Want My Womb? I'll Make You Childless novel Chapter 56

< Chapter 56

Chapter 56

Clara walked out of the clothing store, holding Mia’s wrist, and looked up to meet Mia’s sympathetic eyes.

She took a deep breath and forced a smile.”Don’t look so down. I saw a few new styles at that haute couture shop. I’ll order you a couple of everyday outfits as an apology.”

Mia waved her hands dismissively.”Hanging out with you makes me happy enough. There’s no need to make amends.”

But Clara didn’t give her a chance to refuse, pulling her straight into the store.

Clara ordered two casual outfits for herself and Mia. As they walked out of the store, her phone rang.

Meru

She answered, and Ryan’s voice came through the line:”Clara, Commander Evans wants to see you at West Suburbs Equestrian. I’ll head over as soon as I wrap things up here.”

“Okay, I’ll be right there.”

Clara hung up and said to Mia, “Sorry, Mia, I have something I need to take care of. I’ll catch you next time.”

When Clara arrived at the equestrian center, she immediately spotted two figures on horseback in the distance.

Natalie, dressed in white riding gear, gracefully landed on her horse. Jackson was beside her, and they were chatting and laughing.

Not far away, in the lounge area, Professor Lewis sat on a wicker chair with a grim expression.

Clara’s heart sank at the sight of Natalie. She walked over to Professor Lewis and sat down beside him, saying obediently, “Professor.”

The professor snorted, but his expression softened.”Your little run-in with the National Security Agency caused quite a stir. For now, sit tight. They’re already looking into who reported you.”

“I’m sorry, Professor Lewis. I’ve caused you trouble again.”

Clara lowered her eyes.”Please tell them not to investigate. I already know who it was.”

Professor Lewis frowned.”Who?”

“Mason Walker.”

After those three words, Professor Lewis paused for a long moment, then sighed.”How did you

two end

up

like this?”

He clearly remembered Mason being so protective of Clara when they were younger. Clara gave a wry smile and remained silent, she could only chalk it up to fate.

The sound of voices grew closer, and Clara looked up.

Commander Evans, dressed in a dark Traditional Stand-Up Collar Jacket, was walking towards them, with Ethan Carter beside him. Ethan’s black suit made him look even more aloof. They were talking in low voices, their expressions amicable.

Professor Lewis’s face darkened again. He lowered his voice and said to Clara, “Ethan is vouching for Apex, trying to facilitate a collaboration between them and Nova AI.”

The reason I called you here is for this matter, you better prepare yourself.”

Clara’s heart sank.

When she said that Apex had problems, it was only because Natalie Parker’s appearance was too coincidental, she had no real evidence. Just as she was thinking this, Commander Evans and Ethan Carter had already arrived in front of them.

Ethan’s steps faltered slightly when he saw Clara sitting next to Henry, before he followed Commander Evans and sat down opposite them. Clara started to get up to greet them, but Commander Evans waved his hand.”Sit down, no need to be so formal.”

“Regarding the National Security Agency matter, the higher-ups believe you,” he said.”But until things are cleared up, Nova Al’s suspension will have to remain in place.”

He changed the subject.”I heard you don’t approve of Nova Al’s collaboration with Apex? Why is that?”

Clara clenched her fist, her voice steady.”I was followed and got into a car accident the other day. Ms. Parker just happened to be there to save

1. It all felt too convenient.”

“So, according to you, Natalie was just being kind, but she did the wrong thing?”

Jackson scoffed, his tone flippant.”Clara, are you paranoid? You’re being ungrateful.”

Natalie glanced at Ethan and chuckled softly. “Many of Nova Al’s projects involve confidential information. Ms. Bennett has concerns, and I

understand that.”

“I would never do anything to betray my country. If Ms. Bennett questions my loyalty, please provide evidence. You can’t just accuse me based

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on my past acquaintance with Mr. Carter.”

It was almost explicitly saying that Clara was deliberately making things difficult for her because she was bothered by Natalie and Ethan being

close.

Clara looked up at Ethan, but saw him shift his gaze into the distance.”Natalie and I have known each other since college. I trust her intentions.”

