Want My Womb? I'll Make You Childless novel Chapter 102

Chapter 102

At precisely ten o’clock in the morning, Anderson Industries‘ official Twitter account updated on schedule. The first post was a scanned copy of Emma Anderson’s prenatal medical records.

The lines “Chromosome Karyotype 47,XYY” and “Recommendation for Termination of Pregnancy” were highlighted with a striking red box. The caption was blunt: “Medical reports don’t lie. The child’s congenital abnormalities were diagnosed early on. Was the alleged miscarriage a premeditated scheme?”

Ten minutes later, the second piece of evidence followed swiftly.

A photo of the hospital prescription for abortion pills clearly showed Emma Anderson’s signature, with the prescription date being the day before the networking event.

Finally, the complete surveillance footage from the networking event was released.

The video was slowed down, making Emma Anderson’s actions of hiding in the hallway corner and taking pills with wine crystal clear. Even the subsequent argument showed Clara clearly pushing Emma away, and it was obvious that she used that force to throw herself backward. The video tagged Walker Venture Partners‘ official account, as well as Mason Walker’s personal account.

The caption read:“Walker Venture Partners took the opportunity to suppress Anderson Industries. Are they really seeking accountability from Anderson Industries, or are they trying to exploit the situation?”

In just half an hour, the public opinion exploded.

Trending hashtags were skyrocketing at a rate of three refreshes per minute.

Under the hashtags #EmmaAndersonFakeMiscarriage# and #WalkerVenturePartnersSuppression Allegations*, the comments from netizens instantly flipped from initial condemnation of Clara Bennett to denouncing Emma Anderson.

–

Inside the VIP hospital room, Emma Anderson glanced at the wall clock, a smug smile playing on her lips as she replayed the online vitriol directed at Clara Bennett.

A commotion erupted in the hallway, creasing her brow in annoyance. She was about to buzz for a nurse to handle it.

The door burst open, and a swarm of reporters flooded in, the rapid–fire clicks of cameras filling the room. “Miss Anderson, did you know about the issues with the baby all along?”

“Did you buy the abortion pills to frame Clara Bennett?”

“Why did you fake being pushed? Was it to give Walker Venture Partners an excuse to attack Anderson Industries?”

The sharp questions washed over Emma, her bewildered expression morphing into panic. Her face, initially pale, flushed crimson as the microphones and cameras closed in.

What were they talking about?

How did they know she had taken abortion pills, or that she had faked being pushed?

“I don’t know what you’re talking about!”

She buried her head in her hands, shielding herself from the lenses, her voice rising to a shriek.“Who let you barge in here?”

“Get out! Get out!”

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“Miss Anderson, Anderson Industries has already revealed everything you did at the conference. Please answer our questions.

“Was all of this at the direction of Mr. Walker, to target Anderson Industries?”

“Why is Walker Venture Partners targeting Anderson Industries?”

A deep voice cut through the room as Mason Walker, his face a thundercloud, appeared at the doorway.

“Walker Venture Partners will hold a press conference to address this situation later. Now, please leave!”

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The sheer force of his presence was enough to quell the fervor of the reporters. They glanced at the several imposing bodyguards behind him, exchanged uneasy looks, and reluctantly filed out of the room.

“Mason…”

Emma Anderson looked up, her face streaked with tears.“Don’t listen to their lies. The baby was always Clara’s…”

“Are you still trying to deceive me?”

Mason interrupted her, his voice low but laced with an unmistakable fury.

“There was always something wrong with that pregnancy. You never intended for that baby to be born, so you used it as an opportunity to frame Clara, driving a wedge between us.”

He stalked toward the bed, looming over Emma, the disappointment and rage in his eyes threatening to consume her.“Weren’t you thrilled when you heard that I was going after Clara and blacklisting Anderson Industries for your sake?”

“Did you think that once Clara and I were finished, you’d be in the clear to become Mrs. Walker?”

