Filed to story: My Husband Regrets Divorcing Me (Audrey & Cornell)
Once inside, Luciana faced the weak and bedridden Katie, her voice cold as she asked, “What do you need?”
“Luciana…” Katie still called Luciana in the same manner, which Luciana found especially annoying.
Luciana forcefully presented a paternity document to Katie, her tone firm as she said, “Drop your act. Neither Cornell nor I have anything to do with you anymore.”
Katie glanced at the paternity document; her expression unchanged.
At first, Katie couldn’t come to terms with the fact that she was pregnant with Abel’s child. The news hit her like a shock.
Yet, upon contemplation, Katie desired for the baby to be recognized as Cornell’s despite the truth, a move she aimed to advance her progress in marrying Cornell. With the syringe that could render Cornell sickly tormented by the discomfort, Katie aimed to force Cornell to marry her. But to her surprise, Cornell sacrificed himself to save Audrey amid the incident orchestrated by her and Alexis.
From initial disbelief to acceptance, Katie convinced herself it was all for the best. In her mind, with Cornell gone, she could easily claim the child as Cornell’s, regardless of any counterclaims.
However, Luciana’s ensuing actions were unforeseen by Katie, catching Katie off guard with the real paternity test.
With a faint smile, Katie remarked, “Luciana, I’ve heard you were eager to meet your granddaughter, weren’t you?”
Luciana’s expression shifted drastically. “What do you mean?”
Luciana had only just been informed about Janey’s abduction. Upon hearing the news, she dispatched people to gather information immediately.
Luciana grabbed Katie’s hospital attire, questioning, “It was you, wasn’t it? You’re the one who abducted my granddaughter, correct?”
Katie began to cough harshly due to Luciana’s aggressive grip, her wounds almost opened again. “Release me…” She gasped.
Luciana kept her grip firm, yelling, “You wretch! If you lay a finger on my granddaughter, I’ll kill you!”
Katie continued to cough.
“I’ll kill you! You monster!” Luciana was agitated.
At that moment, a nurse rushed in and pulled Luciana back. She scolded Luciana, “How can you treat a patient Like this?”
After sipping some water, it took Katie a bit of time to recover.
The nurse asked with concern, “Would you like me to summon the police for you?”
Katie waved her hand tiredly, saying, “No, that won’t be necessary. Thank you. You may leave.”
The nurse left, puzzled by Katie’s decision.
Once they were left alone, Katie cleared her throat and spoke with a hint of defiance. “Luciana, how about we make a deal?”
Luciana’s gaze darkened with rage. “Are you aware of the gravity of your actions? You’re not just breaking the law. You’re adding to your list of crimes!”
Katie covered her mouth and giggled. “Luciana, how can you say that? I just heard something from my friend. Please don’t accuse me of that. I’m really scared! But…”
She paused, pretending to wipe away tears, before continuing, “You wanted to hurt me. I was pregnant. The nurse saw you attacked me…”
Luciana froze. It turned out that Katie had deliberately staged the whole thing to have witnesses. This woman was ruthlessly vicious, like a sly fox!
Anger flooded Luciana, her eyes blazing. She demanded, “Where have you hidden my granddaughter? Return her to me immediately, or I will never forgive you, even at my last breath!”
Katie took a sip of water, soothing her throat, and then replied slowly, “Luciana, why do you lose your patience so quickly as you age? I’ve told you not to forget your medication, but here you are accusing me of wishing you harm. Just look at yourself now.”
Luciana was far from Katie’s calm demeanor. Janey’s missing tormented her, and she could empathize with Audrey’s anguish.
Since Cornell’s disappearance, Luciana had seen the true colors of those around her. Except for Audrey, everyone seemed driven by greed.
In her distress, Luciana realized she had unwittingly driven Audrey away, which posed obstacles to Cornell’s reunion with Audrey after having an unhappy life for five whole years.
Although Audrey’s incident five years ago wasn’t her fault, Luciana couldn’t help but blame herself. If only she had sincerely welcomed Audrey, Audrey and Cornell might not have endured so much suffering.
They could have lived merrily now…
It was always after losing something that people realized its true value.
Luciana only hoped that Janey would return to Audrey safely. She was ready to pay any price to ensure that. Even with her life on the line, she was determined to do so.
Once she had composed herself, Luciana asked, “Tell me, what do you want?”
Seeing that Luciana gave in, Katie set down her cup and said calmly, “Withdraw your accusation against me and acknowledge that my child is the rightful heir to the Clement family.”
