CHAPTER 50
A long, intense silence stretched between them. They stared at each other like they were going to disappear.
"I mean, you suddenly change whenever I mention the East Wing. You suddenly act like you put something dangerous there," Kate said, narrowing her eyes.
"There's nothing there. You've been there before. Once."
"Then why are you questioning me? It's not like you put something in there." She shrugged and rolled her eyes.
"Just don't go there without informing me," he said, retracing his steps as he left for his room.
Kate's legs weakened. She held onto the edge of the hallway counter. She squeezed the letter firmly, fighting back the tears that threatened to fall.
"I have to stay strong and find it out myself. I don't need any help. I'll get to the bottom of this," she whispered, determination blazing in her eyes.
---
Jeremy sat in his small room, his laptop switched on. His journal lay beside it, along with his pen. He kept scrolling through the data on his screen. The info, the encryption, the code—it was all the same. He couldn't figure it out or locate the problem.
He took a sip of his cold iced tea and picked up his phone.
"It's time to involve a second party," he muttered, putting the phone on speaker.
"Hey," a calm voice came through.
"Hi," Jeremy smiled.
---
Tina was sitting in her office when her phone rang. Liam's name appeared on the screen. A small smile curled on her lips. She answered.
"Why'd you call?" she asked calmly.
"Just wanted to hear your voice," Liam answered.
"Don't tell me you're missing me already?" Tina bit her lower lip.
"Yes—and—no."
Tina frowned. "What do you mean by that?" she asked, curiosity dancing in her eyes.
"I mean, to clarify… I'm not yet your boyfriend, and you're not my girlfriend. We're still friends."
"Can't we be more than friends?"
"You just broke up with that jerk. You still have to recuperate from his damage. We don't have to rush things."
"I'm not rushing. I've moved on already. Raymond hasn't been on my mind since we started dating."
"But you were all over him."
"I already knew the relationship wasn't safe. That's why I didn't put my all into it."
"Wow—you're really vigilant."
"Yeah."
"Are you free this Friday?"
"Yes—sure."
"Then it's settled."
"What's that?"
"Nothing. Bye." He hung up.
"He's acting weird," she murmured, shrugging it off and returning to her work.
---
Later that evening, at the Grant's mansion, Donovan paced his sitting room, back and forth. He folded his arms and stopped, his eyes darkening as he lifted his head.
He smirked. "A crazy idea just popped in," he said loudly, sitting on the couch.
He waved Adele over. She stepped closer.
"Sit," he commanded.
"What idea do you have this time?" she asked.
"It's an idea that can bring William down entirely—and make sure he never rises again."
"What is it?" she leaned in, curious.
"William will launch a new business that requires ordering and delivering…" he chuckled darkly.
"Wait—sir—you don't mean what you're about to do…"
"Hmph. I'm not going back."
"It's dangerous. What if you get caught? What if you can't sum up for everything? Think about it."
"I'm already at the point of no return."
Adele shook her head in disapproval. "Don't bloody your hands."
"You're not involved in this. You just have to complete a small task I'm about to give you, and that's all."
"What—do—you—want—me—to—do?" she asked fearfully.
"Dawine and I have already planned something big. We just need the last piece of the crack to complete the plan."
"What should I do?"
"Get me Mr. Howard."
Adele's eyes widened. "What!"
---
Kate drank the last sip of coffee in her cup and stretched a bit before returning to work. Her assistant, Joyce, walked in with a bunch of files.
"Put it here," Kate said without looking up.
"Ma'am, why don't you stop for today and continue tomorrow?" Joyce blurted out, worry laced in her voice.
"I still have some hours left. So I can't leave everything halfway."
"But you've been working for six hours straight—without a break."
"It's my job."
"But you know your condition…"
Kate paused her signing for a moment, then continued.
"You shouldn't stress yourself out—and also stress the baby. It's not good for your health," Joyce said gently.
"I understand your concern, Joyce. But who will manage this company, if not me?" Kate explained.
"But you have me here. You have so many staff. We can manage half of your work," Joyce pressed.
"No, I'm not going to listen to you. I'm fine, Joyce. I'll get through with this in minutes."
Joyce stepped forward and closed all the files in front of her.
"Joyce—"
"I'm not hearing again."
"Okay—I'll listen to you. Today."
"No. Not only today. Promise me—till you give birth."
Kate hesitated for a split second but decided to listen to her.
"Okay—I'll go home and take care of myself," she said, feigning a smile.
---
Kate arrived at the mansion late from the company. She felt drained. William stood upstairs, watching her as she dragged herself inside. Kate suddenly felt uneasy and heavy. Her vision blurred, and dizziness took over.
She staggered.
William watched intently. Kate tried to grab the staircase rail, but her hands failed her—and she collapsed.
"K-A-T-E! Watch out!" William dashed toward her like a madman. He pulled her up and placed her head against his chest. He pressed the back of his palm to her forehead.
"You're burning up," he muttered, alarmed.
Without hesitation, he lifted her in a bridal style and carried her to his bedroom.
Minutes later, the doctor arrived and ran a quick check-up.
"She's perfectly fine. But make sure she doesn't stress herself too much. It's not safe for her health right now," the doctor explained.
"Are you sure that's all she needs?" William asked, concerned.
"Just ensure she gets deep rest."
"Okay. You can leave."
🌺 Flashback – 3 Hours Ago 🌺
Kate stepped out of her office and walked toward the parking lot. Her driver opened the door for her; she slipped in and pulled out her phone. She dialed the Drays' doctor.
"Hello, ma'am!" the doctor's voice chimed.
"I want you to do a favor for me."
"And what would that be, ma'am?"
"Anytime you come for a check-up, make sure not to mention my pregnancy to anyone. Not even William."
"Okay. My mouth is zipped."
"Hmmm." She hung up.
🌺 Present Time 🌺
William stared intently at her face, like something was growing on it. He admired how calm and beautiful she looked—but he was scared of losing her. Suddenly, her index finger twitched. She frowned like she was in pain and mumbled something.
"I'll—always—protect—you—even—though—you're—not—here—yet," she mumbled, eyes still closed.
William frowned.
"What is she talking about? Who is she protecting? What is she possibly hiding from me?"