“Walker Venture Partners‘ stock price has plummeted by 3% in the past half–hour, resulting in a loss of nearly $30 million. Emma Anderson, do you think you can bear the consequences?”

“Emma Anderson, this is the end of the line for us. Walker Venture Partners will terminate all cooperation with the Anderson family.”

“No, Mason, you can’t do this.”

Emma Anderson grabbed his pant leg, her eyes filled with pleading.“Mason Walker, you promised you would love me forever, that you would give me a home.”

“You can’t

go

back on your word!”

“That was before you and the Anderson family did what you did!”

Mason Walker stepped back, avoiding her touch, his eyes filled with undisguised disgust.

“Is it really all my fault that this happened?”

Stung by the disgust in his eyes, Emma Anderson’s gaze gradually sharpened.“It was you!”

“It was you who abandoned Clara and went abroad to gain power in the Walker family!”

“If you hadn’t gone abroad and had stayed with her, how could she have been manipulated by us, broken up with you, and married Ethan Carter!”

She gasped for breath, accusing him, “You’ve resented and loved Clara all these years, while enjoying my devotion, and then after returning home, you started being hot and cold with me!”

“And after you found out what happened back then, you were happy and gleeful, wanting to rekindle things with her, but you forgot I

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was carrying your child! You even started thinking about how to get revenge on us for her sake!”

“Do you think I wanted to do any of this if it wasn’t to win you back?”

“Yes, the baby did have problems, but now I can never have children again!”

“Mason Walker, you caused all of this!”

“Do you really think there’s any chance between you and Clara Bennett?!”

Manu

“You’ve never trusted her, not about what happened back then, and not about what’s happening now. When have you ever truly stood

by her side?!”

“No, you

haven’t. Not even once!”

“You don’t deserve the love she gave you!”

Hearing these words, Mason took a half step back, his face pale, his heart filled with shock.

After a long silence, he finally regained his composure and said coldly, “Say whatever you want, Emma Anderson. I’m telling you, the Anderson family is finished!”

Sweat dripped from her forehead, Emma watched Mason turn to leave, a fierce look flashed in her eyes, and she said through gritted teeth, “Mason Walker, has your uncle’s body been found yet?”

Mason turned his head, looking at Emma in disbelief, then a look of determination flashed across his face:“What did you say?”

Emma looked at Mason’s expression and burst out laughing.

She never thought she and Mason would ever come to this.

“You think you could hide all that crap you were doing from me after all these years?”

“Mason Walker, if you move against the Anderson family and break off our engagement, I’ll expose everything you’ve done to get your hands on the Walker family power all these years!”

Mason’s face darkened as he stared at Emma for a long moment. Finally, he pointed a finger at her, his voice dripping with venom.“Fine, Emma Anderson, fine! You’ve made yourself perfectly clear!”

With that, he turned and left without a backward glance.

Emma collapsed back onto the bed, watching his figure disappear through the doorway. She twisted her lips into a smile, but the smile broke, and she buried her face in her hands, sobbing uncontrollably.

If she had known things would end like this with Mason, she wouldn’t have been so foolish as to target Clara using a child.

That way, at least she wouldn’t have lost the right to be a mother.

Leaving the hospital, Mason headed straight back to Walker Venture Partners.

All the way, he was haunted by Emma’s words, unsure how much she really knew about what he’d been up to all these years.

But no matter what, he couldn’t afford to take

any

chances.

With that thought, he straightened his tie, got out of the car, his face as cold as ever.

As he walked into the conference room, the executives were sitting stiffly, the chart of Walker Venture Partners‘ stock performance displayed on the table, the green line a glaring eyesore.

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Mend

“Mr. Walker, the board of directors called again just now, demanding that you issue a public apology and explain the basis for your decision to blacklist Anderson Industries,”

“They also want you to terminate all cooperation with the Anderson family and break off your engagement with Emma Anderson

The risk control director spoke cautiously.

