Sham Marriage Quit Real Heiress Strikes Back novel Chapter 296

Chapter 296 A Slap and a Threat

Daniel and his son Evan looked anything but pleased. Victoria, who had been in low spirits, seemed to brighten slightly. “Nathan, why don’t you go speak with your grandfather? Weren’t you wanting to discuss that partnership with Simon? Go on, have a word with him.” she suggested.

Nathan rose from the sofa and made his way toward Charles.

It wasn’t far, but his walk was noticeably uneven–his right leg still bore the traces of that old injury, a lasting mark he’d never quite come to terms with.

Charles watched him approach, a flicker of regret passing through his

He stood. “Let’s talk in the study.”

“All right.” Nathan replied, following him down the hall.

eyes.

Victoria could sense Charles‘ resistance softening. A faint smile touched her lips as she began instructing the staff to prepare something nutritious for Charles–already slipping back into her old role as the Hawthornes‘ lady.

Camille felt increasingly uneasy. She stood abruptly. “I need some air.”

Before Victoria could respond, she hurried out into the hallway. Barely two minutes later, familiar footsteps sounded behind her.

Without even turning, she spun around and slapped him hard across the face.

“What part of leave me alone‘ don’t you understand? You’re pathetic,” she hissed, glaring at Evan with pure contempt.

Evan rubbed his cheek, his expression darkening. “You’re pregnant… and you kept it from me?”

“Whether I am or not, it’s none of your concern. Who do you think you are? Just because you’re a VP at Hawthorne Group now doesn’t impress me. To me, you’re still just a desperate loser.”

She had originally planned to handle the pregnancy quietly.

But her mind had changed.

She would use this child to tie Nathan to her.

This baby could only be Nathan’s–Evan wasn’t worthy, and she wanted nothing to do with him.

Evan’s eyes narrowed. His voice turned icy. “You want my child calling that gimp Nathan ‘Dad“?”

“Get out of my sight,” Camille shot back.

She tried to strike him again, but this time Evan caught her wrist mid–air.

“Don’t test me. If you push too far. I won’t hesitate to tell Nathan exactly how you’ve played him.”

Camille’s confidence wavered. Her arm went slack.

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Chapter 296 A Slap and a Threat

“What do you want?”

62

Finished

Evan’s gaze held hers for a long moment before he smirked coldly. “Victoria wants Nathan to use that baby to win Charles over. I don’t ask for much–whatever Nathan’s planning, you ruin it.”

“You’re insane.” Camille breathed.

“Fine. Should I go tell him now?”

They stood locked in tense silence. Camille knew Evan was reckless enough to follow through.

“Fine. I’ll do it.”

It wasn’t as if she wanted Nathan regaining too much influence in the family anyway. The more power he gained, the harder he’d be to control.

“Now leave,” Camille muttered, turning away.

She couldn’t stand the sight of him another second.

Evan didn’t reply, simply walking off down the hall.

Frustrated, Camille took it out on a nearby potted plant, tearing off handfuls of leaves until it was bare.

Then came footsteps again from behind. Assuming it was Evan returning, she whirled around irritably. “Why can’t you just-”

Her words died in her throat.

It wasn’t Evan.

う

It was Nathan, watching her with an unreadable expression.

A chill ran down Camille’s spine. She forced a light laugh. “Finished talking with your grandfather?”

“Yeah. What had you so upset earlier?” Nathan asked calmly.

Camille waved a hand dismissively. “Oh, nothing. Just some annoying spam caller… It’s getting late. Should we head home, honey?”

Being anywhere near Evan made her nervous.

Nathan didn’t press further. He simply took her hand and led her back inside.

As time passed, winter settled over Northbridge, bringing the first snowfall of the season.

Elena’s bump had grown more noticeable. Alexander accompanied her to her three–month prenatal visit. The doctor reminded her to eat more iron–rich foods, keep up with her appointments, and get plenty of

rest.

Elena had heard it all before, but Alexander took every word to heart. After the doctor finished, he asked several thoughtful, detailed questions.

17:23 Thu, May 21

Chapter 296 A Slap and a Threat

Eventually, Elena grew embarrassed. She tugged gently at Alexander’s sleeve. “I think that’s enough for now.”

Alexander squeezed her hand reassuringly. “Just one more thing”

Elena grew nervous at his serious tone.

Then Alexander asked the doctor plainly, “During the pregnancy–when is it safe for us to be intimate?”

The moment the words left his mouth, Elena’s face flushed deep red.

The doctor, a woman in her forties, looked momentarily surprised before smiling in amusement. “The first and last trimesters carry more risk. If there’s no history of complications or spotting, intimacy is generally safe during the second trimester. I believe I mentioned this to your wife earlier.”

“Yes, yes, you did. Thank you–we’ll be going now,” Elena stammered, utterly mortified.

How could he ask something so personal so casually?

She quickly pulled him out of the office before he could say another word.

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Sham Marriage Quit, Real Heiress Stukes Back