Chapter 498

Her words were pitiful and deeply saddening.

A smirk tinged with coldness played on Lawrence's lips. "Therefore, if adopting a gentle approach proves ineffective, do you adopt a more assertive stance? Is it plausible for a terminally ill individual to desire and be capable of having children? Additionally, if one were to surpass the anticipated two-year life expectancy, could they potentially secure a successor to the Rodriguez family wealth?"

Winnie had mentioned that if it was possible Ishara faked her illness. He had, out of compassion and humanity, always pitied her because she said she was terminally ill. However, there was the possibility that the terminal illness was fabricated.

Her current ambition hardly seemed fitting for someone on their deathbed. Perhaps, as Winnie had suggested, it had been a scam from the start.

Gazing at his serious expression with tears in her eyes, she expressed, "I acknowledge that my health isn't conducive to starting a family. Yet, I'm willing to take that chance for you-it's a final desire before I depart. Why would you doubt it's anything other than that? My only intention is to bring joy to my parents and ensure my grandma experiences happiness through leaving a child behind."

Lawrence examined her seemingly noble face, his eyes narrowing sharply. "Winnie and I are blessed with two children, a fact that should bring happiness to them. Aside from Sidney, there's Oscar, who was unfortunately abducted. Ishara, who do you suspect would be responsible for kidnapping my child?"

His questioning was like a noose tightening around Ishara's neck.

Her heart quivered, knowing he would ask this. However, she exuded unwavering confidence, akin to a chess player who had meticulously planned the entire game. Despite their efforts, they discovered nothing substantial except for that handkerchief. The mastermind behind it all was under her control, signifying that she only needed to exercise caution around him and Winnie.

With a bewildered, tearful look, Ishara responded, "Lawrence, how could I possibly know who would kidnap Oscar? Until today, I wasn't completely sure that you had a kid with Winnie. The whole Blanchet family ordeal - I was just as clueless. Thankfully, my folks knew I was innocent."

She denied everything without a hint of guilt.

Lawrence casually ruffled his fingers through his hair, his gaze was piercing as if he aimed to see right through her. He was determined to figure out who this woman really was.

With a lowered gaze, Ishara spoke up, "Lawrence, have you reached a decision regarding my conditions? Should you accept, I'll generously donate my bone marrow in a month, ensuring Melissa's salvation through surgery. However, if you choose otherwise, I regret to say that, in my sorrow and disillusionment, I will be compelled to sever our ties. If I feel my life is at risk due to an uncompensated marrow donation, I reserve the right to retract my agreement. Remember, you cannot coerce me into making this donation against my will."

Her words were laced with threats. She knew Lawrence's vulnerabilities, his lifeblood and she was confident that he had no room to refuse. Unless he was willing to put Melissa's life on the line but that wasn't an option for him.

He inclined his head ever so slightly, igniting a cigarette. The smoke curled and swirled, mirroring the icy demeanor in his eyes. The man smirked amid her audacity. His thoughts were unknown to others which were hidden deep within those eyes.

Ishara was no exception and with a slight parting of his lips, he said, "Okay."

His agreement was swift, leaving Ishara both stunned and exhilarated. "Lawrence, did you truly agree to our engagement and the prospect of having a child together?" Excitement glimmered in her eyes. The thought of securing her place as the paramount lady beside Lawrence made her heart flutter.

Lawrence looked at her with a cold gaze. "I'm solely interested in obtaining a healthy bone marrow. Consider your actions wisely in the coming month. Avoid any complications, for without the marrow, the prospect of having a child will be off the table." He had her cornered and Ishara understood perfectly clear.

Before Ishara could wipe the smile off her face, Lawrence didn't mask his disgust. "That's all. You can leave now." He couldn't stand another moment with her.

Ishara straightened herself, fists clenched, and coughed lightly with a smile in her eyes. "Lawrence, regarding the announcement of our engagement..."

"Isn't there a one-week deadline?" he said.

