Chapter 596 Everything Can Be Sacrificed for the Sake of Interests
Before Lilian could lay a hand on Fiona, Mike intervened, his foot connecting with Lilian's shoulder, sending her sprawling away from Fiona.
Lilian let out a cry of pain, writhing on the ground in agony.
Instinctively, she clutched her abdomen, feeling the sharp ache radiating through her body.
Fiona's words cut through the air like a curse, her gaze devoid of any sympathy as she spoke. "Everyone is aware of the deceit you orchestrated against Darwin. Consider the scores of individuals you've wronged in the past. Do you truly believe they will let you off so easily?"
Those whom Lilian had wronged previously refrained from seeking retribution out of fear of Darwin's wrath, nursing their bitterness and grievances against her in silence.
But now, Lilian found herself bereft of that protective shield.
Shaking herself from her reverie, Lilian realized she had never pondered the implications of Fiona's words before.
With deliberate slowness, Fiona rose to her feet. "I've said all that needs to be said. Our paths are not destined to cross again." Her gaze lingered on Lilian for a moment before she continued, "May fortune favor you."
"Wait!" Lilian scrambled to her feet, a sense of urgency coursing through her veins.
She couldn't articulate her intentions, but the thought of Fiona departing unsettled her deeply.
Lilian refused to accept defeat so easily.
In a bid to inflict some measure of pain upon Fiona in return, Lilian sought words that would sting.
But Fiona remained resolute, striding away without a backward glance.
The heavy iron door slammed shut with a resounding bang.
Lilian rushed to the door, pounding on it desperately. "Fiona, don't leave! We're not finished! Come back!"
Outside, Fiona met Thalassa's furrowed brow with a quizzical expression. "Weren't you planning to give her a piece of your mind just now?"
Thalassa clasped Kenny's hand tightly, casting a questioning glance at Fiona, her brows furrowing. "Babe, what you mentioned just now, is it true? The child Lilian carries isn't Darwin's or hers?"
Fiona nodded in affirmation.
Initially, they had been unaware of this revelation.
Their assumption had been solely that the child didn't belong to Darwin.
However, on the fateful night of the paternity test, a former servant who had served for Anniston approached Darwin and disclosed the truth.
Having observed Darwin since his childhood, the servant felt compelled to share what they knew.
Recent communication with a friend still in Darwin's employ had revealed significant changes in Darwin since his marriage to Fiona.
Concerned for Darwin's newfound happiness, the servant felt compelled to expose Lilian and Anniston's deception regarding the child.
Thalassa pursed her lips, processing the information.
Meanwhile, beyond the confines of the iron gate, Lilian's voice echoed hoarsely and desperate, betraying the depths of her despair.
"I won't lay a hand on a pregnant woman," Thalassa muttered, her tone resigned. "Let's leave; this place is suffocating. I long to return to Chicago."
Disregarding Lilian's cries, the trio departed.
The hostage situation had already captured widespread attention, evolving into a matter of public security far beyond initial expectations.
The unedited video footage circulating online had shocked netizens, particularly witnessing Chicago's stoic yet defiant silence.
"Lilian's actions are truly despicable. How could she harm a child while carrying one herself?"
"Chicago's composure is admirable. She displayed strength to reassure her parents instead of succumbing to tears... It's heart-wrenching."
"I've heard rumors about Mr. Solomon's exceptional children—well-mannered and composed. Today, we've witnessed it firsthand!"
"Lilian's vendetta against Fiona and Darwin failed, so now she targets an innocent child. What a vindictive act stemming from a misguided first love!"
"Don't dignify Lilian with the term 'first love'; she was a fraud and impostor from the beginning!"
"Has anyone heard any updates on the kid's condition? I'm really anxious," someone voiced their concern.
Shortly after, a bulletin was released by the local police station, displayed with blue background and white letters, summarizing the case.
Firstly, it detailed the sequence of events leading up to the incident.
Secondly, it outlined the extent of Chicago's injuries.
Lastly, it reported Lilian's arrest.
Upon the dissemination of the summary, discussions ensued among the public.
"Lilian's apprehension at this juncture is akin to a lifeline for her, isn't it?" remarked one individual.
"Isn't it obvious? She wasn't caught, she was shielded!" retorted another.
"The child's injuries seem minor, so they won't keep Lilian for long, right? By then, the uproar will have subsided, and even if Lilian were to meet an untimely demise, it would likely go unnoticed," speculated a third, tagging Darwin in their comment.
"Let's refrain from such malicious commentary online. The unborn child is innocent. Hopefully, Lilian will realize her errors and embark on a new path with her child upon her release," urged a voice of reason.
"What are you talking about? It wasn't your spouse deceived for over a decade, your family on the brink of destruction, or your daughter nearly killed. With a mother like Lilian, it might be better for the baby not to be born at all. If it's a good child, who knows how Lilian might torment it? If it's a troubled child, who knows how many others will suffer innocently?" countered another, fueled by anger and frustration.
A habitual provocateur on the internet swiftly extracted a new topic from the trending event.
"Should individuals with malicious intent have children?"This contentious query sparked intense debate across online platforms.
In Fiona's heart, beneath her calm facade, turmoil raged.
That night, sleep eluded her, and she dared not close her eyes.
Since Charles and Chicago had moved in, they slept in separate rooms. Fiona tiptoed to check on them repeatedly throughout the night.
In a quiet corner of the second-floor living area, Fiona sat alone after ensuring the children were safe. Meanwhile, Thalassa, unable to sleep, engaged in sporadic conversations with Fiona via Facebook, sharing screenshots of the online discussions.
"I felt conflicted seeing Mike kick her out earlier today. I felt a bit frightened..." confessed Thalassa.
"It's understandable to feel conflicted, especially considering Lilian's condition," Fiona replied.
Had Lilian not been pregnant, Fiona would have sought retribution for the harm inflicted upon Chicago with as much ferocity as Lilian had shown.
After posting this, Fiona pondered briefly before adding another comment.
"You needn't wrestle with this dilemma. After all... once Lilian confirms the child isn't hers, she'll be the first to condemn her."
Thalassa responded with a shocked emoji, prompting no further explanation from Fiona.
Reflecting on Lilian's life, Fiona recognized her willingness to sacrifice anything for her own gain.
From falsely claiming credit for saving Darwin to blackmailing a friend with intimate photos to protect her secret, Lilian's manipulative tactics knew no bounds.
Even remarrying due to Darwin's accident and fabricating tales of domestic abuse and medical procedures, Lilian had shown a willingness to sacrifice her own family for personal gain.
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