Want My Womb? I'll Make You Childless novel Chapter 17

Chapter 17

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Clara tapped her finger on the overlapping data points of the two systems. She looked at Benjamin.

“When Olivia developed this dispatch system,” Clara said, “she must have directly used the data I created back at the institute.” “My traffic dispatch system was an improvement on that.”

“Seriously?”

Benjamin picked up the files, scanning them.“Professor Lewis said you left the institute seven years ago… Damn, Clara, you were already onto this seven years ago?!”

He tapped a finger on the papers, worry flickering in his eyes.“Lewis Al’s system launched before ours. If this is true, will we get hit with a plagiarism charge when ours finally comes out?”

“I don’t think so.”

Clara closed the files.“It’s seven–year–old data, after all. I’ve made improvements. The overlap won’t hit plagiarism levels.”

Professor Lewis knew she was working on it. Plus, she was technically a Lewis AI researcher back then. They wouldn’t make a fuss.

“Good.”

Benjamin let out a breath and brightened.

“You’re seriously amazing! With you here, our dispatch system will absolutely blow Lewis Al’s out of the water.”

But his good mood didn’t last long. After taking a call, his face went grim.

“What’s wrong?”

Benjamin rarely changed his expression like that, and Clara felt a jolt of concern.

“Insight Tech is bailing on us. They’ve already decided to go with Lewis AI.”

Benjamin looked pissed.“Man, I wish I’d met you sooner. Our traffic system would be out already, and we wouldn’t be stuck in this mess.” Clara shrugged. Didn’t seem like a big deal to her.

“Our system does way more than Lewis Al’s,” she said.“The market for us should be huge.”

“Mr. Hayes,” she pressed.“Why don’t you set up a meeting with Insight Tech’s head guy? We can go talk to them face–to–face.” “Once they see our numbers, they won’t say no.”

“Alright.”

Benjamin nodded.“I’ll set up that meeting.”

11

But things weren’t as smooth as Clara thought. It took Benjamin three days just to get a meeting on the books.

When Benjamin and Clara finally met Julian Sterling, Insight Tech’s boss, he still insisted on pulling the plug.

“Lewis Al’s system is backed by Walker Venture Partners, you get it?” he said.“Walker Venture never misses. Their projects always hit big.” He flicked his eyes over Clara, his tone dripping with condescension. “Plus, Mr. Taylor from Taylor Enterprises already signed on for their system. Why would I ditch them for you guys?”

“Numbers don’t lie,” Clara shot back.

Clara tried to push back.“But our system-”

“Don’t bother,” Li Yong cut her off, waving a dismissive hand.“Even if Nova AI has some recognition in the industry-”

“Yeah, no, sorry, but our partnership is over. Legal will contact you about the termination fees.”

Benjamin knew it was pointless to keep pushing. He grabbed Clara and they left.

As they walked out of Insight Tech, they saw Ethan and Olivia walking in side–by–side, a middle–aged socialite trailing behind them. Clara’s face fell. She hadn’t expected Olivia’s mom, Diane Bennett, to be in Chicago too.

“Mr. Hayes.”

Ethan greeted Benjamin, completely ignoring Clara.

“Mr. Carter.”

Benjamin stepped forward. They shook hands. “Ms. Bennett.”

“M

< Chapter 17

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Olivia’s eyes flickered to Clara’s face, a slight smile playing on her lips.“We’re off to discuss a partnership with Insight Tech, so we won’t keep you.”

“Alright, you two go ahead.”

Benjamin stepped aside.

Once they were headed upstairs, Benjamin turned to Clara.“Wait here. I’ll get the car.”

Clara nodded, her gaze fixed on the elevator doors as they slid shut.

No wonder Insight Tech didn’t pick Nova AI. Olivia had Ethan pulling strings for her.

I mean, in all of Chicago, chances to get in with Ethan were practically non–existent.

“Clara, long time no see.”

Diane flashed Clara a smile.“Your dad misses you, you know. When are you gonna come home and see him?”

Clara didn’t even bother.“Aren’t you scared if I come back, there won’t be any room for you two?”

