Chapter 17
Rebecca couldn’t stop herself from sobbing, her frail body trembling like a child abandoned in the dark. Ashton pulled her into his arms, his voice low and soothing. “Rebecca, you’re not alone. You won’t be alone. Calm down, will you?”
Tears streamed down her swollen cheeks as she clutched onto him desperately. “Don’t let her give birth to the baby, please,” she begged, her voice hoarse from crying. “Ash, please don’t let her have the baby. Do you want me to die?”
Her desperation hung thick in the air.
Fury flashed across Ashton’s gaze. “Rebecca, stop it!” he barked, his patience wearing thin.
But Rebecca was beyond reason. With a sudden, violent shove, she freed herself from his grasp, her eyes filled with unwavering resolve. Before either of us could react, she snatched the fruit knife from the bedside table and slashed her wrist.
A sharp gasp escaped me as the metallic scent of blood filled the room. Ashton’s face paled in horror. He rushed to catch her before she collapsed, his panic evident.
“Rebecca!” he shouted, his voice laced with urgency.
Despite the pain, she clung to the hospital bed’s railing, refusing to let go. Her unfocused eyes locked onto Ashton as she murmured weakly, “Don’t let her give birth to the baby.”
I stared at her in disbelief. Why is she so desperate to stop this?
Before Ashton could say anything, I spoke up, my voice strained. “Rebecca, don’t worry. I won’t…” I paused, swallowing the lump in my throat. “I won’t give birth to the baby.”
“Scarlett!” Ashton roared in anger, his piercing gaze turning toward me.
I forced myself to meet his eyes, biting back the bitterness in my tone. “If you don’t take her to the ER now, she might die. Imagine how bad you’ll feel.”
His jaw tightened. A moment of hesitation passed before he scooped Rebecca into his arms and stormed out of the room.
As the door slammed shut behind them, silence descended upon me. The lingering scent of blood mixed with the antiseptic air, an unsettling contrast. I let out a slow breath, my body aching from exhaustion. My fever had subsided, but the doctor insisted on another IV drip. I refused. There was no reason for me to stay in this place any longer.
Stepping outside, I inhaled deeply. The rain from the night before had washed the air clean, leaving it crisp and cool. Instead of heading back to the villa, I made my way to Fuller Corporation.
As soon as I entered the lobby, the receptionist hurried over. “Ms. Stovall, Dr. Ludwick’s wife is waiting for you in your office. She’s been there for about fifteen minutes.”
I nodded and pressed the elevator button. “Tell Stacey to prepare some gifts for Mrs. Ludwick as a token of our sincerity.”
“Yes, Ms. Stovall.”
Inside the elevator, I pulled out my phone and dialed Jared’s number. He answered after two rings.
“Scarlett?” His tone carried a hint of surprise.
Frowning slightly, I got straight to the point. “Are you free tonight? Can we meet up?”
There was a brief pause before he responded. “Sure. Let me know the time and location.”
“I’ll send the details later.” The elevator chimed as I reached my floor. Hanging up, I quickly texted him the information before heading to the restroom to freshen up.
I had been married to Ashton for two years. I couldn’t make him love me, but I had built my own foundation in the corporate world. I was no longer the naïve woman who had entered Fuller Corporation without experience. Now, I had grown into someone capable of handling the challenges that came my way.
Pushing open the door to my office, I found an elegantly dressed woman seated on the sofa, scrolling through her phone.
I knocked twice against the half-open door before stepping inside. “Mrs. Ludwick, I’m sorry to have kept you waiting. The traffic was terrible,” I greeted her with a polite smile.
Martha looked up, returning my smile with one of her own. “No worries. I just arrived myself.”
After a brief exchange of pleasantries, she wasted no time getting to the point. “Mrs. Fuller, I apologize for disturbing you at work. I’m sure you’re aware that Caleb signed a contract with Fuller Corporation recently. Given the… unfortunate situation we’re facing, I was hoping you could convince Mr. Fuller to grant us an extension. A little more time would help Caleb and me get back on our feet.”
I studied her carefully, noting the sincerity in her expression.
It seemed today was bound to be full of negotiations.