The Day I Quit Him (Autumn and Mars) novel Chapter 189

**Chapter 189**

The atmosphere in the room shifted dramatically as all eyes were drawn to the massive screen at the front.

It was a collective gasp that rippled through the crowd when they realized that the screen, which had been displaying a series of personal photos and videos, had abruptly transitioned to something far more shocking.

The first video that played was unmistakably hospital security footage.

In it, Lydia and Mars were captured in a hushed conversation, their expressions tense as they discussed the truth surrounding the baby that Autumn was reportedly carrying.

A scandal involving a baby was always bound to captivate an audience, far more than the usual gossip or drama.

The guests had been buzzing with curiosity about Autumn’s pregnancy ever since Mrs. Lopez had hinted at something being amiss.

After all, Lydia and Mars had been so overtly confident in their assertions, almost as if they had insider knowledge that something was indeed off about Autumn’s situation.

As the murmurs filled the room, the guests speculated wildly, conjuring up all sorts of theories, yet they had never once imagined that Mars and Lydia could be scheming to have Autumn act as a surrogate for them.

“That’s just monstrous,” someone exclaimed, unable to contain their outrage.

Even those who had hoped to remain neutral found themselves drawn into the drama, their indignation spilling over.

“Are they even human?” another voice chimed in, disbelief evident.

“Cheating with your wife’s stepsister is one thing, but to secretly plot to have your actual wife bear a child for your mistress… My god, how could Mars sink so low? He’s so calculating.”

“Seriously! The baby comes from Autumn’s body, after ten months of pregnancy and the agony of childbirth… They were dead set on making her an unwitting surrogate!”

“Just think about it: the baby is born, and Autumn showers it with love as if it were her own, only to discover the truth later. She would be so overwhelmed with maternal affection that she might choose to endure the pain for the sake of the baby. And then, not only would that deceitful couple escape unscathed, but they’d also have a free nanny! What a wicked scheme!”

Mars, who had been watching the unfolding chaos, felt his heart drop. He had never anticipated that Autumn would find out about their vile plan. His complexion turned ashen, a ghostly pallor washing over his features.

“Autumn… let me explain…” he stammered, desperation creeping into his voice.

But deep down, he knew that with the truth about the baby now exposed, any explanations he offered would ring hollow and insincere.

He simply could not afford to lose Autumn.

He was acutely aware of the significant influence she wielded over Cloud Break Corporation, as well as the personal hold she had on him.

The revelation had already tarnished his reputation and eroded public support. If he were to lose Autumn’s backing on top of that, he would plummet from the heights of success to the depths of despair.

No, he absolutely had to prevent that from happening!

“Explain what?” Autumn’s voice dripped with disdain, her eyes narrowing dangerously. “Mars, oh, Mars. I thought you were just a cheating scoundrel who couldn’t keep it in his pants. I never imagined you could be this revolting and vile!”

“If you had just been honest and told me you were in love with Lydia from the very beginning, do you really think I would have said yes when you asked me out?”

“You all conspired against me! You’re just as reprehensible as the rest of the Lopez family! You truly deserve to be one big, happy family!”

At that moment, Oliver Lopez couldn’t hold back any longer. He shot back, “Autumn, what nonsense are you spouting!”

“This is between you and Mars. Don’t drag us into your mess.”

Oliver was still attempting to salvage the situation, his selfish instincts kicking in.

Seeing that Mars was a lost cause, he decided to cut his son-in-law loose in a bid to protect the reputation of the Lopez family.

After all, he was now the president of the Lopez Group, the majority shareholder, and still relatively young.

His one regret had always been not having a son. Now that both his daughters were proving to be unreliable, he figured if he tried hard enough, he might still be able to make that dream a reality.

Then, he could manipulate Autumn into returning to raise her little brother. His son, as the sole heir to the Lopez family, could not only inherit the Lopez Group but also gain access to all of Autumn’s assets.

It was a brilliant plan that would kill several birds with one stone!

He fixed Autumn with an authoritative glare, convinced that despite his past treatment of her, he was still her father. Surely, she would feel intimidated and choose to spare the Lopez family from disgrace.

But as she met his smug confidence with a resolute stare, Autumn felt her stomach churn.

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