Chapter 150 Leave Him a Child
Nathaniel finally got through to Chelsea's number, and an old, sorrowful voice answered—it was Norman.
"Mr. Heilbronn, I finally reached you. Chelsea's heart condition has flared up. Please, take care of her. This poor kid has suffered a lot, especially after that incident years ago..."
Norman's voice cracked, and he paused before continuing, "Let's not dwell on the past. It's just that Chelsea's body can't handle any more stress. Come and see her; she's carrying your baby."
Norman deliberately mentioned the time Chelsea had a heart attack after nearly drowning while saving Nathaniel, hoping to evoke sympathy and make him feel indebted.
After numerous failed attempts to reach Nathaniel, but he didn't show up even after Ashley managed to connect the call, Norman realized Nathaniel was avoiding the situation.
The baby in Chelsea's womb hadn't brought him any joy at all; otherwise, his attitude wouldn't be like this.
A soon-to-be father, hearing that the mother of his child had a heart attack, would normally be frantic. The fact that Nathaniel had to be practically begged to get in touch indicated one thing—he had no expectations for this baby or even for the child's mother.
Norman had high hopes for this son-in-law. Nathaniel controlled Imperick's finances, and Norman's business would flourish by aligning himself with Nathaniel. Those who once looked down on him and caused him trouble in business would now have to flatter him, earning him their respect.
Just the thought of it made Norman feel elated.
After hanging up, Chelsea anxiously asked, "Dad, what did he say? Is he coming?"
Norman tossed his phone onto the bed and replied, "He's coming."
Maria quickly gathered the snacks on the hospital bed and threw them in the hallway's trash bin. She then advised Chelsea, "Don't just stand there. Lie down quickly. Act weak. Don't let anyone see through it."
Turning back to Norman, Maria asked, "Has the doctor been informed? I hope we're not giving anything away."
Norman was agitated and preoccupied with making Nathaniel devoted to Chelsea. Upon hearing Maria's constant questions, he scolded her, "It's done. Stop yakking on; how annoying."
Taken aback by the sudden scolding a few seconds, Maria, after retorted, "All you know is to scold us. If you have the guts, scold Nathaniel and tell him to divorce that little tramp quickly and marry our Chelsea."
The mention of 'little tramp' instantly angered Norman. He could tolerate Aurelia being cursed, but not when it was linked to him. She was his child; he couldn't allow such derogatory remarks.
"Shut up. You've given birth to one yourself. You can't even bear a son. All you do is gossip all day, you ignorant woman!"
Norman's attitude deeply hurt Maria. Before she got involved with him, he had pampered her in every way. He used to say that his wife at home only criticized him for lacking ability, living off her, and being incapable of doing business. He could only find male dignity in her presence.
Now that he had succeeded in business and she was getting older, Norman was finding fault with her, even blaming her for not bearing a son.
Maria burst into tears. "If you regret it, let's get a divorce. You can go to the cemetery and find your heartless mother and your virtuous wife who didn't bother you."
Norman's gaze sharpened. "Nonsense! The dead can't come back. Why didn't you say this ten years ago?"
Maria paused, realizing she had said it out of anger. She hadn't expected Norman to actually consider seeking out his ex-wife and the mother who had been hostile to her and her daughter.
She fell silent, realizing she was no longer young and had lost her allure over him. With his ruthless nature, he could easily discard her and marry someone younger. Norman was capable of such a thing.
With her beauty fading and her finances controlled by him, she had little savings. Without him, she couldn't survive.
The hospital room fell into silence.
Chelsea watched her parents argue, unable to intervene. Finally, it was her turn to speak. "Dad, you're well-connected. Do you have any way to make him divorce Aurelia quickly?"
Norman paced back and forth, then chuckled bitterly after a moment. "Men want a son to carry on their lineage. Especially in a top-tier family like the Heilbronn family, with wealth that could last generations, a son is needed to inherit it. If you're carrying a boy, I believe that Reed will definitely welcome you into their fold."
Chelsea grew anxious. "Dad, your solution doesn't address the most urgent issue at hand. The problem now is that Aurelia is also pregnant, further along than me. If she has a son first, I'll lose out. Nathaniel will surely abandon me then."
Norman clapped his hands, forgetting this additional complication.
Aurelia managed to win Nathaniel's favor and secure a place in the Heilbronn family. If Norman had known that his mother had a deep friendship with Reed, he should have brought her back then.
However, time couldn't be turned back. Aurelia had married into a wealthy family, and worse, she didn't acknowledge him as her father.
Norman pondered relentlessly. "Chelsea, don't worry. Protect your baby well. I've heard that there are techniques to determine the baby's gender through genetic testing. Let's check if you're carrying a boy before making any further plans."
Chelsea found solace in her father's broad knowledge and strategic thinking.
Nathaniel smoked a cigarette out in the yard. Knowing that Chelsea and Reed were in the same hospital, he didn't feel the need to rush over. From the phone call, he didn't think Chelsea was in any serious trouble; it was likely a false alarm like before.
Norman's words had upset him. No one in Imperick dared to threaten him.
By bringing up events from years ago, Norman was essentially demanding repayment for saving his life.
The difference between voluntarily repaying a life-saving favor and being coerced into it was significant.
Norman's actions had stirred up Nathaniel's aversion, making him more resistant to Chelsea.
He pondered if there was a way to settle this life-saving debt once and for all. He shouldn't be the one feeling bound by it.
When Nathaniel entered the hospital room, Chelsea lay weakly on the bed with a bandage on her arm as if she had just received an IV.
Upon seeing him, Chelsea teared up instantly. "Nathaniel, you're here. My son and I almost couldn't see you."
Norman covered his face, shedding tears. "Honey, don't say that. I can't bear these scares anymore. You and the baby must be alive. I'm still waiting for him to call me grandpa."
Chelsea comforted him, "Dad, you heard the doctor. Who knows when I might get stressed and have another episode? My condition is becoming more frequent. I'm not afraid of death, but thinking of the unborn baby, I can't accept it. He hasn't even been held by his father yet; he can't quietly leave this world."
Both of them cried as earnestly as they could.
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