CHAPTER 53: CHAPTER 53: SHATTERED HIGH-SOCIETY DREAMS, TEARS ON THE OPERATING TABLE

Rachel Hayes was stunned. Just a second ago, she was still immersed in the dream of becoming Mrs. Fordham, never expecting that this dream would shatter so quickly.

It must be that she had been too high-profile of late, causing conflict between Julian Fordham and Victoria Monroe.

Julian Fordham was now using her to appease Victoria Monroe.

Didn’t he care so much about this child?

Gazing at the glaring white lights above the operating table, Rachel Hayes finally understood what Assistant Prescott had said.

Never underestimate Victoria Monroe’s position in Julian Fordham’s heart!

For her, he was willing to give up everything.

But what about herself and her child?

No!

With great difficulty, she had resorted to plastic surgery to resemble Victoria Monroe and climb up to Julian Fordham.

This was her only chance to ascend to riches in one step; as long as she kept this child, a lifetime of glory and wealth would follow.

In just these few days, since the public assumed she was Mrs. Fordham, her resources in the people-pleasing entertainment circle skyrocketed.

A popular variety show had just sent her an invitation.

Pregnant, she couldn’t act in movies, but variety shows brought money quickly and increased her exposure.

If Julian Fordham cut ties with her now, what would she do next?

Rachel Hayes jumped off the operating table, "This is my child. Without my permission, no one can touch it! If anyone tries, I’ll call the police!"

Corbin Prescott’s cold voice sounded, "Sure, go ahead and try reporting it."

Rachel stood nervously at the edge of the operating table, full of tension yet anticipation as she looked at Corbin Prescott.

"Corbin, President Fordham wouldn’t be so cruel to me, right? Our child already has a heartbeat, I..."

Corbin Prescott pulled out a check, "This is five hundred thousand, compensating for your contract breach. When the company’s official account explains to clear the misunderstanding, as long as you cooperate, the resources promised in the contract won’t be withdrawn. Without this child, you can focus better on your career."

Upon hearing the extent of his ruthlessness, Rachel quickly said, "I want to see President Fordham."

"Who do you think you are?"

Corbin sneered coldly, "You have yourself to blame for being greedy and manipulating time and again, thinking you could replace the lady with just that? What are you even? Worthy?"

Tears trickled from the corners of Rachel’s eyes, and not just Julian Fordham, but even his dog looked at her with indifference.

Corbin glanced at the bodyguards, "What are you standing around for? Can’t handle one woman? If she struggles, why not bind her hands and feet?"

Corbin looked at the time, "It’s getting late, handle it quickly. President Fordham doesn’t want this to drag on."

Rachel struggled, screaming with all her might.

"No! Mom, please help me!"

Lana Jameson bit one of the bodyguards and rushed in, grabbed a surgical knife, and pressed it against her wrist.

"If anyone dares touch her, I’ll die right here."

Corbin’s expression changed, realizing this was beyond him, "Go get the boss."

Julian Fordham was from a single-parent family, valuing family ties above all.

Should anything happen to Lana Jameson, how could Corbin be held accountable?

Julian Fordham hadn’t even waited for his sister to wake before hearing about another incident with his mother. He hurried over, just to witness this absurd standoff.

"Mom, put the knife down first."

Lana Jameson, tears flowing, said, "Julian, I just want to hold a grandchild in this life, can’t you fulfill such a simple request?"

Julian Fordham, freshly weary from the turmoil with Victoria Monroe, was exhausted to his core.

"Besides the typical tears and tantrums, have you not tried enough of these tricks? You almost tore the family apart back then with your pestering."

"What’s so wrong with it falling apart? That washed-up actress isn’t worthy of you! She can’t even give you children. Without her, countless women..."

Julian interrupted impatiently, "Enough, she’s my wife. Without her, there wouldn’t be your son today. Mom, don’t forget where you come from. Don’t forget the villa you’re living in was a gift from her. I’ve already made my decision. We’ll adopt Autumn’s child. Either you put the knife down yourself, or should I help you?"

