Want My Womb? I'll Make You Childless novel Chapter 7

Chapter 7

Back in the office, Henry studied Clara, eyes sharp.

“You landed the investment, so you can stay,” he said.

“But hear me, Clara–if you ever bail on the institute again, that’s it. No more second chances.”

Clara’s eyes misted. “Thank you, Professor. I won’t leave again.”

She bowed deeply, her voice firm.

Outside his office, she headed down the hallway, files in hand–and ran straight into Olivia, who was surrounded by a little fan club.

“Only Olivia could pull this off! Walker Venture Partners, just like that.”

Sophia gushed. “Mr. Carter’s taking us all out tonight to celebrate. Ugh, why can’t I find a guy like that?”

Olivia didn’t reply. Her eyes flicked toward Clara, that familiar smug curve playing on her lips.

“Clara,” she said lightly, “we’re all going out. You coming?”

Clara looked up.“Sorry, got plans.”

Sophia snorted.“Wow. Olivia invites you and you act like you’re above it?”

“Oh, and FYI,” she added, “Mr. Carter’s coming too. Big name. Perfect chance to schmooze for your husband. You sure you wanna miss it?”

Clara’s gaze sharpened.“Mr. Carter vill be there?”

Sophia smirked.“Regretting it already? Too late now–you said no.”

Olivia smiled sweetly.“Ms. Bennett, if you change your mind, Eth and I would love to have you.”

Clara’s lips twitched. “No thanks. I’d rather not ruin my appetite.“.

“You-!”

Sophia bristled, but Olivia stopped her with a calm hand.

“Sophia, it’s fine. Let’s go.”

Clara watched them leave, her eyes turning to ice.

Just then, her phone buzzed–Mia Thompson flashing on screen.

Her old high school roommate. One of the few true friends she still had.

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“Clara! Where are you?” Mia’s voice was bright. “That smart management system you built? A tech company bought it! The deal’s sealed–we’re celebrating tonight. I’m picking the place!”

A smile tugged at Clara’s lips. She hung up, packed up her lab, switched off the lights, and stepped out.

Outside, a burgundy Porsche 911 purred by the curb. Mia rolled down the window, waving.

Clara grinned and climbed in.

And just in time–for Olivia’s group to walk out and see it.

“Whoa, that’s a Porsche.”

“Of course Clara’s loaded. Bet she gets picked up in that thing every day.”

“Wait,” someone said, “Walker Venture Partners didn’t just fund Olivia’s ‘StarMap. They invested in Clara’s project too.”

“For real?”

“Yeah, the official post just dropped.”

Sophia’s eyes narrowed.“Oh, please. She probably slept with Mr. Walker. How else would she land that deal?”

“Maybe her husband knows him?” someone muttered.

That hit a nerve.“Actually… who is her husband?”

Olivia’s step faltered.

Mr. Walker invested in Clara’s project?

What kind of deal had she made behind closed doors?

“Hey, Olivia, Sophia said slyly, “your Mr. Carter and Clara’s husband–know each other?”

Olivia lowered her gaze, voice cool.“Seen them around a few times. Their… vibe was weird. Don’t really know her.”

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< Chapter 7

She glanced toward the Porsche.“That car’s not hers.”

Sophia’s voice dropped, but not enough.“Rough patch, huh? She’s cheating, isn’t she?” “I heard she played some serious games to snag her rich husband back in the day.” The whispers spread like wildfire.

Scornful glances followed Clara’s name down the hall-

No one noticed the black Bentley that rolled up behind them.

The window slid down–Ethan’s profile sharp against the light.

“What’s all the noise?” he asked coolly.

Sophia straightened instantly, voice syrupy sweet.

“Oh, Mr. Carter, we were just talking about some woman at the institute–married, but cheating on her husband. Total scandal.”

Ethan frowned. “Professor Lewis is letting someone like that stay?”

“Right? Who knows what he’s thinking?”

Sophia leaned in, testing the waters.“You’re close with Professor Lewis. Maybe have a word? Get her kicked out?”

Ethan’s gaze slid sideways to Olivia.“I’ll see what I can do.”

That night, at The Penthouse.

It was a last–minute plan, so Clara and Mia didn’t get a private room–just a corner table in the main hall.

Mia pulled a bank card from her purse and slid it across.“Here. Your cut from the sale.”

“I was broke back then, and you always helped me. Take it.”

Her eyes lit up.“My husband’s back from service–we’re starting a company. You have to help us again later.”

Clara smiled, taking the card.“You know you don’t need to thank me.”

Just then, laughter echoed from across the room.

Olivia’s group walked in.

Sophia looped her arm through Olivia’s.“Olivia, seriously, you’re the best! That was my first time in a Bentley–it’s insanely comfy!”

“And your Mr. Carter? He’s unbelievable. I heard you have to book a room here a month ahead, but he got one tonight, last minute!”

Olivia smiled faintly. “He has his own suite upstairs. It’s always ready for him.”

Sophia’s envy was written all over her face.“You really scored, Olivia.”

Her voice carried, drawing a few curious glances.

Mia scowled.“Ugh, not her again.”

Clara just rolled her eyes.“Seems like I run into her everywhere lately.”

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She thought back–years ago, her father Richard Bennett cheated. When her mother found out, she divorced him, taking six–year–old Clara to live with her uncle.

Weeks later, Richard moved Olivia and her mom into the Bennett house.

Mia followed Clara’s gaze.“She’s got a boyfriend? Looks loaded. Who’d go for her?”

Clara’s tone was flat.“Ethan.”

Mia froze.“Wait–your Ethan?”

The words came out too loud. Heads turned.

Mia forced a smile and whispered, “Didn’t you two get married?”

Clara looked down at the menu.“Yeah. Not for much longer. I’m divorcing him.”

She exhaled.“Forget them. Let’s eat.”

But Mia’s outburst had already drawn Sophia’s attention.

“Well, well, Sophia purred, sauntering over.“Clara. Fancy seeing you here.”

She smirked.“What, heard Mr. Carter’s treating us and came to crash the party?”

“Pathetic.”

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They stole everything Now I take it back. This time. I choose the Mafia King Who’s laughing now?

< Chapter 7

Mia shot up, glaring daggers.“Who the hell are you to talk to her like that?”

“I’m buying dinner for my friend. What’s it to you?”

She sneered.“Oh, right–you must be one of Olivia’s little followers. Figures.”

Sophia’s smile dropped.“Watch your mouth. Do you have any idea who Olivia’s boyfriend is?”

“He’s the Carter Group heir! You piss her off, and you’ll be blacklisted in Chicago!”

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Mia folded her arms, unimpressed.“Oh really? Funny–‘Mr. Carter‘ happens to be married. Olivia’s just his mistress. What kind of girlfriend is that?”