Chapter 56 This Child Cannot Stay

"Mrs. Smith," Emily greeted.

Grace was decked out in a deep purple gown, all fancy with golden patterns along the hem. She had this dazzling diamond necklace on, with a big purple gemstone that matched her dress perfectly, making her look super regal.

Grace usually didn't dress up this much, and her eyes had this cold, stern vibe as she looked Emily up and down.

Emily hadn't seen her in ages and felt super nervous. She fidgeted awkwardly before finally inviting her inside.

Seeing Emily looking all worn out, Grace shook her head inwardly, totally judging her and wondering why James was so caught up with her.

Grace frowned, glanced around the tiny apartment with a hint of disdain, and then plopped down on the couch. "Emily, we need to talk."

Emily was shocked that Grace came to see her personally, and a wave of unease hit her. But she forced herself to stay calm and said softly, "Mrs. Smith, go ahead."

"You know why I'm here," Grace cut straight to the chase. "The baby can't be kept."

Emily's heart sank. She had a feeling Grace was here about the baby, but she didn't expect her to demand an abortion right away. "Mrs. Smith, I can raise this child on my own."

"Emily, you and James are divorced, and there's no chance of getting back together," Grace interrupted, her voice cold and firm. "So this child shouldn't exist! The Smith Family's reputation can't be tarnished by anything! If you agree to the abortion, I'll give you a large sum of money. You can go anywhere you want, and you won't have to worry about those online comments anymore."

A flash of pain crossed Emily's eyes as she instinctively touched her belly, trembling slightly. This child had already become a part of her.

Emily couldn't imagine the pain of losing the baby, a life she was eagerly looking forward to welcoming. She couldn't just abort the child!

A strong sense of anger and helplessness surged in Emily's heart. "Mrs. Smith, I'm sorry, but I can't abort this child."

Grace hadn't expected that after all her persuasion, Emily would still refuse. She stood up abruptly, pointing at Emily and speaking harshly, "Emily, you better think this through. If you insist on keeping this child, you'll face the consequences!"

Emily nodded firmly. Her decision might bring serious consequences, but she couldn't give up on this child. "Mrs. Smith, I'm sorry, but I really can't give up this child. Please leave."

Realizing Emily actually dared to kick her out, Grace was so angry she was trembling, unable to keep her dignified composure. She slammed the door as she left, saying, "Look out for yourself."

Outside, the sun was blazing, but Grace's expression was grim.

She got back into the car, her face dark as she told the driver to head back, her mind racing. 'That baby in Emily's belly can't stay. Whether it's James's or not, it shouldn't exist. Everyone in our social circle is mocking the Smith Family because of that shameless woman being James's ex-wife. When have I ever endured such humiliation? And if the baby is James's, Emily will do a paternity test and cling to him, and the Smith Family will lose all dignity.'

For a moment, Grace felt an overwhelming sense of defeat. Gritting her teeth, she muttered, "Turn around, and go to VirtualCare Hospital."

Outside the car window, the scenery blurred by.

A few minutes later, the car slowly stopped near a hospital. Grace got out and walked into a high-end café.

It was mid-afternoon, and the café was nearly empty.

Grace looked around and saw Olivia sitting in the corner.

"Mrs. Smith," Olivia said, standing up immediately with a fawning smile.

Grace gave her a cold look and walked straight to the seat opposite her without saying a word.

Grace had never liked Olivia.

Emily might be a bit stupid, but Olivia was more scheming, and James had been so infatuated with her that he abandoned the Smith Family.

Back then, Sophia had disliked Olivia even more, so Grace didn't have to deal with her personally.

But now, Grace disliked Emily even more and thought Olivia seemed more tolerable by comparison.

Emily's baby couldn't stay, and if persuasion didn't work, more drastic measures were needed. But it couldn't be Grace doing it. So she had no choice but to come to Olivia. Since Olivia and James were planning to get engaged, it was perfect for Olivia to handle this.

Grace picked up the menu on the table, casually ordered a coffee, then looked up, her gaze cold as she stared at Olivia. "I need you to do something for me. The baby in Emily's belly can't stay. If you take care of this, I won't interfere with matters between you and James."

Seeing Olivia's face turn pale, Grace added, "If necessary, I'll persuade Sophia for you."

Grace's words were blunt.

Olivia bit her lip. When she first got Grace's call, she was a bit confused.

But now, everything was clear.

For Olivia, getting rid of Emily's baby was risky, but Grace's offer was tempting.

Olivia and James hadn't officially gotten engaged because the Smith Family wouldn't acknowledge her. Now Grace was giving her a choice, and she had to seize it.

A ruthless glint flashed in Olivia's downcast eyes. She pretended to hesitate for a moment before speaking, "I understand. You'll hear from me soon."

Grace knew she wouldn't refuse. She lifted her chin, nodded, and left.

Watching her leave, Olivia played with the recorder in her hand, her expression dark as she thought, 'Emily, you brought this on yourself. Don't blame me.'