Chapter 169 Take a Gamble
Maria stayed calm. "What's he gonna do? He would only throw a fit."
Norman got mad. "Do you even know what you're talking about? How dare you judge me?"
Maria just smiled. She knew Norman well. If she pushed him too far, he'd divorce her for someone younger in a heartbeat. She didn't want to waste her life like that. Brenda would laugh at her from the afterlife if that happened.
At her age, it wasn't about whether a man came home or not; it was about the kids and keeping her dignity. Otherwise, life felt pointless.
As long as she was Mrs. Thompson, she'd keep her dignity. Even if Norman had a bunch of secretaries, they'd still have to respect her and call her Mrs. Thompson.
Maria just smiled at Norman's sarcasm. Norman suppressed his temper; his anger went unanswered, like a punch into cotton, dissipating without impact. Arguing was useless. They needed a plan, especially since Nathaniel's one-hour visitation was almost up.
Norman was really stressed. Chelsea couldn't stay in the hospital any longer. "Dad, just get me discharged. Let's talk at home; this is not a place for talk."
Norman saw the caregiver had left. Chelsea had a point; they needed to avoid the caregiver to keep things from Nathaniel. Discharging Chelsea would buy them some time.
After thinking it over, Norman agreed. "Alright, I'll arrange it. Text Nathaniel that you're feeling better, and the doctor said you should rest at home."
Chelsea happily got off the bed to change.
When Norman came back with some bills, he asked, "Did Nathaniel say anything?"
Chelsea, putting on makeup, said, "Couldn't reach him. He's probably busy."
They decided to tell Nathaniel later. As they were leaving, Norman remembered Reed was in the same building, and an idea hit him: "Chelsea, I've got an idea. Want to hear it?"
"Sure, Dad," Chelsea said.
Norman paused. "Reed, Nathaniel's grandfather, is here too. Let's tell him you're carrying Nathaniel's son. Since Marcus, his second, didn't marry, he'd love a great-grandchild. If he's happy, your life will get easier."
Chelsea was shocked. "Dad, no way." She'd tried to visit Reed in this very hospital before, after which Nathaniel ignored her for days. Reed hadn't been kind either, and she knew Reed didn't like her.
"Dad, Reed doesn't like me," Chelsea explained.
Norman was frustrated. "Does it matter if he likes you? He'll like the baby. Use that to your advantage."
Chelsea hesitated. "Really?"
Norman, looking determined, said, "Let's give it a shot, even if it's a long one. If it works, you'll be Mrs. Heilbronn soon. If it doesn't, it won't be any worse. Nathaniel's pushing for tests; do you have a better option?"
Chelsea couldn't think of a better plan. Realizing she was carrying the Heilbronn family's great-grandson, she assumed Reed wouldn't be harsh. "Dad, let's do it."
Decision made, Norman led Chelsea and Maria to Reed's ward. He'd found out Reed was in the VIP ward on the top floor.
When they reached the top floor, Chelsea felt nervous but more confident with Norman, Maria, and the baby on her side.
Reed had just called Aurelia to check on her fever. When someone knocked, Ted went to open the door.
When Ted saw the Thompson family, his expression tensed. He knew about Nathaniel's complicated relationship with Chelsea. These guests weren't welcome.
"Mr. Heilbronn needs rest. Please leave," Ted said politely.
Norman hadn't even spoken yet and was already being turned away. He wouldn't have it. "Ted, I just want a quick word with Reed. I'll treat you to dinner later."
Ted stayed firm. "Mr. Heilbronn isn't well. He hasn't seen any strangers, not even company execs. Please don't make this hard."
Norman felt slighted. Being called a stranger by a butler was unacceptable, so he pushed forward. "Reed, I've brought your great-grandchild to see you."
Norman forced Ted to step back and almost entered the ward. Reed could hear him clearly.
Ted, having worked for the Heilbronn family for decades, had never seen such shamelessness. He couldn't stop Norman.
Norman pushed past Ted, bringing Chelsea and Maria in. "Reed, how are you? I have great news that'll make you feel better instantly."
He stepped forward with Chelsea. "Chelsea is carrying Nathaniel's child. It's a boy, confirmed by blood tests. The Heilbronn family has a descendant."
Norman eagerly awaited Reed's reaction, thinking Chelsea's pregnancy would secure her position as Mrs. Heilbronn.
"Chelsea, say something." He nudged Chelsea.
Chelsea, initially hesitant, spoke boldly after Norman's reassuring look. "Mr. Heilbronn, I'm seven weeks pregnant with Nathaniel's child. It's a boy, confirmed by blood tests. Nathaniel loves this child, and we're all looking forward to his birth."
She placed her hand on her belly. "I'm here on the baby's behalf to greet you, his great-grandfather."
The ward fell silent.
Just when everyone thought Reed would be overjoyed, he started coughing violently and spat out blood.
Ted panicked and hit the emergency nurse button.
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