A flash of ruthlessness flickered in Mason Walker’s eyes.

A bunch of vultures taking advantage of the situation!

He walked to the head of the table and sat down, tapping his fingers on the surface, his gaze sweeping across everyone present.

“First, release a statement immediately, rescinding the ban on Anderson Industries. Second, have the PR department prepare a press conference as soon as possible to issue a public apology. Third, notify all partners, apologize for the misjudgment in this decision, and promise to establish a more rigorous information verification mechanism in the future.”

Only in this way could he minimize all losses without touching the Anderson family. As for the Andersons…

After the meeting, Mason called in his assistant and instructed, “Dig up all the dirt on the Anderson family over the years. Also, send someone to follow Emma Anderson to see where she goes and who she interacts with. I want a detailed report on everything!”

“Yes, sir!”

After the assistant left, Mason lit a cigarette, leaned back, and exhaled the smoke.

No matter what Emma knew, he wouldn’t let this go!

Recalling Emma Anderson’s words at the hospital, Mason Walker sat up straight, grabbed his phone, and dialed Clara Bennett’s

number.

Only to discover he’d long been blacklisted.

A wry smile touched his lips.

Was there truly no chance left for him and Clara?

Ethan Carter sat in his office, his fingers swiping across financial news on his tablet.

The hashtags #MajorU–TurnAndersonIndustries Releases Statement ClarifyingEverything WasOrchestratedByEmmaAnderson# and #WalkerVenturePartners Lifts BanOnAndersonIndustries# dominated the trending topics. The accompanying photo showed Clara Bennett giving an interview outside Anderson Industries, her expression composed, with no trace of disarray in her eyes.

A knock sounded at the office door, and David Wilson walked in.“Mr. Carter, the Bennett family has terminated the acquisition of Anderson Industries. Mrs. Carter not only stabilized Anderson Industries‘ stock price but also successfully ousted Robert Anderson’s people from Anderson Industries.”

“Ousted from Anderson Industries?”

Ethan Carter tapped the desk.“Where did she get that much capital?”

“Mrs. Carter… seems to have secured investment…”

David Wilson said cautiously.

“Hmph, she’s quite capable.”

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A strange sense of irritation welled up within him, and Ethan Carter raised a hand to massage his brow.

He had expected Clara to come crawling back to him, desperate for help after her funding fell through. Instead, she had not only foiled Robert’s scheme but also secured new resources.

But… SO what?

“Do as we discussed. Notify the bank to suspend Anderson Industries‘ credit line, and pressure the suppliers again.”

“But sir, the CBIRC just launched an investigation into ‘large enterprises interfering with SME financing.‘ Wouldn’t this be…risky right now?”

“What’s there to fear?”

Ethan interrupted, his gaze sharp as a knife.“I’m just telling the bank to ‘reassess the risk,‘ all legally compliant. As for the suppliers, they want profit. Carter Group can offer what Anderson Industries can’t.”

He wanted to wait for Clara to come begging him for mercy!

David didn’t dare say more and turned to leave. His phone screen lit up. Ethan clicked it open and saw a photo from Margaret of Lucas running a high fever.

“Eth, Clara isn’t answering my calls. Can’t you get her to come to the hospital to see Luke?”

Ethan frowned and walked out of his office.“Get the car ready. Central Hospital. And notify Mrs. Bennett. Tell her to meet me there.” Ethan arrived at the hospital. As soon as he walked into the room, Margaret rushed over, her eyes red–rimmed.“Eth, you’re finally here. Please, make Clara come to the hospital to see Luke.”

“Lucas was just crying out for his mommy. I showed him pictures of Clara, and he started sobbing.”

Ethan frowned, his gaze settling on the bed.

Lucas lay there, pale, a cooling patch on his forehead. He slowly opened his eyes at the sound and whispered, “Daddy,” when he saw

him.

“How are you feeling?” Ethan asked, walking to the bedside and touching his forehead. It was definitely still hot.