Luciana’s anger made her hands shake. Katie had betrayed her trust by having an affair with another man, claiming her bodyguard’s child belonged to the Clement family. It was the first time that she had seen such a shameless woman!
Yet, for Janey’s safety, Luciana had to agree. “I’ll do everything you ask,” she said without hesitation.
“And the sample I left before, and Cornell’s, I want them all destroyed. Leave no trace.”
“I promise,” Luciana replied firmly.
“Words alone aren’t enough,” Katie insisted. She demanded Luciana prepare both a written statement and a video recording.
Moreover, after Luciana recorded the video acknowledging her child’s origin, Katie promptly shared the news on the Clement Group’s official website.
Once it was public, Luciana felt trapped, knowing she couldn’t take her words back. The official website was a serious platform where any false news could heavily impact the Clement Group’s stock value.
Luciana pleaded, “I’ve done what you asked. Can I see my granddaughter now?”
Katie replied calmly, “Hold on. Now’s not the time.”
Luciana’s frustration boiled over. “What are you saying, Katie? I’ve followed your instructions, yet you still won’t let me see my granddaughter. If you’re trying to trick me, I swear I’ll go to extremes to make your life miserable!”
“Calm down…” Katie, showing signs of impatience, cut in. “I haven’t finished yet.”
Katie handed Luciana a black phone. “Do as the phone instruct, and you’ll see her. But remember, don’t tell anyone about this, or you might lose the chance to see your beloved granddaughter forever…”
Even as Katie smiled, there was a chilling quality to her grin.
Luciana, aware of Katie’s ruthless nature, chose her steps carefully.
Once outside Katie’s ward, Luciana encountered Audrey, who was anxiously waiting.
Audrey immediately grabbed Luciana’s hand; her voice filled with urgency. “Mrs. Clement, what did Katie tell you? Do you know where Janey is?”
Luciana remained silent; Katie’s threats vivid in her mind.
As the seconds ticked by, Audrey grew increasingly worried. Janey had been missing for nearly two days. But there were still no leads on her whereabouts.
Even though the police had started investigating because Erick insisted, they hadn’t found any clues yet.
Annis was suspected of taking Janey away, making the police treat it an acquaintance committing a crime. They focused on digging into Annis’ social circle, and even Annis’ daughter, Elin, was brought in for questioning.
Audrey couldn’t accept the idea that Annis would kidnap Janey. To Annis, Janey was like her own granddaughter. But the police weren’t convinced and were at a dead end for now.
Audrey was overwhelmed with despair. Luciana had to support Audrey to keep her from falling.
Through her tears, Audrey asked Luciana, “Mrs. Clement, do you have any news about Janey? Please, tell me anything…”
Luciana paused, her voice shaky as she replied, I don’t have any information…
Audrey found it hard to believe that Luciana didn’t know anything.
Audrey cried out. “When she was younger, Janey showed signs of autism. Early intervention helped her, but a sudden change of environment might trigger a setback. She’s your granddaughter. Please tell me, okay?”
Tears streamed down Luciana’s face at Audrey’s words, and her hands trembled. But she firmly pulled away from Audrey’s grip. “I don’t know anything, really!”
Luciana hesitated and then added, “Please, try not to cry here. Go home and wait for any news. You’ll need to be strong for her.”
With that, Luciana left abruptly, biting back her emotions.
Audrey collapsed on the ground, exhausted. She had been running on empty for too long, her body shaking uncontrollably and her face ghostly pale.
With her face buried in her hands, tears streamed down her cheeks.
She felt utterly lost, unsure of her next move. Audrey was certain that Katie’s men had taken her daughter, yet every lead turned up empty. “I’ve failed as a mother…” she whispered to herself, despair washing over her.
Just then, Audrey noticed the guards usually stationed in front of Katie’s ward were gone. She made a move to confront Katie, but was immediately blocked by the Glyn family’s bodyguards, soon joined by those from the Clement family.
Blocked from entering, Audrey stood there, puzzled about the sudden change.
Curiosity getting the better of her, Audrey checked the latest news on her phone and discovered a shocking update. Luciana had admitted that Katie’s child was Cornell’s!
After some thought, Audrey realized that it had to be connected. She lingered by Katie’s ward a moment longer before deciding to leave.
Back in her car, Audrey noticed a missed call and quickly dialed back. “Hello.”
“Our deal is off the table because Katie has struck a deal with me. She wants the Clement Group shares, and in return, she’ll give me the child.”
“It sounds like there’s no trust between you two. Let’s revisit this once you’ve reached an agreement.”