Henry’s face flushed with anger, and he glared at Clara, as if questioning her decision to abandon her studies and career for a man like Ethan.

Commander Evans pondered for a moment, then made his decision. “Since Mr. Carter vouches for her, let’s move forward with Nova Al’s collaboration with Apex.”

Clara blinked.”Commander Evans, I can’t make that call. I need to check with Mr. Hayes.”

“I’ll talk to Benjamin.”

With that, Commander Evans turned to Professor Lewis.”Now that they’ll be working together, let the young folks chat. We’ll head out.”

Professor Lewis huffed and shot another glare at Clara, itching to scold her, but knowing it wasn’t the time or place, he followed Commander Evans out.

As soon as they left, the atmosphere relaxed. Jackson grabbed Natalie’s hand, pulling her toward the stables.”Come on, I need to win back what I lost. I’m definitely winning this time.”

He turned to Ethan.”Eth, you coming?”

“You’ve taught Natalie so well. We want to see your skills too.”

Natalie also looked at Ethan.”Eth, join us?”

Ethan didn’t move.”You guys go ahead.”

Clara was eager to leave and started to get up, but Ethan suddenly grabbed her wrist

“Why didn’t you tell me the National Security Agency was investigating you?”

“The investigation is over. What good would it have done to tell you?”

Clara tried to pull her hand away, but he tightened his grip.

“How do you know it wouldn’t have helped if you didn’t tell me?”

Ethan’s voice deepened.”Clara, I’m your husband. Can’t you rely on me a little more?”

Clara looked up at him, her gaze steady.”Ethan, the people and things you care about, you’ll take care of them without being asked.”

“Like the house Olivia wanted, like the partnership Natalie wanted.”

“The news of my investigation wasn’t exactly a secret. Even Nova AI was affected. The fact that you didn’t know just proves you don’t care.”

She paused, her voice as light as a sigh.”Besides, I’ve had enough of living hand-to-mouth.”

Ethan opened his mouth, wanting to say something, but Clara abruptly shook off his hand and turned to leave.

He stood there, watching her disappear down the hallway, his knuckles turning white.

“What are you spacing out about?”

Jackson had returned unnoticed and clapped him on the shoulder,”Come on, let’s go riding.”

Ethan didn’t say anything, following him towards the stables.

At the other end of the hallway, Clara was leaning against the wall, her chest rising and falling rapidly.

Ryan hurried over, his face etched with apology.”I’m sorry, I thought Commander Evans wanted to see you about reinstating you…”

“It’s okay.”

Clara shook her head, a flicker of worry in her eyes.”It’s not that I’m jealous of Natalie and Ethan being close. I genuinely think there’s something off about her.”

“I know.”

Ryan nodded.”I’ll keep an eye on her. If there’s something really wrong, I’ll find out, I promise. Don’t worry.”

Clara gave a wry smile.”Okay, thanks. I want to be alone for a bit.”

Clara walked to the edge of the paddock, watching the three people riding horses.

Jackson was galloping ahead, with Ethan and Natalie controlling their horses behind him, deep in conversation. Suddenly, a light rain began to fall, the fine drops landing on her skin, bringing a chill.

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The three of them reined in their horses and headed towards the stables.

A flash of derision crossed Clara’s eyes. Ethan had lied to her again.

Meriu

He and Natalie had known each other since college, and he had even taught her to ride. His trust in her was such that he was willing to stake the Carter Group’s reputation on it.

So, Natalie Parker was very likely his first love, and possibly the biological mother of that child.

Feeling like a dam had broken inside her, Clara headed toward the stables, randomly picking out a horse.

Ignoring the stable manager’s protests, she led the horse out.

“Giddy up!”

She leaped onto the horse’s back, and with a crack of the whip, the horse reared up on its hind legs before galloping toward the center of the paddock.

The chestnut-colored horse sped through the rain, the wind whipping through her hair, her dress fluttering wildly.

The three on the field heard the commotion and turned to look.

Jackson Taylor’s eyes widened.”Holy crap, Clara can ride?”

Natalie Parker’s smile froze, and she instinctively looked at Ethan Carter.