“I feel bad…”

Lucas pouted, glancing at Margaret. When she nodded, he burst into tears.“Daddy, am I going to die?”

“The doctor said I have a really strange disease and they need to find the right stem cells to cure me…”

Margaret dabbed at her eyes.“Eth, Lucas is so young, it’s just heartbreaking.”

“You need to talk to Clara, convince her not to go through with the divorce. Have another baby, save Lucas’s life.”

“If she agrees, we’ll forgive everything that’s happened before. And you can give Anderson Industries a hand with their problems.”

Ethan was silent, his fingers drumming lightly on the edge of the bed.

Meanwhile, after sorting things out with Anderson Industries, Clara drove to the hospital to see Lucas.

Whatever Margaret was planning, Clara knew she had to go see for herself.

Otherwise, who knew what she’d do behind her back?

After all, you can’t be on guard against thieves all the time.

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She had just parked the car in the hospital parking lot when her phone rang. Clara frowned at the unfamiliar number before answering.

“Hello, who is this?”

“It’s me.”

Richard Bennett’s voice came through the receiver.“I didn’t expect you to resolve the Anderson Industries crisis on your own. You truly are the daughter of me and Linda.”

Hearing Richard mention her mother with such an affectionate tone made Clara’s stomach churn.

She was about to hang up when Richard continued, “However, if you want to obtain the shares your mother left behind, you’ll need to have another child with Ethan Carter to strengthen the connection between the Carter and Bennett families.”

“If you get pregnant, I’ll not only immediately transfer your mother’s shares to you, but I’ll also give you an additional 5% of the company.”

“By then, you’ll be the legal representative of Anderson Industries and hold 20% of the Bennett family’s shares. Even the Carters will treat you differently.” Clara scoffed.“Using shares to buy my uterus? You wish, Richard Bennett.”

Before Richard could say anything else, she hung up and blacklisted the number.

After parking, she headed into the hospital.

Clara was surprised to see Ethan at the hospital. She raised an eyebrow, a hint of mockery flashing in her eyes as she took in Margaret’s tear–stained face and Lucas’s pale complexion.

Well, look who’s all here.

“Clara, you’re finally here!”

A glint of triumph sparked in Margaret’s eyes as she spotted Clara and hurried over, reaching for her hand.

“I knew you wouldn’t abandon Luke…”

Clara sidestepped her, her gaze fixed on Lucas.“What did the doctor say? Does he need to be transferred to a better hospital?” Lucas, unnerved by her scrutiny, instinctively shrank back into the covers, murmuring, “No need…”

Seeing this, Margaret immediately tugged on Ethan’s arm.

Ethan cleared his throat and turned to Clara, his tone laced with an unquestionable authority.“Clara, we need to talk.”

They walked to the end of the corridor. Ethan leaned against the wall, hands in his pockets, his gaze fixed on her face.

“You’ve seen Luke’s condition. The doctor says it’s a hereditary genetic disease, and it’s what caused Grandpa’s sudden decline, too.” “The doctor says the best course of treatment is for us to have another healthy child. He needs his cord blood.”

“If you agree, I’ll help you solve Anderson Industries‘ funding issues.”

Clara raised an eyebrow, What a coincidence?

Why did everyone want her to have another child?

“Is that what the doctor said, or what Margaret said?”

Hearing how she referred to Margaret, Ethan frowned in displeasure. “Mom said it.”

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“She probably asked the doctor before saying that.”

A glint of understanding flashed in Clara’s eyes.

Because Natalie had explained the reason for the genetic defect to her, she probably knew more about hereditary genetic issues than Ethan and Margaret did.

Even if he and Lucas both carried this gene, which could be triggered at any time, it wasn’t something that could be triggered by just sleeping together or a minor cold.

If that were the case, James would have fallen ill long ago.

This was probably because Margaret didn’t want her to expose her request for Clara to be a surrogate, so she thought of having Lucas feign illness to make her have another child… no, perhaps there were other motives as well….