"Glad you remember." With a smile, Ishara left. The door closed behind her.

Bryan stared at Lawrence who was still reeling from shock. "Mr. Rodriguez, how could you agree to her demands? Ishara's clearly trying to shake you down. Are you really going to have a child with her?"

Lawrence sat by the window, the cold moonlight bathing his inscrutable face. He stubbed out his cigarette with a harsh laugh. "For now, I'll play along with her game. She wants a child, but who can guarantee it'll actually be mine? After the donation, accidents happen."

The ruthless edge in his brow eased Bryan's tension. Ishara boldly played with Lawrence, shamelessly using blackmail as her weapon, taking advantage of his current limited choices.

Any woman daring to climb over Mr. Rodriguez's head couldn't anticipate emerging unscathed.

Bryan felt a slight relief just as the doorbell chimed. Lawrence took a drag from his cigarette, his wound pulsating with discomfort, and scowled. "Go attend to it."

It was Jeremy at the door, who asked as he entered,"Mr. Rodriguez, did you want to see me?"

"Have a seat."

Jeremy sat, his brow furrowed. "I witnessed Ishara departing from the hotel, a smirk playing on her lips. Mr. Rodriguez, considering your suspicion of her involvement in Oscar's kidnapping, did you not approach her to inquire about his whereabouts, end your relationship with her, or exert pressure until she disclosed his location?"

He had comforted Winnie and was aware of everything. He couldn't possibly be with Ishara but the current situation didn't seem quite like that. Jeremy couldn't read Lawrence anymore.

Lawrence shook his head gravely. "I can't do that right now."

"Why not?"

"Jeremy, haven't you always wanted to know the reasons behind my actions?" Lawrence knew he must've let something slip to Winnie. Otherwise, she wouldn't have gone from hatred to suspicion, questioning whether he had his reasons.

It was time Jeremy knew the truth. "Jeremy, my mother has leukemia. Her bone marrow can no longer produce blood and Ishara is the only match in this whole world for a transplant."

Jeremy's gaze, visible behind his glasses, froze in shock. He had harbored suspicions about Melissa's illness, but he hadn't comprehended its connection to Ishara until now.

Lawrence closed his eyes, massaging his temples. "When I first tracked down Ishara, she set her terms for a relationship but I refused her. Back then, all I wanted was to reconcile with Winnie. However, when she rejected me, my mother's condition worsened. I had no other choice.

"Dr. Moore warned me that my mother required a monthly blood transfusion, so I made her well-being my top priority. It was my mistake. I never suspected Ishara had hidden agendas when she grew close to me. She frequently clashed with Winnie, and I felt obligated to shield her. Unintentionally, my actions kept causing pain to Winnie. However, my true concern wasn't really about Ishara. It was about something else entirely."

"You were just worried about Melissa, concerned for her life." Jeremy sighed heavily. "Melissa's fate rests in Ishara's hands, and she holds you firmly under her control."

The misunderstandings were bound to happen.

"I just need one more month. Once I secure Ishara's bone marrow, I can proceed with my mother's transplant. After that, I'll personally handle Ishara. Within this month, I must uncover Oscar's whereabouts through her. She's no ordinary person.

"You mentioned the lack of fingerprints in the Blanchet family's basement, and think about how she thwarted Peter's meticulous efforts previously. These two factors alone indicate she's vigilant. Currently, there's no concrete evidence labeling her as the kidnapper. Her denial when I confronted her signals confidence.

"She's a master manipulator, so, for the time being, I'll have to navigate this game with caution and play along." Lawrence's voice faded away, carrying a subtle undertone of darkness and determination.

Jeremy nodded. "At least for this month, you can't touch Ishara. She's practically Melissa's lifeline. I understand why you haven't discussed Oscar's situation with Winnie. Nobody feels more conflicted inside than you do. Why didn't you confide in me sooner? And why keep Melissa's leukemia from Winnie?"

Lawrence just gave a bitter smile.