The Beauty and the Brain by Natalie Jones novel Chapter 43

Chapter 43 Pregnancy Before Marriage 

Marie gasped, “Dennis?” 

Dennis reached out and found the switch on the wall. With a “click,” the small storeroom was brightly lit. The man was wearing a light gray suit, without a tie. His shirt was unbuttoned at the top, revealing his attractive collarbone. 

Dennis’s leg pressed against Marie’s, one hand gripping her slender wrist and raising it above her head against the wall. His other hand lifted her delicate, small chin, his eyes searching hers 

intently. 

This position, no matter how you look at it, is just so embarrassing… 

Marie shifted uncomfortably and said, “Let me go.” 

Dennis didn’t move and asked, “Who taught you your combat skills?” 

Marie couldn’t help but reply reluctantly, “I learned it myself. There are many combat classes outside, and it’s only 30 dollars per lesson, not expensive at all.” 

Dennis chuckled softly. Did Marie think he was easy to fool with her words? 

Nowadays, most training classes outside only teach flashy but impractical moves. However, the techniques Marie just demonstrated were deadly and extremely fast, as if they were her instincts. 

There are many mysteries surrounding her her personality, her speech and behavior, financial dealings, and her skills – each one a puzzle to be solved. 

– 

her 

Dennis wasn’t in a hurry. Even if he pressed her for answers, Marie wouldn’t tell him the truth. Instead of watching her lie, he enjoyed the cat–and–mouse game they were playing. 

“Dennis, let me go.” Marie said. 

“What can you do if I don’t let go?” Dennis moved closer, placing a hand on her waist. The girl’s figure was becoming more slender, her waistline soft and delicate. 

The chilly breeze brushed past Marie’s ears, while a warm, large hand burned at her waist, making her extremely uncomfortable. Had this man gone mad today? 

“You rascal!” Maric exclaimed. 

“Marie, you’re really brave.” Dennis said.. 

“I know, I’ve always been quite daring.” Marie said, casting him a sidelong glance. 

“So you dare to owe me money and seduce other men?” Dennis stared at her with a somewhat cold 

gaze. 

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Even without Dennis saying anything, Marie could tell that the man was unhappy again. 

“Who did I seduce?” Marie asked with a puzzled expression. 

No, even if she did seduce him, what does it have to do with him? 

“Ah, Marie, do all of you Spence family members love to act so much?” Dennis scoffed. 

One moment, she was in the bathroom, boasting about stealing fra away, and the next, she was 

standing in front of him, pretending to be innocent? 

Dennis must have been out of his mind to worry about Carly cornering her in the restroom and causing trouble. As if possessed, he followed her, only to hear this young girl assert her authority 

over other men. 

“Don’t compare me to the Spence family, it’s disgusting.” Marie frowned in disgust. 

“Do you like Ira?” Dennis asked. 

Marie blinked her beautiful eyes, only then realizing that Dennis had heard her conversation with 

Carly. 

This 

“Let go of me first, then I’ll talk to you.” Marie said uncomfortably, turning her head away. man had been clinging to her, his eyes as dark as ink, like a whirlpool that made her unconsciously 

immerse herself in it. 

Dennis loosened his grip, and Marie straightened her skirt and hair. She rubbed her wrist and kept her head down, not saying a word. 

Dennis held her chin, looking into her eyes, “Marie, tell me, do you like Ira?” 

The man’s eyes held a dangerous curiosity. If Marie dared to say the wrong thing, there was no telling what kind of madness he might unleash. 

Marie sighed, “I don’t really dislike it, I just wanted to annoy Carly.” 

Dennis chuckled softly, feeling much better after hearing Marie’s attempt at an explanation. “Girl, don’t always try to steal someone else’s man,” he said. 

“Just saying.” Marie shrugged off Dennis’s hand and rubbed her wrist. 

Dennis was clearly angry just now, gripping her wrist so tightly that it turned red. 

“Did you just casually slap her twice?” Dennis asked. 

“Yeah, I might just hit you casually, do you want to give it a try?” Marie glanced at Dennis and said 

irritably. 