Clara thought of the small black box Margaret had placed in her pocket, and a figure appeared in her mind.

Natalie Parker!

This might be related to Natalie Parker!

Did Natalie Parker want Margaret to transfer her away from Nova AI?

Thinking that the person she caught earlier hadn’t given up Natalie Parker, Clara smirked.

If that were the case, it would be an opportunity.

She could play along with Margaret’s wishes, temporarily leave Nova AI, and see what Natalie Parker was really up to!

However, there was absolutely no way she was going to get pregnant. She needed to discuss this with Ryan Walker.

“Let me think about it.”

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Chapter 103

Hearing Clara’s words, a flicker of surprise crossed Ethan’s eyes.

A gust of wind blew, bringing a chill to his face, but he felt his blood heat up, his heart pounding wildly.

He had steeled himself for Clara’s cold rejection. After all, from the moment he had secretly implanted someone else’s fertilized ezz in her, to their stalemate in the Courthouse, their relationship was already riddled with holes.

But to his surprise, Clara hadn’t agreed, but she hadn’t refused either.

Did this mean there was still a chance for him and her?

His Adam’s apple bobbed. His hand, thrust into his pants pocket, clenched involuntarily. The sharpness in his expression softened, and even his voice was gentler than before, with a tremor he didn’t even notice himself.

“You… what did you just say?”

Clara looked up and saw the way he was looking at her, and she scoffed inwardly.

What was he expecting?

Did he really think that after everything he’d done, there could still be a future for them?

“I said let me think about it.”

Her tone was indifferent, as if she were discussing something trivial.

“But I’m only considering IVF, and I get to choose the hospital and doctor.”

The joy on Ethan Carter’s face instantly froze, his brows furrowing in frustration, a wave of annoyance washing over him. “Why?”

“I can arrange

for the best doctors in Chicago, to make it easier on you. Or is it that… you don’t trust me?”

Clara Bennett thought of the pain of the ovulation shots she’d had to take during the last IVF attempt, and a sharp ache shot through

her.

So, he knew what she had to go through during IVF?

And yet, he still chose to hide it from her back then, implanting someone else’s fertilized eggs inside her.

“You know why.”

Clara met his gaze, her eyes icy, and said, each word distinct, “I won’t make the same mistake twice.”

“Ethan Carter, my agreeing to have another child with you doesn’t mean I’ve forgotten what you did.”

Her words hit Ethan like a hammer, striking a painful blow to his heart. Stunned, he opened his mouth, wanting to explain.

But Clara didn’t even glance at him, turning and walking towards the hospital room. “If you agree to my terms, then we have something

to discuss.”

“Okay, I agree to everything.”

Ethan watched her retreating figure, a pang of regret twisting in his gut.

Yeah, after everything he’d done to Clara, would she really come back to him?

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Inside the hospital room.

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Lucas lay in bed, his cheeks flushed an unnatural red from the high fever, his voice hoarse and barely audible.“Grandma, will Mom really agree to have another baby?”

“She will.”

Margaret said with certainty, gently patting the back of Lucas’s hand.“Your mom loves you more than anything. How could she refuse?

Even if she didn’t agree, Margaret would find a way to make her!

Just then, the door to the room opened.

Margaret looked up to see Clara walking in, her face expressionless, her demeanor so calm that it was impossible to read her emotions.

Margaret’s heart skipped a beat. She quickly glanced at Ethan behind Clara, and only when she saw him give a slight nod did she breathe a sigh of relief, a hint of smugness surfacing in her eyes.

It seemed Clara wasn’t necessarily determined to divorce Ethan after all. The previous drama was just her way of fighting for what she

deserved.

Margaret immediately stood up, a warm smile plastered on her face, and quickly walked to Clara’s side.“Clara, I knew you still cared about Luke!”

“Don’t worry, as long as you agree to try for another baby, you don’t have to worry about anything at home. I’ll take care of everything.”

