Chapter 95
Lewis had already left for quite some time, yet the Reed family still hadn’t recovered from the shock of their sudden stroke
of luck.
“Dad, am I really going to work at Hartman Group?” Rupert was still doubtful. “That company is even bigger than Watson Group. Their salary and benefits are way better.
“But didn’t you say he was just an ordinary white–collar worker at Hartman Group? Does he really have the power to get me a job there?”
“We’ll see if he has the ability once you actually get into Hartman Group.” Jimmy remained skeptical.
Rupert’s employment was important, but that one million dollars still had to be repaid on his own.
“Of course, I want to work at Hartman Group. My life will be set if I do.” Rupert was elated and grabbed Claudia’s hand. “Honey, aren’t you happy?”
“It’s better not to celebrate too soon. Wait until you actually start working there.” Claudia remained much calmer compared to Rupert’s excitement.
“You’re right.” Rupert finally toned down his smile a little.
“You both promised before that my parents‘ one million dollar debt to Ryan had nothing to do with me or Rupert. You can’t go back on your word now.” Claudia made her stance clear. “This house belongs to Rupert and me now, and I will never agree to sell it.
“If you insist on selling the house, then I’ll go and terminate the pregnancy right now–there’s no point bringing a child into this world if they won’t even have a home.”
The Reed family cared about the baby in her belly. That was the only leverage she had against them. The reason she married Rupert was for this house.
Rupert’s face turned deathly pale. “Honey, what nonsense are you saying? How can you even think about getting rid of our baby? That’s our love’s fruit. You can’t do this. My parents aren’t like that.”
“I need them to give me a clear answer,” Claudia insisted.
“We’ll figure out a way to repay the money. We won’t sell the house you and Rupert live in.” Jimmy finally compromised. “You two should head home.”
Peyton clutched the blanket anxiously. “Claudia, just focus on taking care of yourself. Rupert, you must take good care of Claudia and the baby. Nothing must happen to them, understand?”
“Yes, Dad, Mom, I will.” Rupert supported Claudia. “Honey, let’s go home.”
“Get some rest,” Claudia didn’t press any further now that she had gotten the answer she wanted.
Rupert took Claudia back to Paris International.
As soon as they got home, Claudia collapsed onto the sofa. “I’m exhausted. Hubby, I want some water.”
Rupert immediately poured her some water and carefully helped her sit up. “Here you are.”
“Hubby, I want some fruit.”
“Right away.”
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Chapter 95
Rupert brought over some sliced apples, picked up a piece with a fork, and fed it to Claudia.
Claudia chewed the apple contentedly.
“Is it sweet?” asked Rupert,
“Crisp and sweet.” Claudia wrapped her arms around Rupert’s neck. “Hubby, I want grilled ribs and fish for lunch.”
“Alright. Consider it done.” Rupert held her in his arms.
“Hubby, you’re the best.” Claudia leaned in and kissed Rupert’s lips.
Rupert beamed like a child. “That’s not enough.”
With that, he cupped the back of Claudia’s head and kissed her deeply, lingering in the moment.
Claudia felt his burning body temperature and the heated breath against her ear.
“Hubby… don’t…” Claudia pushed against Rupert.
He kissed her collarbone, his large hand sliding down toward her thigh.
“Claudia, I want you.” his voice was hoarse, laced with desire.
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“The doctor said no intercourse during the first three months of pregnancy.” Claudia cupped his face. “For the baby’s sake, just bear with it. There’s less than two months left–it’ll pass soon.”
It had already been nearly a month since they last had sex.
As a woman, she didn’t mind as much, but for a man, it was undoubtedly frustrating.
“Two more months? That’s torture.” Rupert looked aggrieved. “If I’d known it’d be this troublesome, I wouldn’t have let you get pregnant so soon. We’re still young–we should’ve enjoyed our time together before having a baby.”
“Well, you were the one who didn’t like using protection because it felt uncomfortable. That’s not my fault.” Claudia gently placed a hand on her flat stomach. “How about… we don’t keep it?”
Although Rupert regretted the timing, there was no way he’d actually give up the baby.
“No.” Rupert shook his head.
If they aborted the child, his parents would be the first to go after him.
“Not having the baby is bad for your health. Besides, he’s the fruit of our love.”
“Then be good and endure it for a while longer.”
“You’ll have to make it up to me later.”
“Alright.”
“I’ll go make dinner then.”
*****
Lewis left the hospital and met up with Daniel at the Zen Café.
“Daniel, arrange a job for Rupert at Hartman Group,” Lewis said casually yet elegantly.
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“Mr. Hartman, you really want to place Rupert in Hartman Group?” Daniel was shocked.
“You think it’s a bad idea too?” Lewis picked up the filtered coffee and poured it into a jade–green cup.
Daniel said, “Mr. Hartman, Rupert may be Ms. Reed’s biological brother, your brother–in–law, but he’s deceitful, greedy selfish, and heartless–useless at best, a disaster at worst… Putting him in Hartman Group is like placing a ticking sune bomb at your side.
“If he finds out that you’re the president of Hartman Group, Ms. Reed and the Reed family will know your true identity. That family is nothing but a bunch of insatiable leeches. This will only bring you harm, not benefit!”
Daniel despised the scheming Reed family and pitied Doris for coming from such a toxic background.
Lewis gently lifted the coffee cup and took a sip, savoring the aroma.
“Place him in a branch office, not the headquarters–he won’t see me there. Just assign someone to watch him and make sure he doesn’t cause trouble.
Also, get me an entry under the name ‘Lewis‘–let’s go with the Logistics Department.”
Externally, Lewis used the name ‘Lewie.‘
“Understood.” Daniel said no more. He knew that if Lewis dared to keep Rupert close, he must have his own reasons.
“Did you find out what happened with Doris‘ photos?” Lewis rubbed the rim of his coffee cup with his thumb.
Daniel took a sip of coffee to moisten his throat. “They were taken the day we ran into Ms. Reed at Huayuan Hotel. Rupert checked her in, and Ryan arrived shortly after.”
Lewis recalled that day and quickly pieced it together. “So they were working together. I want every single photo he has off Doris–ASAP,”
His concern was that Ryan might use those photos to threaten Doris. He had to eliminate the problem before Doris even found out about it.
“This time, Ryan needs to learn a harsh lesson. Since he has so much free time, let’s keep him busy–busy to the point of collapse. Let’s see how he explains himself to the Watson Group board.” A chilling gleam flashed in Lewis‘ eyes, sending shivers down the spine.
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