Sham Marriage Quit Real Heiress Strikes Back novel Chapter 97

A flicker of panic flashed through Camille's eyes, but if this was what it took to stay by Nathan's side, she was willing to gamble.

She tightened her grip on Victoria's hand and nodded. "Yes, Mom. I've missed my period this month. I went to the hospital yesterday. They confirmed it. I'm four weeks pregnant."

For half a second, the room fell silent.

Then Victoria broke into delighted laughter. "Why didn't you tell me sooner? That's wonderful news. This is the best news I've heard all year."

Nathan stood frozen.

Pregnant? Now?

The timing was almost too precise.

But he could not deny it. A few weeks ago, he had crossed that line with Camille.

Charles had initially suspected Camille was lying. However, one look at Nathan's stunned expression told him everything he needed to know. The truth was written all over his grandson's face.

Instead of relief, a deep ache settled in his chest. Elena was still missing.

And now this.

"Nathan, look at the mess you've made," Charles said, his voice trembling with anger. "Elena's whereabouts are unknown, and this woman is pregnant with your child. I will not acknowledge that baby."

"Dad!" Victoria cut in sharply.

She stepped forward, shielding Camille. "Camille is Nathan's wife. Of course she's carrying his child. Isn't that completely normal? As for Elena, she's a grown woman. Do you really think something could just happen to her? You're not in good health, and she still let you worry like this. That doesn't seem very thoughtful to me."

"Nathan is my son," Victoria continued firmly. "You don't have to accept Camille, but I do. The child she's carrying is a Hawthorne. That's a fact."

Catherine could not stay silent any longer. She moved closer, her voice tight with emotion. "Charles, Camille didn't beg to marry Nathan. Nathan came to us and promised he would take care of her. That's why we agreed to let him marry her without telling Elena. Camille has already endured enough humiliation. How can you treat her like this?"

Her eyes reddened. "To be honest, Camille surpasses Elena in every way. Why isn't she worthy of being your granddaughter-in-law? If you continue speaking this way, then perhaps our families should reconsider any future relationship."

In her distress for Camille, Catherine completely forgot that Elena was still missing.

Charles's breathing turned labored. His chest rose and fell sharply.

"You... all of you... fine. Very fine..."

His face drained of color. The next second, his body swayed and collapsed.

"Dad!"

"Grandpa!"

Victor and Nathan lunged forward, barely catching him before he hit the floor.

"Call 911. Now."

The ambulance arrived quickly and rushed Charles to the Medical Center.

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