Lucas’s eyes lit up.

Mom really does love him the most. No matter what he does, she won’t abandon him!

Hearing this, Lucas’s eyes instantly brightened. He propped himself up in bed, his body still weak, and gave her a fawning smile.

“I knew Mom loved me the most.”

“Mom, don’t worry, I’ll be good from now on and never make you angry again. When my younger brother or sister is born, I’ll play with them and tell them stories.”

Clara looked down at his calculating eyes, a coldness spreading through her heart.

This was the child she carried for ten months, and she wondered what Margaret had promised him to make him scheme against her like

this!

But he was about to be disappointed.

Because she had no intention of giving them what they wanted!

Seeing Clara just staring at Lucas with an unreadable expression, Margaret felt a sudden sense of unease.

Afraid Clara might change her mind, she quickly said, “Clara, since you’re going to try for a baby, you need to take care of your health.” “Look at you, you’ve become so thin lately. Why don’t you quit your job and come back to the Old Estate? I’ll have the kitchen make you some nourishing tonics to help you recover,” Margaret Carter suggested.

Clara Bennett raised an eyebrow.

It seemed she was right; Natalie Parker was indeed behind Margaret Carter’s eagerness to get

“I’m not quitting my job just yet.”

her

away

from Nova AI.

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Seeing Margaret Carter’s expression change, Clara’s lips curled up, her tone laced with playful mockery.

“Even if I need to prepare for pregnancy, I still have to hand over my work responsibilities clearly. I’ll need a few days to sort things out

“Besides, I won’t be going back to the Old Estate. I have a place to stay.”

Margaret Carter’s smile faltered for a moment, but she knew she couldn’t rush things. Afraid that Clara might see through her, she

forced a smile.

“Alright, alright, whatever you want. You can stay wherever you like.”

As long as Clara agreed to have another child, she would have time to find a way to make the evidence in Clara’s possession worthless.

By then, Clara would leave Nova AI, and she would have an explanation for Natalie Parker.

Clara didn’t miss the calculation in Margaret Carter’s eyes. She found the air in the hospital room nauseating and didn’t want to waste any more time there.

She glanced at Lucas, her tone indifferent.“Take care and call me if you need anything.”

As soon as Clara left the room, Margaret grabbed Ethan’s arm, impatiently asking, “What does this mean?”

“Did she agree or not?”

Ethan paused, then said, “The baby thing shouldn’t be a problem.”

But convincing her to drop the divorce might not be so easy.

A strange emotion flickered in his eyes. He thought for a moment, then pulled out his phone and sent David a message. “Make sure the bank stops extending credit to Anderson Industries, and keep it quiet. Also, put some extra pressure on them.”

He wanted Clara to know that anything Ryan could do, he could do too.

Even better, in fact!

If he could just show her his capabilities, show her how sincere he was, she would come back to him eventually.

Stepping out of the hospital, Clara took a deep breath. The cool air dispersed some of the heaviness in her chest.

She glanced back at the hospital building, a flash of coldness in her eyes, then turned and got into her car, heading back to Nova Al. Thirty minutes later, Clara walked into the R&D department and saw Ryan sitting at his computer, focused on the data. For some reason, her heart softened a little, and a wave of exhaustion washed over her.

Hearing the commotion, Ryan immediately turned around. Seeing the exhaustion in Clara’s eyes and her pale complexion, his heart clenched. He stood up quickly, went to the water dispenser, and poured her a glass of lukewarm water.

“Here, drink some water. You don’t look so good. Is everything alright with Anderson Industries?”

Clara took the glass. Her fingertips brushed his, the warmth sending a jolt through her. She lowered her head and took a sip of the water. “I’m fine, it’s just stuffy being at the hospital for so long.”

Hearing that she’d been to the hospital, Ryan’s heart tightened. He looked at the pink tint of her ears and reached out to touch her forehead, then his own.

