Want My Womb? I'll Make You Childless novel Chapter 19

Chapter 19

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Clara frowned in her office. She skimmed the papers in her hand, frustration building.

The product launch? A total success, no question. Tons of potential partners had even shown interest right there. But days later, she hadn’t seen a single signed contract.

She headed to the breakroom to grab some water. The second she hit the doorway, she caught a few sales employees inside, totally gabbing.

“So, you didn’t close it again today, huh?”

“Ugh, don’t even get me started. Three trips, man. The company’s boss just threw our proposal right back in our faces. Said they wouldn’t touch Nova Al’s project, no matter the cash.”

“It’s weird, though. Everything with that company was locked in, ready to sign the next day. But then I showed up, and they just… backed out.”

“Seriously, you think someone at the top pissed someone off?”

“Definitely. Mr. Olson at Nine Peak, we’re tight. He told me he actually loved our system, but someone up top told them they couldn’t work with us.”

Clara’s hand on the doorknob froze.

Ethan. It had to be him!

To force her out of Nova AI, back into the Carter family, just to be his baby–making machine? He actually pulled a stunt like this?!

Well, then she wouldn’t be playing nice either.

But first, she had to talk to Benjamin, warn him, and make sure her drama with Ethan wouldn’t mess with Nova AI.

Clara turned, left the breakroom, and knocked on Benjamin’s office door.

A ‘come in followed. She pushed the door open. Benjamin’s face wasn’t gloomy like she’d expected. Instead, he looked almost celebratory.

“Mr. Hayes, I…”

“Perfect timing.”

Before Clara could even get a word out, Benjamin cut her off.“That AI traffic dispatch system project? You nailed it. You’ve definitely proven yourself to the higher–ups.”

Mr. Hayes grabbed a folder from his stack of papers. He passed it to Clara.

“This project is called ‘Blade.‘ Check out the files.”

Clara flipped open the folder. Two lines in, her face went white. She slammed it shut.

“Mr. Hayes…”

Field deployment, jamming resistance, real–time feedback. These specs? No way they were for a civilian system.

This wasn’t meant for her eyes.

Mr. Hayes adjusted his glasses.“It’s exactly what you’re thinking.”

“I know you’re stressed about Carter Group messing with our partners. But this system? It was never designed for civilian use. Even if the market doesn’t bite, someone else is always waiting.”

“I didn’t bring you over from Lewis AI to deal with this kind of crap. Relax. I’ll take the heat. And even if I can’t, someone higher up will. You really think one Carter Group can scare us off?”

Mr. Hayes pushed a document toward her.“This is an NDA. Sign it, and you’ll lead the entire development of the system from here on out. I guarantee you, nobody can touch you.”

Her fingertips trembled.

Nobody could touch her?

Even Ethan?

Perfect. This way, she wouldn’t have to expose what Ethan was up to before she had solid proof.

“Alright, thank you, Mr. Hayes.”

Clara didn’t hesitate. She signed the document.

No longer worried, Clara dove into her work. She didn’t even notice when quitting time passed.

It wasn’t until the security guard knocked on her office door that Clara realized it was almost ten o’clock.

She packed up her stuff and headed home. But about a mile out, her car broke down. Dead. Wouldn’t start.

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< Chapter 19

Clara had no choice but to call a tow truck to get her car to the mechanic.

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She stood by the roadside for a bit. Her place wasn’t far, and plenty of people were still out. She pulled her jacket tighter and started walking. Walking past a bar street, she stopped dead.

A group of people were chatting nearby. Ethan was tall. Clara spotted him instantly.

Olivia, in a black floral dress, was clinging to his arm, chatting up everyone around them.

“Don’t you worry, Mr. Carter. We’ll absolutely fast–track the promotion of Ms. Bennett’s system.”

A sharp–suited guy nearby reached out, shaking Ethan’s hand.

Clara recognized him. He was the first rep to hit her up about a partnership after the launch event.

“Pleasure doing business.”

Ethan’s voice was low, almost detached. He just reached out, a quick, perfunctory touch.

Olivia smiled, waving them off. Then, she and Ethan walked arm–in–arm towards the black Bentley.

“Man, Ethan, you’re incredible. You got this deal locked down for me so fast.”

Ethan didn’t say a word. He pulled open the passenger door, raising a hand to shield her head as she slid inside. Only when she was settled did he go around and get in his own side.

“Hey, gorgeous. All alone?”

A drunk man stumbled in front of Clara, blocking her path.

“Why don’t you come inside and have a drink with me, beautiful?”

“Move.”

Clara frowned, taking a step back.

“Aw, come on, it’s just one drink. It’s not gonna hurt you.”

The guy lunged for her arm. Clara sidestepped, quick.

Her move threw him off balance. He stumbled, then got pissed, raising a hand to swing.

“Whoa, whoa, easy!”

His buddy grabbed him fast. Then turned to Clara.“Hey, sorry, he’s totally wasted.”

“Honestly, you’re just too damn hot. My buddy saw you and was hooked. Just one drink, okay? To keep him from losing his shit.”

“Sorry, I gotta go.”

Clara tried to step around them.

“Just one. Seriously, it’s five minutes.”

The first guy, clearly wasted himself, grabbed Clara’s hand as he spoke, yanking her hard towards the bar.

Clara struggled, but his grip was too tight. Her eyes, without permission, flew to the black Bentley.

Ethan sat in the driver’s seat, his profile stark under the streetlights.

His eyes swept over Clara, flat and cold. Like she was a stranger, even from just a few feet away.

The Bentley’s engine roared. Headlights flared, a blinding flash across Clara’s face. Then it peeled out, smooth and steady. No hesitation.

Clara’s lashes fluttered. She shoved the guy holding her, hard.

“You’re asking for trouble, lady!”

The two men closed in, one on each side.

The commotion drew a crowd, but everyone just gawked. Not a single person moved to help.

Clara’s voice shook as she pleaded with the onlookers, “I don’t know these guys! Call 911!”

“We just wanted to buy you a drink! What’s with calling the cops?!”

The man lunged again, grabbing for Clara’s hair.

“She said she doesn’t know you! Let her go!”

A male voice boomed from the crowd. A tall figure instantly stepped in, getting between Clara and the two men.

The guy cursed, “What the hell’s it to you, man? Stay out of it!”

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< Chapter 19

“I’m a cop.” He flashed his badge.“You can either get lost right now, or you can come with me to the precinct and sober up.” The drunk and his buddy exchanged a look. They reluctantly let go, still grumbling, and slunk off.

Clara stood rooted to the spot, her legs shaking, feeling like jelly.

“Thanks…”

The man smiled.“Ms. Bennett. Long time no see.”

Clara looked up at her rescuer. Streetlights cast faint shadows across his face. He looked… familiar.

He noticed Clara hadn’t recognized him. The man rubbed his nose.“Don’t remember me?”

“Seven years ago, when you called the cops? I was the one who responded.”

Clara froze. It all came flooding back in a rush.

Seven years ago, at Ethan’s 22nd birthday bash. He’d had a drugged drink. Then he dragged Clara into a room and forced himself on her. Afterward, Clara immediately called the cops. This guy right here was the one who took her call.

“Officer Evans, long time no see.”