He knew his mother was just all talk, and today he had no time to engage in a touching mother-son drama with her.

Julian walked toward her, his face icy and devoid of emotion: "Today, this child will be lost."

Rachel wept bitterly, "President Fordham, how can you be so cruel to me, I..."

Julian glanced at her coldly, "Shut up. You have no place to speak here."

Three steps away, Lana, seeing he was about to take the knife from her, suddenly hardened her expression, "Even though Autumn has died once, this mother of hers will go accompany her."

With that, she slid the knife across her wrist.

The surgical knife was so sharp that blood immediately oozed out.

Julian hadn’t expected her to really do it and grabbed her hand forcefully, "Mom! Over a stranger you’ve never met, have you gone mad?"

"Your father left early, and now your sister’s unconscious. If the Fordham lineage ends with me, how will I face them in the afterlife! If you harm this child today, I’ll die for this innocent life!"

Julian’s fingers curled tight, veins popping as he forced a pained expression, "Mom, don’t force me..."

"Son, it’s you who’s forcing me!"

She held Julian’s hand, trying to make peace, "Julian, there’s a better solution."

Julian’s brow slightly furrowed, thinking of Victoria’s pale face, lips parting slightly: "Mom, I’ve decided not to keep this child."

*

Victoria Monroe had a dream, returning to the day they registered their marriage. She was like a joyful bird, chattering away while holding Julian Fordham’s arm.

When the dream ended, the sweet atmosphere vanished entirely.

Only a beam of sunlight filtered through the window as she slowly opened her eyes.

Watching the dust dance within the sunbeam.

So, it was just a dream.

She let out a bitter smile.

Today wasn’t about marriage, but divorce.

After a day and night of rest, her skin no longer burned, with no scars left.

However, her knee joints still ached slightly, a residual effect she knew would last.

Whenever it rained or was cold, her leg joints would ache.

Just like Julian Fordham, even after the divorce, he would always have roots in her heart, never to be forgotten in this life.

She glanced at the clock, the hands precisely pointing at eight.

Enduring the pain, Victoria washed up briefly, seeing a pale face no longer feverish in the mirror.

She refused to divorce looking like this.

As she said, even in divorce, she wanted to be dignified.

Victoria sent a message to Rhys Hawthorne; ten minutes later, what she requested was delivered by Assistant Woods.

Rhys wasn’t around, having claimed other engagements the night before, not visiting her.

It seemed like a deliberate distancing, or perhaps her previous suspicions were wrong.

It unexpectedly made Victoria feel much relieved.

"Thank you."

"You’re welcome, Ms. Monroe. I’ve arranged a car for you downstairs. Come down once you’re ready."

Assistant Woods handed over a brown paper bag, "Here’s breakfast I picked up for you."

After everything, he closed the door.

Victoria touched her flat stomach, wondering if that poor little life was still alive.

She drank some porridge and milk and then changed into the clothes delivered.

It was a red woolen bathrobe coat, and with a delicate makeup touch, she wore earrings, even curling her hair into big waves.

If it’s a divorce, might as well make it a bit festive.

With the makeup enhancing her features, the pallor and fragility vanished, replaced by stunning beauty.

Assistant Woods’s eyes brightened for a moment but quickly shifted away, aware of the impropriety, "Ms. Monroe, please."

Today was a Saturday; no business should be conducted, but money was everything.

Victoria arrived half an hour late.

Just like many times she took long with her makeup at home, making Julian Fordham wait two hours.

He never got angry, patiently and calmly waiting, "No worries, if we miss lunch, we’ll have dinner."

Looking at the woman in a long red coat, with soft waves draping her shoulders complemented by her red lips, she appeared both beautiful and elegant.

Victoria spoke casually, "Sorry for keeping you wa..."

Before "waiting" came out, Julian’s deep voice interrupted, "It’s okay, I’ll always wait as long as you need."

Victoria met his gaze, sunlight filtering through the unmelting snowy treetops, casting a golden sheen across Julian’s eyes, unusually gentle.

His words seemed to speak of the moment, yet also hinted at something more.