Chapter 18
Fuller Corporation’s collaboration with the hospital was a project under the national fund. As a construction and trade company, this project fell under Fuller Corporation’s construction business, and I was assigned to oversee it on Ashton’s orders. Caleb, as it happened, was Martha’s husband.
The contract we signed stipulated that full payment had to be made before the completion of construction. Unfortunately, Caleb had misallocated the funds, leaving us unable to complete the project. Simply put, he couldn’t pay Fuller Corporation the balance on time as per the agreement.
After listening to Martha’s plea, I forced a polite smile. “Mrs. Ludwick, you know very well that Ashton and I aren’t particularly close. This involves a substantial sum of money. Ashton is meticulous when it comes to business. If anything goes wrong, I won’t be able to justify my decision to him.”
Martha instantly panicked. After a brief hesitation, she suggested, “Would an extension of one week do? Please, just delay the deadline by a week. When Caleb settles the balance, we’ll personally express our gratitude.”
I could have agreed easily, but instead, I said, “Mrs. Ludwick, Fuller Corporation isn’t a small enterprise. We have strict protocols regarding financial matters. If I step in to help Dr. Ludwick, I will have to assume full responsibility. Unless…”
I trailed off deliberately and met her gaze.
She immediately latched onto my words, grasping for hope. “Unless what?”
I hesitated before answering, “Unless I have a valid reason to delay my work.”
Before she could respond, I added, “And there happens to be a perfect excuse right now.”
“What is it?” Martha’s grip on her glass tightened.
“I need Dr. Ludwick’s help to arrange for an ob-gyn. I’m going to abort my baby.”
Martha’s face paled in shock. “Mrs. Fuller, you’re pregnant?”
I nodded. “I’m six weeks along.”
“Why would you abort the baby at this stage? Does Mr. Fuller know?” She sounded bewildered. “You’ve been married for some time. This child has come at the perfect time!”
I offered a faint smile. “Ashton and I aren’t ready for a child.”
I paused briefly before continuing, “I can use this situation as an excuse to delay the project. Please inform Dr. Ludwick of my request.”
She looked at me in disbelief. “Does Mr. Fuller know about this?” she asked again, as if unwilling to accept my decision.
I nodded. “He does.”
Martha sighed. “Well, that’s truly unfortunate.”
That was the end of our conversation.
Stacey prepared some supplements for Martha before she left. As soon as she was gone, I turned to Stacey and instructed, “Go to the president’s office and ask Joseph to hand me the divorce agreement that Ashton drafted earlier.”
Stacey’s expression froze in shock. “Ms. Stovall!”