Chapter 242 Announcing the Engagement
Hearing Mary's question, Anthony quickly walked over, sweat starting to bead on his forehead as he scrambled for an answer.
No way could he tell her the truth—that he had just pinned his future sister-in-law against the wall and had sex with her.
If he did, Mary would probably have a heart attack right then and there.
While he was still trying to come up with something, Calla jumped in and grabbed Mary's attention. "Mrs. Thomas, is what you just said true? I can't believe it! Did Michael really not object at all?" she exclaimed.
Mary immediately forgot about Anthony and turned to Calla. "At first, I couldn't believe it either! I had this whole speech ready to convince him, but he just said 'okay'!" She smiled at Calla.
Calla asked, "Mrs. Thomas, have you set a date for the engagement yet?"
Mary replied, "I'll talk to a wedding planner first thing tomorrow to find the best date. You two should get engaged soon, so I can finally relax."
Later, Calla was back in her room, whispering on the phone with Anthony.
"Thank goodness you helped me out. I was completely stunned when Grandma asked me," Anthony said.
Calla said, "From now on, be more careful and don't come to my room so openly."
"Okay, got it. Next time you call for me, I'll make sure to check the surroundings before sneaking over. But I still want to congratulate you. You're about to get what you want." Anthony's voice suddenly had a hint of sadness.
Calla spoke with pride, "You're right! I'm going to marry Michael. And I'll soon be your sister-in-law."
Anthony said, "Yeah, and when you have a child, all of Michael's assets will belong to you and your child."
Calla said, "I'm not sure how long I'll be able to keep this baby."
Anthony suddenly got nervous. "What do you mean by that?"
Calla replied, "Exactly what I said. This child's existence is the reason Michael will marry me. Once the wedding is over, the child's purpose will be fulfilled. Why would I keep it? To give birth and have Michael do a paternity test, find out I betrayed him, and then divorce me? Anthony, are you really that naive, or do you think I am? Do you honestly believe this child has any chance of surviving?"
Anthony was stunned and didn't answer her.
He had been seeing Calla every day lately. Each time, he couldn't help but look at her belly, where a miraculous little life was growing. It was his own child.
Sometimes, when Calla was in a good mood, he would place his hand on her belly, feeling the baby's movements with excitement, and his paternal love would overflow.
Occasionally, Anthony felt like crying.
He was about to become a father. Although his identity as a father couldn't be made public, he would be happy if Calla allowed him to play a secret role in their child's life.
But now, hearing Calla say that she wouldn't let this child live, his heart ached deeply.
It felt as if someone had killed his child right in front of him.
Thinking of this, he lost all desire to continue the conversation. He said a somber "I wish you all the best" before hanging up the phone.
Michael and Calla's engagement was set for the end of the month, and the internet was buzzing with news about it.
Elizabeth was having breakfast while browsing the news.
As Dean munched on his bread, he said, "Stop reading that stuff. It's all about your ex-husband's engagement. It'll just ruin your appetite."
But Elizabeth kept reading while sipping her soup.
"Isn't it good that he's getting engaged? Saves me from the hassle," she said.
Dean raised an eyebrow. "I hope you really feel that way. Just don't end up crying alone later!"
Elizabeth shot back, "Don't underestimate me! You think I can't move on?"
Dean shrugged. "Since you're so chill about it, let me hit you with some more news. Hopefully, it won't kill your appetite."
Elizabeth looked up, curious. "What now?"
Dean sighed. "Elizabeth, our sales have tanked this month because of all the bad press. If this keeps up, the Jones Group is gonna run out of money. The employees are getting antsy, and that's not good for the company's future."
Elizabeth waved it off. "I thought it was something serious. Don't worry. We'll get through this. It's no big deal."
Dean looked at her like she was crazy. "Elizabeth, should I call you calm and composed, or just oblivious? The Jones Group is about to collapse, and you're still so optimistic?"
Elizabeth shrugged. "Dean, it's not the first time the Jones Group has faced bankruptcy."
Dean was taken aback. "I'm sorry; I didn't mean to bring up something painful."
"It's fine! It's been ages. I just mean that even if we go bankrupt, we'll start over. Sure, our past efforts might go to waste, and our money too. But will you regret partnering with me? If you do, you can leave and go back to Valoria. I won't blame you. You've already done so much for me," Elizabeth said.
Dean got flustered. "Elizabeth, what are you talking about? You saved my life! Without you, I'd be long gone. What good is more money? I just want to be with you. Whatever you do, I'll do. I'll stay by your side, support you, and help you. Being with you is the only thing that makes me feel at peace, warm, and happy."
Elizabeth sighed. "Please, you should find someone to love. I can't hold you back from finding happiness."
Dean suddenly grinned. "Elizabeth, Michael's engagement announcement is actually a good thing for us."
Elizabeth raised an eyebrow. "How so?"
"His engagement news is everywhere. No one's paying attention to our negative press. Isn't that good news?" Dean replied.
Elizabeth chuckled. "That is good news. But am I supposed to thank him for it?"
"Do you think he did it on purpose?" Dean asked.
Elizabeth rolled her eyes. "What are you thinking? The president of Stellar Enterprises, sacrificing himself to get engaged to a woman he doesn't love just to help me with a few negative comments? Do you believe that? They must be getting engaged because they love each other and want to be together forever. What does that have to do with us? Hurry up and finish your breakfast! Didn't you say we have no orders? Finish eating and get to the office!"
Dean quickly finished his bread. "Elizabeth, I'll go get the car. You take your time eating."
He downed a glass of water and headed out.
Elizabeth watched him walk into the yard, and the smile she had been forcing instantly disappeared, replaced by a wave of loneliness.
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