was advancing, and her symptoms were getting worse.
Rachel thought, I can’t hide this for much longer. It’s time to tell Grandpa the truth.
She leaned against the wall, trying to steady herself as she walked out of the bathroom. Bryant was still by the door, watching her with concern.
“Rachel, what’s wrong? What’s happening?” he asked.
Rachel frowned, irritated. “Dad, stop asking. I’m fine. I need to go.”
But Bryant grabbed her arm and pulled her back, his eyes fixed on her face with newfound suspicion.
Rachel felt a shiver run down her spine. “Dad, what are you doing?”
“Rachel… are you pregnant?” he asked, his voice trembling.
Rachel’s heart skipped a beat. How did he figure it out?
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Chapter 52
She forced a smile, trying to brush it off. “No, Dad. You’re mistaken.”
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But Bryant wasn’t convinced. He stared at her with a serious expression. “Don’t think you can fool me. Your mother and I had five kids, do you think I don’t know the signs? Whenever she was pregnant, she was always this sick, except when she was carrying you.”
Rachel’s face fell. Her father was, indeed, an expert on this.
She lowered her gaze, the weight of the truth pressing down on her. ‘I guess it’s time. They’ll all find out sooner or later.
“Really… Rachel, you’re really pregnant? Who’s the father? Is it George, that scoundrel?” Bryant’s face turned red with fury.
Rachel couldn’t help herself. “Who else could it be?”
Bryant, outraged, stood up and stormed toward the door.
“I’m going to deal with this bastard!” he shouted, ready to charge out.
“Dad!” Rachel called, a deep sense of dread settling in her chest.
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