Chapter 553

A cold, shadowy glint passed through Rock's eyes as he said, "Let's cut to the chase. I'm aware that Winnie's son, Oscar, is currently under your control. You've kidnapped him."

In hushed tones, Rock disclosed his notion gradually, punctuating his words with a contemplative squint. "Should your desire be to witness Winnie alongside me," he suggested, "it is within the realm of possibility."

Ishara's expression remained unchanged, yet a cunning and cold smirk flickered in her gaze. Rock's plan was perfectly aligned with her own. Behind his gentle facade, concealed a fierce and cunning soul.

"So, you're using me to push yourself into Winnie's life," she said, masking her intrigue.

"It's a win-win situation," Rock explained, his voice laced with confidence. "I'm the only man who's stood by Winnie for the long haul. I've become the deepest thorn in Lawrence's side."

Contemplating, Ishara's eyes shifted slightly. "What a coincidence. I was planning to meet with Winnie today but took a moment to see you instead. With our shared understanding, our alliance is solidified. I have a secret to share that you might find useful."

"You have my attention," Rock said, genuinely interested.

With a clear and somber tone, Ishara revealed, "Winnie is pregnant, or was. She conceived a child with Lawrence a month ago, but unfortunately, she lost the baby without ever knowing she was pregnant. Lawrence is aware of the pregnancy, but he's clueless about the miscarriage, so, he's still diligently caring for what he believes is their developing child. Do you follow?"

Rock's usually composed and handsome features tightened. The ongoing physical entanglement between Winnie and Lawrence was something he couldn't stand and was utterly envious of. In a swift revelation, comprehension dawned upon him, elucidating Ishara's motive behind the disclosure. His nod held a chilling edge, his thoughts consumed by a storm of fury. "How intriguing," he responded, a calculated veneer of composure masking his seething emotions. "Rest assured, I shall exploit this newfound knowledge to its fullest extent."

Ishara took another poised sip of her warm water, content with the unfolding events. Rock's unexpected involvement was, for now, a valuable move in her game.

Meanwhile, in downtown of Trento City, Winnie had retreated to her office, a sanctuary adorned with every comfort, including a secluded resting area. There, upon the bed, she lay in solitude, seeking solace amidst the tumult of her thoughts.

Olivia brought her a cup of lukewarm water and checked her temperature. "Your fever hasn't subsided yet. It's all because of Lawrence He's caused you so much inner turmoil, a flood of emotions that have nowhere to go. It's natural that your body would suffer."

Winnie feebly opened her eyes to glance at Olivia. "Now you've become a doctor, haven't you, Dr. Olivia?"

"Don't make light of this. I'd say it's better for you to break down and cry than to be bottling it up like this."

Winnie clutched the bedsheets, the fever fogging her mind. In a way, this was good. The deeply cutting emotions couldn't penetrate her skull.

"Collapse? I'm past the point of collapsing. If he marries Ishara because of the baby, I won't offer my blessings, but I won't be hysterical either."

The serenity exuded by Winnie only deepened Olivia's concern, for it hinted at a turmoil within. A poignant reflection of a fractured spirit, concealed beneath a facade of tranquility.

She turned on the TV.

There, on the screen, the latest about Lawrence was making waves.

After watching Lawrence's two recent statements, Olivia's eyes swiveled peculiarly. She whipped her head around, staring at Winnie. "Winnie, open your eyes. No, even with your eyes closed, you must've heard. On public TV, Lawrence dumped Ishara. He's denying Ishara's child, and he's proposing to you now? Has he lost his mind? What kind of move is that? He's gone rogue for sure. He doesn't care about his reputation or his life."

Winnie remained motionless, her countenance unchanged, retaining the same pallor as before, unmoved by the surrounding events.

Olivia shook her. "Winnie, regardless, there's something vindicating about his actions. I think he's trying to reach you through the television. Winnie, Jeremy also said that Lawrence is looking for you. Maybe Ishara's child isn't his after all?"

A tear trickled slowly from Winnie's eye as she gave a hollow laugh. "Olivia, the hope you have for him makes me realize just how foolish and pitiful I used to be."

Olivia's smile froze and then faded away.

This time, it looked like Winnie's broken heart might not heal.

She sagged in dejection.

Nearly an hour later, Winnie got up, her cheeks flushed from the fever.

She had to work. Regardless of what had happened, her career was the only thing she had left to cling to.

She had to keep living for Oscar and Sidney. She had to stay composed for her dad.

The Blanchet Group was still waiting for her to swoop in for the rescue, and the Ishara family remained her adversaries.

The ringtone of the cell phone pierced the silence beside the desk.

Winnie initialed the last document and picked up the ringing phone, squinting at an unfamiliar number on the screen.

"Who is it? It's not Lawrence using someone else's phone, is it?" Olivia glanced over as she sorted through files for her.

Winnie's gaze dropped, and she hit the decline button without a second thought.

However, the call was persistent.

"What are you afraid of? It's not like you're the one with no shame. Pick up, Winnie," Olivia said.

With her emotions flatlined and with icy fingers, Winnie lifted the phone again.

She stood up, her slender waist tightly embraced by her crisp white shirt, making her frailty all the more evident against the backdrop of the floor-to-ceiling windows that cast her pale face in sharp relief.

"Hello."

"Winnie, it's Ishara. You must have thought it was Mr. Rodriguez calling from an unknown number? I'm carrying his child now. He doesn't have time to think about you. He's working at Rodriguez Enterprises."

Winnie stood there coldly, her body from shoulder to toe as if frozen in a block of ice.

Ishara's confinement by Lawrence and subsequent accountability for Melissa's illness, as well as Oscar's fate, had merely been a fleeting hope, shattered by the harsh reality of the situation.

Lawrence wouldn't touch her, not with her being pregnant.

Her fingers were icy, creaking as she fought to control her breathing, her gaze sharp as a blade. "If you've just called to spout nonsense, I'm hanging up."

"Why the rush? I've heard Blanchet Group rented an office building right in the downtown core. I just happen to be shopping nearby. How about coming down for a chat, Winnie?"

Winnie's fingers tightened around the phone, her thoughts involuntarily drifting to Ishara's hair. She hadn't had the chance to secure a sample recently, but despite this, her resolve to conclude the call remained steadfast.

"Go ahead and hang up then." Ishara's tone was taunting. "Seems like you've resigned yourself to the fact that you're left with just one son?"

Winnie's body seized up; her shaking became violent at the mention of her son.

Ishara's words carried an insinuation, a veiled reference to Oscar.

She quickly hit the record button, but Ishara, ever cautious, had already disconnected the call, leaving Winnie to contend with her frustration and the absence of evidence.

Winnie spun around abruptly, her flushed face turning deathly pale, and she stumbled out of the office.

"Winnie, who was on the phone? You look terrible. Where are you going?"