Chapter 176 Diana, Thank You

"Diana, you're so sweet to me. Do you even realize how valuable this album is?" Anne was practically bouncing with excitement.

I gave a soft smile, my voice calm but firm. "As long as you love it, no matter how rare it is, I'll get it for you."

"Thank you so much!" Anne beamed, carefully tucking the album into her bag and getting ready to leave.

I glanced at the door, mentally calculating the time. Edward should be here any minute. The thought filled me with anticipation, and I quickly called out to Anne, "Hey, Anne, why don't we hang out for a bit before we go shopping for some baby stuff?" I said, gently rubbing my belly, trying to hide my mixed emotions and look all motherly.

Anne, still buzzing from the gift, couldn't say no and sat back down. She absentmindedly stirred her coffee, a slight smirk on her face, and said with a hint of pride, "Aria's kid is gone. Now, no one will compete with your baby for attention."

"Compete for attention?" I raised an eyebrow, feigning surprise.

Without lifting her gaze from the swirling coffee, Anne maintained a composed but chilling tone. "Yeah, this way, your place in the Howard family and in Edward's heart will be rock solid."

I smiled faintly, a glint of cunning in my eyes. "When it comes to Edward's love, who could be more favored than you?"

Anne suddenly looked up, a trace of annoyance in her eyes. "Diana, I'm on your side now. I can't stand Aria's smug face. Now that her kid is gone, even though Edward seems to care for her, he actually despises her. She'll be sent back to Veridian soon."

From Edward's attitude towards Aria, I could tell he didn't have much genuine affection for her. But I wasn't so sure if Aria would be sent back to Veridian. She had a mission, and she wouldn't leave without completing it.

Seeing my doubtful expression, Anne raised her chin, confidence shining in her eyes, and said loudly, "Trust me, she'll definitely be sent away."

I could sense Anne's hatred for Aria was at its peak, almost breaking through her calm exterior. So, I probed without revealing my intentions, "I heard Aria was raped, which led to her miscarriage. Have you heard about this?"

Anne's lips curled into a mysterious smile, her eyes filled with undisguised pride. "Diana, I know way more than you. I even have some shocking videos. Want to see them?" she said.

"What videos?" My curiosity was thoroughly piqued, and I couldn't wait to ask. At this point, Anne was starting to slip up. I was sure she had a hand in this mess. If I could get my hands on those videos she mentioned, it would be a lot easier to nail her.

But then, Anne seemed to catch on. Her expression changed, and she quickly put on a concerned look, saying sweetly, "You've got a baby on the way. Those nasty videos aren't something you should see. It could leave a mark on your baby's heart." She then laughed, but it sounded weirdly out of place in the quiet café.

"I didn't expect you to care so much about my baby. You must be hiding something," I said, keeping my cool.

"Diana, I really do care about you and the baby." A flash of panic crossed Anne's eyes, but she quickly pulled herself together.

To avoid making her suspicious, I forced a few awkward laughs, trying to lighten the mood. I realized I had been too hasty and almost gave away my true intentions to the sly Anne.

"I hope you're sincere. By the way, you mentioned videos but won't let me see them. What's the big secret?" I kept pushing.

"Diana, some things are better left unknown." Anne frowned.

After a moment of silence, I asked casually, "How do you know so much? Did you find out she was raped?"

Anne finally stopped stirring her coffee and gently placed the spoon on the table, making a soft clink. Then, she winked at me and said mysteriously, "You're so wrong. The people who discovered it isn't me, but I know a lot of inside info that would blow your mind!"

"Are you her savior?" I teased, my tone dripping with sarcasm. "I'm in such a mess. She's convinced I hired someone to do it. Edward got really mad at me. Did you see what the attacker looked like? You have to help me clear my name with Edward."

Anne looked like she'd just heard the most ridiculous thing ever, her eyes widening in shock. She asked, "Edward suspects you? He's such an idiot. But Diana, thank you."

Hearing this, I felt like that my heart was being squeezed by an invisible hand. It felt like the answer was right there, making my heart race and my throat dry up.

"Yes, thank you for taking the fall. If Edward knew I hired someone to hurt Aria and killed his child, he'd hate me forever." Anne's lips curled into a sinister smile, her cold stare sending a chill down my spine.

"How could you do that? You're terrifying." My voice shook.

"She brought it on herself by getting in my way," Anne said, showing her vicious side.

Just then, the café door was pushed open with force, and Edward's familiar figure appeared at the entrance. He strode towards us with a sense of urgency.

Marital Turmoil: Back Off, First Love!
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