“Clara’s husband is just a cripple, but my man is healthy and rich. I’ll definitely teach Clara a lesson when I’m rich.”
Emma began to fantasize about the pleasure of stepping on Clara.
Emily was quite relieved about what had just happened, thankful she had persuaded her daughter.
Just then, Emma’s phone rang. Her face lit up with joy seeing it was from him.
“Mom, it’s him. I’ll take the call.”
Emma hid in her room to answer the call.
“Hello, darling. Did you miss me?” Emma said sweetly before Michael could speak, instantly quelling his impatience from not finding her earlier.
“Where are you now?” Michael asked, a trace of concern in his voice.
“I just got home to pack some clothes to take with me.” Emma lied, wanting to share the good news with Emily.
“I’ve prepared clothes for you on the yacht,” said Michael, frowning.
He had estimated her size from that night and bought clothes that fit her perfectly, including comfortable attire and maternity wear for the upcoming months.
“I saw those clothes, darling. Thank you for being so thoughtful, but I’m used to my pajamas. Besides, I also need to let my family know I’m going to the yacht. Or else, they’ll worry about me.” Her sweet voice made Michael feel a slight aversion.
He remembered his desire for her that night, completely different from her current demeanor.
“How did you know I wasn’t there? Did you go to the yacht looking for me?” Emma suddenly realized.
“Yes.” Michael’s noncommittal response came from his throat.
Emma was annoyed. She might have met him if she had stayed, seduced him, and shortened her path to marrying into wealth.
“Wait for me; I’ll come over now. I’ll take a cab. I haven’t seen you for so long. I miss you!”
“No need.” He instinctively refused, then softened his tone. “I mean, I’ll come to see you next time. I have to go back to the company to handle some things.”
Emma was thrilled when she knew he had a company, imagining the vast enterprise he must manage.
She decided to play the role of a gentle and understanding woman. “Alright, darling. I’ll rest on the yacht and wait for you. Mua.”
The final kiss made his stomach churn.
He returned to the car after hanging up, instructing the driver. “Go back to the company. No, I want to go home.”
He thought of Clara’s grandmother’s death and wondered if she had returned.
A doubt lingered in Michael’s mind along the way.
I left my contact and pendant, so why hasn’t Jade called me? She shouldn’t have waited for me to find her given her enthusiasm.
He couldn’t figure it out even after arriving at the villa.
He got out of the car and saw no sign of Clara as expected.
At 11 p.m., Michael was restless on the couch and was about to call Clara when she walked in.
Her face was weary, with dried tears, her hair was messy, and her eyes lifeless.
She was surprised to see Michael still awake.
“Grandma—”
“She’s settled. Next will be the cremation and funeral,” she said with a tired smile.
“Go take a shower and rest. Just ask if you need help.”
Seeing her like this, he felt a pang of heartache for some reason.
Clara, too tired to speak, nodded and went to the bedroom.
Exhausted, she quickly fell asleep after her shower.
“Grandma, don’t leave me. Don’t…”
“It’s alright. It’s fine.” Michael, exiting the study, heard her cries.
He saw her drenched in sweat, brow furrowed, and gently held her hand to comfort her.
“No. No!”
She sat up abruptly, her eyes vacant, recalling Emma angering her grandmother.
“It’s alright now.” He held her, gently patting her arm to soothe her.
Seeing Michael beside her eased her fear as she gradually came to her senses.
She knew he was comforting her and didn’t get angry. “Thank you, I’m fine now.”
Being close to her, Michael suddenly sensed a familiar scent from her but couldn’t recall where he had smelled it before.
He let go and lay beside her.
“I’m fine now. We shouldn’t sleep together.”
“We must keep up the appearances even though our marriage is contractual. Rumors spread easily.”
Michael referred to his master. Though raised by his master, who was under Benjamin’s control, he respected him for raising him.
After all, his master had taught him a lot.
“Rumors spread easily?” Clara thought of someone eavesdropping earlier, drugging the people, and Michael’s embarrassing recording.
“Yes.” Michael said no more and closed his eyes.
Clara didn’t ask further. It was his matter, but with their agreement, he wouldn’t do anything to her.
Suddenly, her phone vibrated. She glanced at it curiously while Michael also checked his phone.
A WhatsApp message showed a picture of a woman’s flat belly, and Clara saw the message before she could look away.
‘I can’t sleep, so I’m showing you a photo of our baby. Are you asleep, darling?’
Clara was stunned. Their eyes met, and she quickly turned away.
She seemed to have seen something unbelievable.
Michael looked at his phone, feeling a bit irritated. He tossed the phone aside without replying.
Though curious, Clara knew his private matters were none of her business. However, why didn’t he marry the woman if she was pregnant?
She was surprised about this because Michael was a very proper and serious person.
Michael’s image in her mind dropped significantly.