“Why, of course not.”

Diane’s face twitched, but she reined it in fast.“I only want what’s best for you, obviously. You used to call me Auntie when you after all.”

“Your mom died young, after all. It hasn’t been easy for you, an orphan, living off others all these years.”

were little,

Clara’s face instantly went ice–cold.“Diane, how dare you even mention my mom? Did it feel good, climbing your way up over her blood and bones?

“Don’t you ever worry she’ll come for you in your sleep?”

Clara’s mom, Linda Bennett, and Diane grew up in the same neighborhood, practically sisters.

When Linda found out Diane had married a total loser, she stood by her. Linda was even pregnant at the time, but still scrambled everywhere to find Diane a lawyer and fight her case.

Only for Diane to turn around right after the divorce and hook up with Clara’s dad, Richard, getting pregnant with Olivia.

Diane’s smile froze stiff. A dark look flashed in her eyes, but she held it together, keeping up appearances.“Clara,” she said, “there’s no need to be so sharp.”

“Richard? He’s only got a bit of guilt for you. Just go back. That guilt? It’ll be gone.”

“Like I care?”

Clara let out a laugh, but it was sharp, edged with ice.“A guy who cheats on his wife when she’s pregnant, then lets his mistress move right in? You seriously think I give a damn about his ‘guilt‘?”

Anyway, when he divorced my mom, they signed an agreement. Every single penny of his estate? It’s all mine.

And when that happens, every single penny you ever took from him? I’ll make you cough it all up!”

“You-!”

Diane’s fingers trembled with rage, her jaw clenching, just as the elevator dinged open. Olivia and Ethan stepped out.

“Mom, what’s wrong?”

Olivia saw Diane’s grim expression and quickly rushed over, stepping in front of her.

“Clara, I know you’re pissed about Ethan and me. If you’ve got a problem, take it out on me. Leave my mom out of it.”

“Bothering her?”

Clara’s gaze swept over the mother and daughter, a sneer twisting her lips.“Her? Not even close.”

With that, Clara turned to leave, but then Ethan’s voice stopped her.

“Clara, you’re being ridiculous.”

He looked at Clara, his eyes full of disapproval.“Stop trying to compete with Olivia in everything. Al isn’t some easy career to just jump into.”

“Just go home, focus on your pregnancy, and take care of Luke. Let’s just drop this.”

He paused, then added, “I know you’re upset. I’ll go with you to your next prenatal appointment.”

Clara stared at him, a sudden, bitter laugh bubbling up inside her..

She even aborted the baby. And she still cared if he went with her to her prenatal check–ups?

Luke practically prefers Olivia anyway. He’s way happier when she’s looking after him.

< Chapter 17

Lucas is your son.

Ethan’s voice dropped.“You don’t just let someone else raise your kid.”

“Olivia doesn’t owe him a thing. She shouldn’t be stuck in this hospital. She’s got a whole big world waiting for her.”

Clara’s nose stung.

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So, in Ethan’s eyes, Olivia got to have a whole world of opportunities. But Clara? She was just supposed to be trapped by his damn agreement. Give up her studies, her career. Her entire life, just circling a husband who didn’t love her and a son who couldn’t stand her.

“I’m not going back.”

Clara’s eyes hardened. “Ethan, I’ve already wasted seven years on you. How many seven–year stretches do I even get in life? I want my own damn world too.”

“You’re still pregnant.”

Ethan’s

flashed with resignation. “I’ll make you a promise: after this baby is born, you can do whatever you want.”

Clara’s chest tightened. A dull ache, like a blunt knife tearing her open.

Ethan and Olivia were practically a married couple, parading around the Carter mansion. If he wanted a kid so bad, why didn’t Olivia just get pregnant? But no, he still saw Clara as nothing but a glorified womb, just to pop out his damn baby.

“You really care about this baby?”

Clara let out a short, bitter laugh.

“Of course.”

Ethan didn’t get her smile. The next second, Clara’s voice cut through the air.“Then take Olivia and stay far away from me. Otherwise, I can’t guarantee what I’ll do.”