Chapter 586 A Month Ago
How could Nathan possibly misread his father’s thoughts? If the child wasn’t his, the repercussions would shatter
everything.
With Rodger’s calculating mind, he would inevitably weaponize the situation–wielding the suspicion of a premarital affair
to coerce Sadie into deeper sacrifices.
He might even dissolve the engagement entirely and thrust Jarrett back into position as the rightful heir.
If that transpired, Nathan would find himself utterly discarded. Unthinkable. He simply couldn’t allow such a fate.
His thoughts spiraled wildly, and within a single pulse of his racing heart, his decision crystallized.
A hint of embarrassment flickered across his features as a hesitant smile pulled at the corners of his mouth.
“Dad, you’ve misinterpreted the situation entirely. Sadie and I have actually known each other intimately for quite some
time. We just… chose to keep it private.”
With those carefully chosen words, he had effectively claimed paternity of the child growing in Sadie’s womb.
Rodger halted, momentarily blindsided. He scrutinized Nathan’s expression with piercing intensity. Could this rebellious offspring of his actually be speaking truthfully?
A shadow of disappointment darkened his features- if the child truly belonged to Nathan, his leverage over Sadie would
evaporate entirely.
Yet, upon further reflection, if the child carried Higgins blood through its veins, perhaps the situation offered unexpected advantages.
It meant Sadie would be bound even more irrevocably to the Higgins family. The alliance between Wall Group and Higgins Group would be cemented in ways mere contracts never could.
The realization washed over Rodger with delicious satisfaction. For once, he actually found Nathan’s existence somewhat tolerable. Finally, this disappointing son had proven useful at a critical juncture.
Rodger cleared his throat decisively. “In that case, the moment Ms. Hudson regains consciousness, you two must commence wedding preparations immediately. Time is of the essence. She’s barely past the one–month mark–she can still showcase a wedding gown properly. Delay any further, and her expanding silhouette will become visible. Nothing will drape correctly then, and orchestrating a suitable ceremony will prove exponentially more challenging.”
Behind his pragmatic words, Rodger’s mind already tabulated the countless ways this advantageous union would elevate the Higgins family.
Nathan’s carefully constructed smile crumbled at the edges. A wedding ceremony now? Had the universe crafted this cruel jest specifically for him? If Patrick discovered his intentions to wed Sadie…
Ice crystallized along his vertebrae. The vivid image of his own spectacular destruction unfolded before his mind’s eye.
His heart hammered against his ribcage, yet he commanded his facial muscles to maintain the facade of pleasure.
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<Chapter 586 A Month Ago
“Dad, don’t you consider that somewhat precipitous? Let’s at least wait until Sadie regains consciousness–we should discuss these arrangements with her directly.”
Nathan balanced precariously on the precipice of emotional collapse. The situation careened wildly beyond his grasp.
At that precise moment, on the sterile hospital bed, Sadie’s delicate lashes trembled against her pale cheeks. Gradually, her heavy eyelids parted.
With considerable effort, she rotated her head against the pillow and registered Rodger’s and Nathan’s looming figures
stationed at her bedside.
Consciousness settled upon her like a veil of mist, her thoughts rotating in disorienting patterns.
The instant Rodger detected her consciousness, his stern countenance transformed dramatically into a radiant display of
concern.
“Oh, Ms. Hudson, you’ve rejoined us at last! How are you feeling? Any discomforts plaguing you? The physician attributes your condition to mere overexertion. These early stages of pregnancy drain one’s vitality considerably–you must prioritize recuperation and restoration.”
Rodger’s demeanor dripped with manufactured solicitude and uncharacteristic tenderness.
“At present, your sole obligation is safeguarding yourself and the precious child within. Dismiss all thoughts of
professional obligations temporarily. Furthermore, banish any concerns regarding Higgins family matters–Nathan shoulders those responsibilities now. I shall withdraw to permit your convalescence. Expect my return on a subsequent
occasion.”
The gentle cadence of his voice rendered him nearly unrecognizable.
As Rodger pivoted toward Nathan, his voice instantly hardened to granite. “Nathan, Ms. Hudson’s physical state remains fragile. Your presence must be constant, ensuring her care meets exacting standards. Should any misfortune befall either her or my grandchild, retribution will fall squarely upon your shoulders!”
The prospect of harm befalling his newly discovered grandchild represented an intolerable risk to his dynastic ambitions.
Having delivered his imperatives, Rodger acknowledged his own authority with a satisfied nod. He meticulously adjusted his silk tie, visibly gratified with this unexpected turn of events, then strode purposefully from the sterile hospital chamber.
The antiseptic air hung heavy between Sadie and Nathan, now the room’s sole occupants.
Sadie remained enveloped in cognitive fog, Rodger’s startling revelation having delivered a psychological blow more potent than her physical ailment.
She was pregnant? How had this momentous development escaped her attention? Her body had betrayed no obvious signals of this life–altering condition.
Her unfocused eyes drifted languidly toward Nathan’s apprehensive figure.
As their gazes locked, his features rearranged themselves into an expression of culpable discomfort.
He inclined his body toward her, his voice descending to a whisper. “Sadie… the pregnancy is genuine. Medical confirmation places conception slightly beyond four weeks ago. With my father present, I manufactured necessary falsehoods solely to defuse his suspicions.”
His hand traveled nervously to massage the tense muscles at his nape, discomfort radiating from every pore. “I claimed paternity of your child.”
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Chapter 586 A Month Ago
The declaration had materialized from desperate improvisation–a hasty barrier erected against the tsunami of Rodger’s potential machinations.
Sadie’s brow furrowed deeply. Nathan’s mouth continued forming words, but they dissolved into meaningless vibrations before reaching her consciousness.
With primal intuition guiding her movements, her trembling fingers ascended to rest protectively across the still–flat plane
of her abdomen.
Could another fragile existence truly be taking form within her womb? Pregnancy had revisited her? And conception occurred merely four weeks prior?
Memories assaulted her consciousness with brutal clarity- Noah’s concealed features, the searing electricity of his intimate caress–every sensation cascaded through her mind with merciless intensity.
This embryonic life carried Noah’s genetic imprint!
Sadie’s delicate fingers contracted into tight fists as a maelstrom of conflicting emotions seized control of her faculties.
How had fate engineered such a devastating complication? Noah was already married to Hailey, and imminently they would welcome their own offspring. What significance could her parallel pregnancy possibly hold amid this tangled web?
Nathan observed the transformation sweeping across her features. Evidently, his elaborate justification had failed to penetrate the fortress of her introspection.
“Sadie, your physical wellbeing must remain paramount. Reserve these complex contemplations for when strength returns to your body.”
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