Chapter 509

Ishara dug her nails into her palms, hastily putting on an aggrieved expression. "Granpa, you're overthinking it. Indeed, Lawrence and I had a little fallout before we got engaged. Mom guessed right. He's still sore at me today probably trying to make me jealous with Winnie. How could he know Winnie? Can't you recall the genuine warmth and kindness he showered on me during the last family gathering? If he harbored no liking for me, what would prompt him to propose and become engaged?"

Paul pondered deeply, furrowing his brows. Eleanor stepped forward immediately, her tone reassuring. "Dad, no need to worry. The engagement is confirmed. With Carlos indisposed, the fate of the Blanchet now lies on Lawrence's shoulders. Ishara will be the fortunate star of our family. You, our respected elders, have been here for so long. You must be weary. Return to the old house and take a well-deserved rest."

Patricia appeared unwavering in her belief, casting a brief glance at Paul She added, "Eleanor is correct. Why not allow Patrick to closely support Ishara? Eventually, the Blanchet family will have to rely on Lawrence and Ishara seems to be the ideal successor."

Paul pondered for a moment before nodding slowly. Eleanor proceeded to help the elders out of the room. Soon, she returned, found Ishara in the hospital room and asked in a hushed tone, "Ishara, are you really engaged to Lawrence?"

"Of course, it's real. He had no other choice." Ishara coughed, agitated.

Eleanor hesitated. "But his behavior towards you has taken a complete turn. He's become so distant, not even sparing you a second glance. Today, it was in front of the old man, but what about when it's in front of the elites of Trento City? If the word gets out that he isn't fond of you, what good is an engagement on its own? Everyone will know you're not in his heart. Perhaps that's precisely the impression he intends to create."

Lawrence remained completely indifferent, displaying not only a lack of respect but also subjected her to embarrassment. Despite his mistreatment, she refrained from resorting to any deceit concerning the bone marrow donation. She understood that only a successful donation could guarantee her his child, and he was well aware that it served as leverage.

Her eyes filled with loath, Ishara gritted her teeth. "Mom, have Claire contacted Dr. Sun for me? I need to act now and conceive his child before the bone marrow donation."

Eleanor's eyes widened in surprise. Even though she was unaware of her daughter's specific plan, a smile subtly appeared at the edges of her eyes.

The thought of Lawrence openly showing concern and affection for Winnie sent Ishara into a jealous rage. She had to strike first and cement her relationship with him before he and Winnie could repair theirs. She had set this game in motion long ago and would not allow anyone to ruin her winning endgame.

Lawrence rushed Winnie into the emergency room.

Observing her unconscious figure, he stood there, silent and agitated, for an extended period before becoming aware that his forehead had become covered in cold sweat.

Dr. Williams looked up and said, "We're doing everything to save the patient. Who is the next of kin? Please follow the nurse to handle the billing."

Bryan immediately turned to leave. Lawrence stopped him, his voice hoarse and intense. "I'll take care of it personally. Also, I want to know what's been going on with her this past week in Lymington. Has she been ill? Why is she so weak?"

Bryan thought to himself that Winnie's condition must be the result of a series of psychological blows. The prolonged anxiety over Oscar's disappearance, the stress induced by Melissa's troubles, and the shock of returning to find her father shot and in a coma had likely taken a toll on her.

Rock exited the office in the towering building. Briefly, as the door swung open and closed, a fleeting view of a mysterious figure could be seen.

The man smiled at Rock. "Mr. Rock, think about what we discussed."

"I've already assured you over the phone. We're set for a productive collaboration," Rock responded, squinting and offering a corresponding smile, though his eyes betrayed a well-concealed resentment.

Upon discreetly leaving the Rodriguez company, Rock entered his car and unexpectedly caught a news report on the radio.

Carlos had been shot.

Rock's gaze narrowed. It became clear why he couldn't get in touch with Winnie. Adjusting the steering wheel, he directed the vehicle toward the hospital mentioned in the news.

The doors of the emergency room swung open, and the doctor, accompanied by nurses, emerged. "Lawrence, based on our initial examination, it appears that Ms. Winnie is experiencing acute gastritis. Stress probably led to her fainting, but there's no significant harm. She simply requires some rest to recover. To alleviate your concerns, we conducted a comprehensive checkup, including blood tests."

Lawrence nodded and strode into the room. Winnie was still deep in an inert sleep.

He frowned. "Why is she still like this?"

The doctor was briefly puzzled. "Don't be alarmed, Ms. Winnie is just extremely exhausted. She's currently in a deep sleep. Would you like me to wake her?"

Impatiently waving the doctor away, he took a seat beside the bed, his posture tense and rigid. The doctor promptly exited the room.

Bryan followed in after. "Mr. DeRoss has been informed and hurried to the location where Mr. Carlos was shot. He assures us that we'll have the truth by tonight."

"Mhmm," came Lawrence's deep, cold reply as he changed the subject. "How has her time been in Yorktown?"

All Dr. Moore had conveyed was that she had been dedicating a significant amount of time to her mother daily. It's possible that tending to her mother had affected her.

Bryan's answer was straightforward. "Ms. Winnie has been feeling under the weather with all the running around and exhaustion, her appetite must have taken a hit. She picked up some antacids in Lymington so the doctor's diagnosis from earlier is probably spot on."

Upon learning this, Lawrence's expression transformed, his full lips forming a tight line, his gaze deep in contemplation as it moved from her remarkably delicate face to her slim, pale wrists. He leaned in closer, his gaze softening with his large hand enveloping her fragile wrist, holding it tightly within his.

Without uttering a word, Bryan could sense that Lawrence internally held himself responsible, lamenting his inability to locate Winnie's son, Oscar.

"Uhm Lawrence," Bryan ventured, breaking the silence as the doctor approached. "The results of Ms. Winnie's blood work and other tests are in."

Lawrence, seated until then, looked up to find the doctor's expression troubled. An all-too-familiar concerned face that arose with each of his mother's medical tests.

Standing up quickly, his tall and imposing frame emphasized by crisply tailored trousers, he approached the doctor and inquired in a subdued tone, "Are there any issues with the results?"

The doctor first shook his head before nodding vigorously. "She's not seriously ill, but"

"But what?" Lawrence's deep voice pressed for more.

Hesitantly, the doctor said, "Is Ms. Winnie's husband or boyfriend present?"

At this, Bryan noticed Lawrence's complexion turned a shade darker. Clearly, he wasn't pleased.

With a chuckle, Bryan interjected, "Doctor, you need to get your eyes checked. Lawrence here is Ms. Winnie's next of kin."

"Oh? Is that so? Well then, Lawrence, please come with me." This secretive air had an intriguing essence to it.

With a stony expression, Lawrence followed the doctor to a quiet spot in the hallway.

"The blood tests show elevated white blood cells but other than that, all is fine. However, the tests also revealed a high level of HCG meaning she's pregnant."

Silence.

As if time had come to a standstill, Lawrence remained motionless for a prolonged moment. His eyes absorbed the startling yet joyous news like a turbulent storm. His Adam's apple bobbed as he processed the flood of emotions. "What did you say? Repeat that again?!"