“You don’t have a fever…”

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Why were her ears so red?

“What were you doing at the hospital? Are you not feeling well?”

“I’m fine.”

Clara just felt her face getting hotter. She shook her head.“It wasn’t for me, Lucas Carter is in the hospital.”

Thinking of what happened at the hospital, her expression turned serious. She looked at Ryan.

“Ryan, there’s something I want to discuss with you.”

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Steeling herself, Clara told Ryan everything that had happened at the hospital, along with her suspicions, and then shared her decision.

“I promised Margaret,” Clara began, “and I’m willing to go along with her plan to leave Nova AI for a while, to see if I can get Natalie to slip up.”

Ryan’s face darkened, and he shook his head without hesitation.“No way.”

“Do you even know how damaging the ovulation induction shots for IVF can be to your body?”

“There are plenty of ways to catch Natalie stealing data. There’s no need for you to put yourself through that!”

He looked at Clara with a pained expression, a feeling of helplessness washing over him.

If he hadn’t been so careless before, he would’ve caught Natalie a long time ago, and Clara wouldn’t have to worry about this!

“But it’s the fastest way,” Clara countered.

She looked at him, her eyes firm.“Natalie is in the shadows, and we’re out in the open. Dragging this out won’t do us any good.”

“Blade is about to go into mass production. If we don’t catch Natalie, we’ll be living in fear.”

Clara paused, a sly glint in her eyes.

“Besides, I don’t really intend to go through with it.”

“I came back to discuss this with you. Could you help me arrange a hospital and a doctor to help me fake it?”

“All I need is a pregnancy test report to make them think I’m pregnant.”

“I can openly leave Nova AI during this time, and Natalie will definitely take the opportunity to make a move.”

On the way back, Clara did a lot of thinking.

Creating the illusion that she was pregnant would not only draw Natalie Parker out, but also give her an excuse to get the shares her mother left her in the Bennett family from Richard.

Those shares were her mother’s legacy to her, and even though she hadn’t cared about them for years, she couldn’t let them fall into the hands of Olivia and Diane, benefiting them.

Ryan looked at the stubbornness in her eyes, and his heart softened.

He knew that once Clara made a decision, she wouldn’t change it easily.

And she was right, this was indeed the quickest way to draw Natalie Parker out. He pondered for a moment and slowly nodded, “Okay,

make sure you don’t suffer.” I’ll take care of the hospital and the doctor. I’ll find someone trustworthy to

Although it was a bit against the rules, they didn’t intend to harm anyone, just to lure Natalie Parker out, so it shouldn’t be a big problem.

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“Thank you.

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Clara smiled and picked up a pen to write something on the paper, “Now that the most critical problem is solved, the next step is how to

lure Natalie Parker out…”

Ryan leaned closer to her, watching her carefully outline the plan. The sunlight fell on the ends of her hair, casting a soft halo.

He slowed his breathing, afraid of disturbing her, his eyes filled with a tender smile.

“Oh, right.”

Once they finalized the subsequent plans, Ryan remembered what Mr. Hayes had mentioned that morning.

“The head of Grand Horizon Tech has contacted Mr. Hayes again through intermediaries.”

“They want to meet and discuss a potential collaboration. Now that Blade is essentially finished, when do you think would be a good time?”

Clara considered it.“Any day in the next few days should work. Let’s meet as soon as possible. Natalie might be keeping an eye on Grand Horizon too. We need to finalize the partnership and get them to sign the non–disclosure agreement first.”

“Okay, I’ll confirm a time with Mr. Hayes and let you know.”

Ryan noticed the dark circles under her eyes, his tone softening.“There’s nothing else to do here. You should go home and get some

rest.”

“Okay.”

Clara nodded, grabbed her bag, and stood to leave.

Leaving the R&D lab, she pulled out her phone and dialed Richard’s number.

“Clara?”

There was surprise in his voice on the other end, clearly not expecting Clara to call him.