“Little lion.” Dennis said. 

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“What?” Marie didn’t hear clearly. 

Dennis glanced at Marie and said, “The formal dress fits you well.” 

“Of course, it’s from Grandpa.” Marie said proudly. 

Dennis chuckled softly and said, “Last time you mentioned, you’d treat me to a meal.” 

“No, thank you! Eat by yourself!” Marie said irritably, shaking him off. She lifted her skirt and opened the door. Cullen was waiting outside, and when he saw Marie come out, he greeted her with 

a smile, “Ms. Spence.” 

Marie rolled her eyes at Dennis behind her and headed towards the banquet hall. 

Carly came out of the bathroom, covering her swollen red face, and ran to find Mia. She didn’t care about the Hebert family’s reputation anymore! All she wanted now was for Marie to drop dead! 

Carly searched all around but couldn’t find Mia. Angrily, she housekeeper a servant and asked, “Where’s my mom?” 

The Hebert family’s housekeeper looked at Carly’s disheveled appearance with a sinister gaze, 

feeling somewhat frightened. She told her, “Mrs. Spence has gone upstairs with Mrs. Herbert to change into their formal attire.” 

Carly rushed upstairs, not bothering to knock before entering the room. Finding it empty, she faintly heard Mia and Aria talking in the walk–in closet. Spotting Mia’s purse on the couch, Carly tiptoed over and carefully opened it. 

Inside the bag was a USB drive. Carly carefully placed the bag and, holding the USB drive, went 

downstairs. 

She found the computer in the control room, plugged in the USB drive, and inside were a bunch of photos of Marie. 

Walking on the street, hailing a cab, heading to the bar, and even being carried into a hotel by a 

man. 

Carly was overjoyed, she knew that Marie wasn’t the innocent girl she appeared to be. As she suspected, that night when Marie didn’t come home, she was indeed spending time with a man in a 

hotel room. 

The photo only captured the man’s back, his face obscured, but that didn’t matter. This single image was enough to expose Marie’s filthiness! 

Upon flipping to the last document, it turned out to be a laboratory report from a Las Vegas hospital.. It clearly stated: Marie, two weeks pregnant! 

Carly held the mouse, trying hard not to burst into laughter. With this information, how could 

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Marle still stay in the Spence family? 

Get Bors 

That despicable girl is still clamoring to take Ira away. Today, she’ll kick Marie out and let the whole of Las Vegas know what kind of lowly person Marie is! 

Marie returned to the banquet hall, and Ira immediately came over and asked, “Marie, where have you been?” 

Marie frowned, she wasn’t close with Ira, so it was fine for Ira to address her as Ms. Spence. 

“Is there something wrong, Ira?” Marie asked, referring to the restroom. 

Ira laughed and said, “I just want to introduce you to a few friends, nothing much.” 

Marie suddenly felt a chill on her back and turned around to see a man standing in the corner, his eyes gloomy as they stared at her. Marie, feeling helpless, said, “I’m sorry, I’m a bit tired. I’ll go. 

rest for a while.” 

Ira couldn’t force herself, so she could only let the beautiful woman walk away. 

Cullen looked at his own Dennis, wondering if this really wouldn’t scare Marie away. 

It was already 8 o’clock in the evening when Aria and Mia came downstairs. The housekeeper 

brought out the birthday cake, and Leo, holding a microphone, said, “Thank you all for coming to 

my wife’s birthday banquet. Please forgive any shortcomings in the hospitality of the Hebert 

family!” 

The banquet hall filled with enchanting music as Aria made a wish and blew out the candles. Mia 

immediately approached and handed over her birthday gift, saying, “Our families are close, so I must give you this gift personally!” 

Aria smiled and expressed her gratitude, even taking a photo together with Mia. The guests couldn’t help but exclaim that the marriage between the Hebert and Spence families was 

undoubtedly a done deal. 

Mia looked around but couldn’t find Carly. She asked, “Ira, have you seen Carly?” 

Ira was staring intently at Marie’s innocent face, completely oblivious to Carly. Flustered, she said, “Huh? Cafly? I didn’t see her.” 

