His Regret Arrived Three Days Late novel Chapter 152

"But... but..." Annika's words dissolved into sobs. She knew you couldn't rush things, but Monroe was still sick, and she couldn't bear to be separated from him.

Every one of her sobs felt like a saw tearing through Conrad's heart. He ran a hand through his hair in frustration. "Can you... please don't cry?"

Her voice was thick with tears. "I'll cry if I want to. What's it to you? You must be thrilled. After all, you're not the one who gave birth to him. Conrad, I'm starting to suspect you planned this with your mother and grandfather all along."

"Even if I wanted Monroe back, I would never resort to forcefully taking him," Conrad admitted. "Annika, I don't think you know me at all."

His words carried a hint of resentment, but in her grief, Annika didn't notice. Her mind was still stuck on what he had said to Zoltan—that he had never been with other women. The reality was, since their divorce, he had been a fixture in Seafall City's nightlife, a constant subject of tabloid gossip. He was clearly just lying to appease his grandfather. She told herself she wasn't foolish enough to believe him.

It was only then that Conrad registered what she had said: 'you're not the one who gave birth to him.'

Suddenly, a wry smile touched his lips. "How am I not the one who gave birth to him? Annika, did you manage to have him all by yourself?"

His teasing broke through her tears, and a small laugh escaped her, instantly lightening the mood. Seeing that small smile break through her tears, Conrad found himself staring for a beat. "That's better," he said softly. "You should smile more often. Justin is always saying it's a waste for someone with such a beautiful face to always look so cold."

They had never spoken like this before. In the past, Conrad would never have mentioned his friends to her. Curious, Annika asked, "Justin says I'm cold?"

"'Icy Durian.'"

His words were all the reassurance she needed.

Around the corner, a figure had been standing in the shadows for some time. From her vantage point, it looked as if Conrad was holding Annika in an intimate embrace, their bodies close, practically kissing. The woman's nails dug into her palm, leaving deep, bloody crescents. The pain was sharp, but her expression didn't change. Estelle Beryl slowly turned her head, her eyes, now fixed on Zoltan's room, glowing with a venomous green light. With Annika's little mutt in the Beryl Manor, she could strike at any time.

* * *

Nolan excitedly told Annika that the Sargent Group's bid had passed the Beryl Group's review. He was sure Conrad had pulled some strings out of consideration for Monroe; after all, Annika was the mother of his child. Annika offered no comment. Ever since Zoltan had taken Monroe, her thoughts were consumed by her son.