“I agree to your proposal. I’ll have another child with Ethan.”

Clara leaned against the glass window in the hallway, her voice so flat it was impossible to discern her emotions.

Richard was stunned for a full three seconds, his voice filled with disbelief.“Are you serious?”

“Yes.”

“Why?”

Richard still couldn’t quite believe it.

She had been adamant on the phone at noon that it was impossible. What had changed her mind in just half a day?

“Lucas Carter is sick.”

The sunlight was bright, almost blinding. Clara raised a hand to shield her eyes.

“Both he and Ethan have a hereditary genetic condition. He needs stem cell treatment. You can verify that.”

“I’ve agreed to their terms. To have another child.”

“You’re not lying to me?”

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Richard’s voice was filled with excitement, his breathing quickening.

If it was true, then it was wonderful. Even God was helping the Bennett family!

“Of course, it’s true.”

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Clara gave a cold laugh.“But I have conditions. The moment I’m confirmed pregnant, you must immediately transfer the shares my mother left me into my name.”

If you try any tricks, like delaying the transfer or secretly moving the shares, I’ll have an abortion.”

“Then you won’t only lose the Carter family’s support, but I’ll also turn the tables and make them think you were the one who pressured me to do it. You can weigh the consequences yourself.”

The other end of the line was silent for a moment as Richard clearly considered his options.

He knew Clara meant what she said. If he pushed her too far, she might actually go through with it.

Besides, once Clara was pregnant with Ethan’s child, the Bennett family would be inextricably linked to the Carters. He wouldn’t have to worry about not getting the shares in her hands then, would he?

“Okay.”

“As long as you get pregnant, I’ll have the lawyers prepare the transfer documents immediately and call a board meeting.”

Hanging up, Richard immediately dialed Victor’s number, his voice brimming with triumph.“Victor, Clara agreed! She agreed to have another child with Ethan!”

Victor was equally astonished. “Really? What made her change her mind so suddenly? She wasn’t agreeing to it this morning, was she?”

Could there be something wrong with Anderson Industries again?

“What else could it be?”

Richard scoffed.“Women, after all, are soft–hearted. As long as you mention children, especially Lucas, she’s helpless.”

“Once she gives birth to the child, won’t we have her completely under our thumb?”

He paused, his tone even more smug.“As long as she’s pregnant with Ethan’s child, the Bennett family and the Carter family’s relationship can’t be broken.”

“Even if we can’t acquire Anderson Industries this time, it doesn’t matter. We can even give her a hand, give her some sweeteners, and

make her owe us a favor.”

“From then on, she’ll be a pawn in our hands, to be used as we please!”

“That’s wonderful.”

Victor Bennett’s voice was filled with excitement. With this, the Bennett family’s current predicament was as good as solved!

“Oh, right, Dad.”

Thinking of the Bennett family’s situation, Victor paused.“The contact from Blade just got back to me. They said they’re available to meet any day now and want to talk about a potential collaboration.”

“Oh? That was fast.”

Richard Bennett’s eyes lit up.“Then let’s set it for tomorrow! Perfect timing. After we talk with Blade, we can see how Clara’s doing.

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< Chapter 103

Maybe we’ll have a double stroke of luck!”

After hanging up, Richard leaned back in his chair, a smug grin spreading across his face.

Meanwhile, at Nova AI.

Benjamin Hayes was sitting behind his desk, sorting through documents, when his phone suddenly rang.

He glanced at the caller ID. It was Director Collins, who was in charge of communicating with Grand Horizon Tech.

“Hello?”

“Mr. Hayes, good morning.”

The voice on the other end was very polite.“Regarding the meeting time, we’ve discussed it and would like to set it for ten a.m. tomorrow. I hope the representative of Blade will be available at that time?”

Menu

Benjamin thought of what Ryan Walker had just said, as well as Clara Bennett’s plan, and nodded. “No problem. Ten a.m. tomorrow, see you in the Nova Al conference room.