Mia laughed and said to Aria, “Carly is such a playful one, I’ll definitely teach her a lesson later!” 

Aria said with a smile, “No worries, no worries. Just treat this place like your own home, Carly. Feel 

free to go wherever you want.” 

The two of them chatted happily, both agreeing that Ira and Carly should get engaged sooner. This way, the Hebert family and the Spence family could unite earlier, supporting each other in their 

businesses. 

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At that moment, the screen in the hall suddenly lit up, and everyone looked up. Mia joked, “What other surprises has Mr. Hebert prepared for you? I’m so envious!” 

Aria giggled shyly, glancing at her husband. Leo, however, looked completely clueless. He had been busy all night trying to connect with the Whitney family, so how could he have had the time to prepare any unexpected surprises? 

Just as everyone was eagerly waiting, a photo suddenly appeared on the big screen. Marie was nestled in the corner of a bar, drinking alcohol with an array of empty bottles in front of her. She looked utterly disheveled. 

The photos were turned into a slideshow that played automatically. The next image showed Marie being shoved into a car, followed by a man carrying her into a hotel. The timestamp in the upper right corner indicated that it wasn’t until the next morning that Marie finally left the hotel. 

There are also photos of Marie going to the hospital. The last one is Marie’s laboratory report, which clearly states: (Marie Spence, 18 years old, two weeks pregnant!] 

The crowd began to whisper among themselves, and the murmurs spread rapidly from one person to another, like a ripple effect. 

“Is that Ms. Marie from the Spence family? Oh my, she’s so young and already going to a hotel room with a man!” 

“Yeah, every member of the Spence family is exceptional, but how come Ms. Marie is so disappointing?” 

“Can you believe she has so little self–respect? She’s only 18 and already pregnant!” 

“When I first met her, I thought Ms. Marie was pure and beautiful, but it turns out it was all an act!” 

“Just now, I saw her blatantly flirting with Mr. Ira. It’s true that one’s nature is hard to change.” 

“The guests were buzzing with conversation, and just a few photos had put Marie in the line of 

fire.” 

Cullen looked at the situation and asked, “Mr. Whitney, should we take action?” 

“No rush, let’s wait a bit longer.” Dennis, holding a wine glass, sits on a couch in the 

corner. 

He wanted to see how Marie would handle such a situation. 

Marie was also waiting to see what other tricks Mia and her daughter had up their sleeves. 

Sure enough, Carly appeared out of nowhere, darting through the crowd and shouting loudly, “Marie! Marie! Turn this off for me! Who allowed you to play this?” 

Originally, everyone was whispering among themselves, not paying attention to where Marie was. But when Carly suddenly shouted, everyone looked in the direction she was running and quickly 

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made way for her. 

With that, the crowd dispersed, leaving Marie surrounded in the center. The bustling hall gave way to a large open space around her. The way people looked at her was as if she were some kind of 

virus. 

Carly rushed in front of Marie, her hair disheveled and cheeks red and swollen from crying. She said, “Marie, don’t be afraid. Who on earth released this information? Step forward! We, the Spence family, will handle this matter ourselves. Outsiders have no right to interfere!” 

In just a few short sentences, it seemed as if they were trying to help Marie, but they actually made everyone understand that this was true! Ms. Marie Spence was indeed pregnant! The Spence family planned to close their doors and deal with the scandal. 

Marie remained silent, just looking at her with a sarcastic expression. 

“Marie, no matter what you think of me, I won’t let you continue like this. We’re sisters, and I can’t stand by and watch you go down the wrong path!” 

Carly spoke with heartfelt sincerity, “Even if you hit or scold me for the sake of others, I won’t let anyone bully you again!‘ 

As soon as these words were spoken, the crowd erupted in an uproar. Despite Carly’s earnest persuasion for her sister’s sake, Marie had actually gone so far as to beat her up like this! 

No wonder Mia doesn’t like Marie, she didn’t even prepare a dress for her. It turns out that it’s because Marie herself is unclean and unworthy of the identity of the third daughter of the Spence family! 

