His Regret Arrived Three Days Late novel Chapter 34

“Conrad already promised me he’d see the matter with the Sargent Group through to the end.”

“That won’t be necessary,” Annika replied instantly, her refusal sharp.

“Annika, why must you make things so hard on yourself? The Sargent Group is in deep trouble. Do you really want to see your father’s life’s work go down the drain?”

“Yazmin, no one wants the Sargent Group to survive more than I do. But he and I are divorced now. It’s no longer his responsibility. Please, take care of yourself. I’ll come back to visit when I have time.”

Annika had wondered how she would interact with Yazmin in the future, but now that the truth was out, she felt a sense of relief.

“Annika,” Yazmin said, grabbing her hand. “I had Beth make that nourishing soup you love. At least stay and eat before you go.”

Without waiting for an answer, Yazmin turned and left the sitting room.

“Yazmin, I…”

Annika didn’t want to stay for lunch. She was afraid of running into Serena and Estelle. Estelle's art studio had a performance today, so she was likely out, but Serena was almost certainly home.

As if on cue, just as Annika reached the bottom of the stairs, she saw Serena being wheeled in by a maid. Another servant followed behind them, arms full of shopping bags from high-end boutiques.

Her expression remained calm, but her voice was laced with ice. “You’re awfully jealous of me, aren’t you?”

“Jealous of you?” Serena raised a delicate eyebrow, her eyes darting to Annika’s stomach. A smirk played on her lips. “Jealous that you’re pregnant?”

Before Annika could respond, Yazmin’s voice cut in from behind them. “Who’s pregnant?”

Annika turned to see Yazmin standing at the kitchen doorway, holding a bowl of soup. She realized Yazmin didn't know. Glaring at Serena, she walked over to Yazmin and took the bowl from her, her voice sweet. “Yazmin, you must have misheard. No one’s pregnant.”

But Yazmin wasn't convinced. Her eyes, wide with shock and a glimmer of joy, were fixed on Annika’s stomach. Her lips trembled as she spoke. “Annika, are you really pregnant?”