Chapter 2
Lucy snatched the paper back, her eyes cold as ice. “Don’t worry. This won’t be a threat to you. Because it will never come into this world p>
She turned on her heel and walked away, her silhouette radiating a finality that left no room for negotiation.
Kingsley stood frozen, staring at her retreating back. It took a long moment before he found his voice.
He turned to Paula and shouted, his tone severe. “Watch Mrs. Sherwood closely! Make sure she doesn’t leave Vista Gardens. And she is absolutely forbidden from harming that child p>
Paula was bewildered. Just a moment ago they were discussing divorce; how had things changed so drastically? But seeing the ruthless intensity in Kingsley’s eyes, she hurriedly replied, “Yes, understood p>
“If she leaves, none of you will have a job tomorrow,” Kingsley added, the warning chilling the air.
Paula nodded repeatedly, watching as he turned back into the study.
Inside, Kingsley collapsed into his chair. His fingers flew across his phone screen as he sent a command: [Cut all signals at Vista Gardens immediately p>
He crushed the cigarette pack in his hand. Lighting a fresh one, he watched the ash fall, his mind consumed by a single thought: “When could she have gotten
pregnant? I had been careful for over a year p>
Suddenly, a hazy memory broke through the fog.
The last time he returned from the UK, Lucy had been unusually passionate. In the rush of the moment, he had forgotten precautions, and afterward, he had neglected to remind her to take anything.
He let out a short, dark chuckle. High efficiency. One mistake was all it took.
He took a harsh drag, the nicotine burning his throat, but it did nothing to quell the storm raging in his chest.
Before the cigarette had burned down, the study door was shoved open. Lucy glared at him, eyes red with fury. “What are you doing? Imprisoning me p>
She had packed a simple bag, only to be stopped at the door. When she tried to call for help, she found her phone had absolutely no signal.
Kingsley glanced up lazily, his voice calm. “Have the baby. The child belongs to my family. I will give you a hundred million dollars p>
Lucy scoffed, her eyes full of mockery. “Dream on p>
She knew exactly what this was. Kingsley wanted the child because of Grandmother Sherwood, not out of love.
The matriarch had been pressing for a great-grandchild, and Kingsley bad always deflected. But after her serious illness last month, Kingsley, her dutiful grandson, had changed his mind.
“Lucy, the child stays. You have no choice,” Kingsley said, standing up and stalking toward her. “Give birth, and you get a hundred million. It’s the easiest money you’ll ever make p>
“I may not have money, but I’m not poor enough to sell my own flesh and blood,” Lucy spat, her words barbed. “If you want a child, plenty of
men would line up to breed for
you. But not me p>
Kingsley’s gaze darkened, his tone brooking no argument. “Refuse? Then don’t expect to ever leave this estate p>
He hit the intercom button. Within moments, Paula entered with two sturdy maids who seized Lucy and began dragging her out.
Lucy struggled violently but was no match for their strength. She could only scream, “Kingsley! This is illegal imprisonment! It’s a crime! You’ll go to jail for this!” “Kingsley, you bastard p>
“Son of a bitch! Go to hell p>
Kingsley turned a deaf ear. He simply instructed Paula coldly, “Watch her, and watch the child. Remove anything from the bedroom she could use to hurt herself p>
Paula looked at the despair in Lucy’s eyes and felt a pang of sympathy. She hesitated. “Mr. Sherwood, is it really necessary… to lock her up p>
“Do I need you to teach me how to handle my things?” Kingsley’s eyes were dark, his indifference chilling.
Paula quickly lowered her head. “I wouldn’t dare p>
“Get a nutritionist and doctor on call.
I want someone keeping an eye on her round the clock,” Kingsley added. “And if Jane Lambert shows up, just saytucy’s gone traveling abroad – no idea when she be back.
Paula’s heart sank, but she could only nod. “Understood p>
Silence returned to the study. Kingsley walked to the window, unconsciously thumbing the edge of his cigarette case, his eyes obscured by shadow.