Upon hearing this, Mia immediately stood up and said, “Carly, what are you talking about? Did Marie cause the injury on your face?” 

Carly immediately stepped in front of Marie and said, “Mom, no, it’s not like that. I was just being 

careless… it wasn’t Marie’s fault…” 

This kind of cover–up explanation only made everyone more certain that Carly was so kind–hearted, yet Marie could be so ruthless. 

Ira rushed over and looked at Carly’s tear–streaked face, which resembled a pear blossom in the rain. After all, she was his girlfriend, and he couldn’t help but feel heartbroken. He glared at Marie 

and said, “Marie, how could you do this?” 

Carly, with tears in her eyes, nestled in Ira’s arms and said, “Ira, don’t blame Marie. She was just 

confused for a moment. These were all accidents, and she will change!” 

In this scene, the disgust towards Marie from the guests present has reached its peak. At such a young age, she has no sense of shame and even violently attacks the kind–hearted Carly. 

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Carly hid in Ira’s embrace, her face filled with sorrow and helplessness, but inside, she was already overjoyed. Marie, I wonder how you’ll handle this situation today! 

Aren’t you beautiful? Don’t you think you’re invincible? Weren’t you trying to steal my Ira away? 

Now everyone knows you’re 18, staying out all night, pregnant before marriage, and treating me so cruelly. I don’t see how you have the nerve to stay in Las Vegas any longer! 

Cullen watched as Marie was being pointed at and discussed among the crowd, feeling a bit anxious himself. Over the past few days, he had come to understand that Marie held a significant place in 

Dennis’s heart. 

However, looking back at Dennis, he was still sitting on the couch like an immovable mountain, sipping his red wine. 

“Mr. Whitney, aren’t you going to make a move?” 

“Wait a little longer.” Dennis said. 

Cullen asked. 

Dennis looked at the girl in the crowd who was being discussed by everyone. She still stood there with her head held high, showing none of the weakness and incompetence mentioned in the 

investigation report. 

Marie would never be the type to sit back and do nothing. If she didn’t have a few tricks up her sleeve, she wouldn’t be foolish enough to repeatedly provoke Mia and her daughter at the banquet. 

Dennis and the others were just waiting to see if Marie was as cunning and scheming as they had 

anticipated. 

Amidst the heated discussions, Mia stepped forward and said, “Maric is a member of our Spence family. This scandal has disrupted Mrs. Hebert’s birthday banquet and disturbed everyone’s enjoyment. As her elders, we have failed to teach her properly. Today, we will send her home to reflect on her actions, and our Spence family will handle the matter ourselves!” 

Mia made her point loud and clear, seemingly tolerating Marie for now, not immediately cutting 

ties with her. Instead, she first kicked her out of the banquet. However, as soon as Marie stepped 

out of the Hebert residence today, the high society of Las Vegas would know by tomorrow that Marie got pregnant out of wedlock at the age of 18. No matter how much she tried to clarify the situation later, it would be useless! 

But surprisingly, not a single person in the crowd objected. Some even felt that this approach was too lenient towards Marie. After all, how could someone so unclean be allowed to remain in high society, let alone at the Hebert family’s banquet? 

They even felt that the air surrounding Marie was filthy. 

“Marie, you should go home. I’ll come back tonight and we’ll deal with this matter together with your father and grandfather.” Mia said, her face filled with disappointment as she gently persuaded 

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Marle to leave the banquet. 

Marie laughed, her lips slightly curling up. This mother–daughter duo really wouldn’t give up until they saw the Yellow River, huh? 

“What needs to be taken care of in the evening? Excuse me, what does Ms. Dillon need to handle?” Marie suddenly asked. 

Ever since the photos were released, Marie had remained silent, quietly watching the mother–daughter duo’s performance, even as Mia publicly drove her away. 

Now that they’ve played all their cards, it’s her turn. 

She lifted her head, her delicate eyebrows and eyes still intact, wearing a faint smile as if this matter had nothing to do with her. She asked, “What needs to be taken care of?”