Better Late, But Never His Again novel Chapter 185

After a long pause, Beatrice realized Chloe's logic wasn't entirely flawed.

A thorough medical exam couldn't hurt. It would catch any underlying issues and finally pinpoint the problem. Having lived most of her life managing the Hayes family, she knew legacy and bloodlines trumped all else.

She vividly remembered her own struggles with fertility back in the day. The matriarch of the family had forced her to drink bitter herbal remedies for six agonizing months before she finally conceived. She had resented it at the time, but looking back, she understood the older woman's ruthlessness.

Without an heir, securing her position among the vicious Hayes relatives would have been impossible. She let out a heavy sigh.

Beatrice patted Chloe's hand, her tone turning stern. "Even so, you shouldn't disrespect your sister-in-law like that. She's been part of this family for years. She's earned her place."

She paused, gently moving Chloe's hands off her lap. "Besides, they're actively trying for a baby now. I'm not going to meddle in their private affairs. I need to head back to the estate. Are you coming with me, or staying here?"

Chloe didn't hesitate for a second. "I'm staying here."

There was no way she was going back to the stuffy estate and leaving this massive, luxurious villa for that bitch Hazel to enjoy. As long as she was here, Hazel wouldn't know a day of peace.

"Grandma, I'll stay and keep an eye on them for you. Make sure they're actually taking this baby thing seriously."

Too exhausted to argue, Beatrice simply nodded.

The sleek black town car sent to pick her up was already idling in the driveway, its polished exterior gleaming under the streetlights.

Chloe helped the older woman into the back seat, standing on the porch and waving with a sickeningly sweet smile. "Bye, Grandma! I'll come visit you when I have time."

Beatrice pulled the door shut, leaned her head back, and closed her eyes without glancing out the window.

"She had a work emergency at the institute," Julian replied casually, shrugging off his tailored jacket and tossing it over the arm of the sofa.

Chloe's face twisted into a scowl. There was no way that woman wasn't coming home. Did she know Chloe was staying the night and intentionally avoiding her?

"Is she hiding from me?"

Julian was clearly still riding the high of their peaceful parting in the garage. His usual indulgence toward his sister had fully returned.

He chuckled and shook his head, walking past her toward the stairs. "You're overthinking it. She actually has work."

"Julian." Chloe spun around, her voice taking on a sudden, deadly serious edge. "Grandma wants you and Hazel to go to the hospital for a full fertility checkup. She wants to know why you haven't had a kid yet and exactly whose fault it is."