Chapter 419 Unable to Have Children
Abigail noticed Michelle seemed down and immediately walked over. "Mom, you've been so tired these past few days. Why don't you take a good rest?"
Michelle was lost in her thoughts but snapped out of it when she heard Abigail's concern. She smiled and shook her head. "I'm fine. It's you who should rest, especially with the baby."
Abigail leaned into Michelle's arms, nodding softly. "Alright, I understand."
Imogen blinked innocently and chimed in, "Abigail and Michelle have such a strong bond. They seem even closer than a real mother and daughter."
Aurelia smiled as she nodded. "Michelle had never had a daughter all these years. It's nice that she has Abigail now to experience the joy of family."
Abigail frowned slightly.
What seemed like a compliment to Michelle was actually a subtle jab at her inability to have biological children, implying she had to adopt to feel loved. Aurelia and Imogen clearly had hidden intentions.
Michelle caught the veiled insult and her expression darkened.
Before she could respond, Abigail comforted her by patting her shoulder and addressing Aurelia, "You're right, Aurelia. It's because of Mom's love that even as a girl, I've earned Grandpa's affection and even share in the inheritance."
Aurelia's face stiffened, her hands clenching. Despite having a daughter, she married into a family that prized sons, leaving her and Imogen disrespected and excluded from inheritance. The Rainier family used her in a business marriage. Abigail's words cut to the heart of these wounds.
Seeing Aurelia's pale face, Abigail winked playfully at Michelle.
Having run a company for years, Abigail saw through Aurelia's schemes and would not let her target Michelle.
Abigail continued, "Aurelia, why did your face suddenly change so much? Are you feeling unwell? If you're sick, you should get treated quickly. Not everyone has a husband skilled in medicine like my mom does."
This time, Aurelia couldn't keep up her smile. She mumbled something about having things to do and quickly left.
Imogen shot Abigail an angry glare and followed Aurelia out.
After they left, Michelle gave Abigail a disapproving look. "Why bother with them?"
Abigail hugged Michelle and scoffed. "I just can't stand them. They basically mocked you for not being able to have kids. If it happens again, I'll do it again."
Anyone who dared to insult Michelle would feel her wrath!
Michelle smiled warmly at Abigail’s boldness and pinched her cheek. "Thank you, Abigail. I'm so proud to have such a sweet, thoughtful daughter like you."
A huge smile spread across Abigail's face as she glared at Caius, who stood silent and baffled.
Why was she looking at him like that?
Not waiting for him to apologize, Abigail huffed. "Dad, don't you have anything to say?"
Caius glanced at Abigail and then at Michelle. Although he didn't understand why he'd upset Michelle, he could tell he had.
He quickly apologized, "It’s my fault. Whatever punishment you think is fair, I'll accept."
Michelle shook her head and smiled helplessly. "Do you even know what you did wrong?"
Caius shook his head. "If you're upset, then it's my fault."
Michelle laughed, waving her hand. "Alright, stop with the cheesy lines in front of the kids."
Caius didn't care and pulled Abigail to the side, sitting next to Michelle. "Dear, do you not like Aurelia?"
Michelle bit her lip and shook her head. "No, it's just that thinking about her being your ex-fiancée makes me feel uncomfortable."
Caius pulled her into his arms, reassuring her, "Dear, you've always been the one in my heart. No one else."
Abigail rolled her eyes. "I don't think Aurelia sees it that way."
Earlier, her eyes were fixed on Caius. Did she think no one noticed her affectionate gaze?
Caius coldly replied, "I didn't notice that. My attention was only on Michelle. But no matter what she thinks, I'm not letting her succeed."
He hadn't chosen Aurelia twenty years ago, and he wouldn't now. She was married, and he had someone else to protect.
Abigail wanted to say more, but Michelle cut her off, "I know, I know all this, so I'm not worried about her affecting our relationship."
She understood Caius's feelings; without trust, they wouldn't have come this far.
Abigail watched Michelle and Caius getting all lovey-dovey in front of her and complained to Gregory, "See, Mom and Dad are the true love. I'm just the sidekick."
Gregory chuckled and ruffled her hair. "Our kids might say the same thing someday."
Abigail laughed and pushed him lightly. "What nonsense are you talking about!"
Gregory grabbed her hand, kissed it gently, and looked at her seriously. "I'm not joking. I mean it."
Looking into his earnest eyes, Abigail felt her heart skip a beat, and a faint blush crept onto her cheeks.
The next day, Aurelia and Imogen returned to the Worthington Mansion with a gift for Michelle. They found Abigail in the yard, observing Michelle as she studied herbs. Despite her brief training, Michelle had already mastered several family remedies, showcasing her natural talent.
Abigail stayed by her side, listening attentively as she explained the properties of the herbs.
Aurelia was shocked when she found out Michelle had studied the Worthington family's medical knowledge. "That's an heirloom of the Worthington family. How could it be passed to an outsider so easily?"
It would be one thing if it was given to her son, but Michelle was just an outsider. How had she managed to charm Caius?