Penelope clutched her belly, looking pitiful. “Gene, you finally came. Someone pushed me just now.”
Afraid Eugene wouldn’t believe her, she pinched her thigh ard to draw out some tears. “I was so upset that I argued with that man, but he threatened to hit me! I was so scared. Gene, you have to stand up for me!”
Eugene’s eyes darkened. His voice turned cold as he said, “Get the security footage now. I want to find that guy.”
When the manager saw Eugene’s impressive attire, he knew better than to mess with him and quickly agreed.
As soon as the footage came up, Eugene watched closely. He pointed at the man who shoved Penelope and ordered, “Get him!”
The manager rushed to take action.
Eugene then glanced at Penelope. “Let’s get you to a hospital. The baby can’t be hurt.”
Penelope immediately refused. “Gene, I don’t want to go to the hospital. I want to go home.”
Her eyes darted nervously.
“How can you not go? Your belly is hurting. What good does going home do?”
“Sir, if your wife really isn’t feeling well, I can call an ambulance,” the manager offered.
When he pulled out his phone, Amanda snatched it away.
“No hospital!” Amanda insisted. “Mr. Lloyd, Penelope was just frightened. Going to the hospital now won’t show anything. Plus, too many exams during early pregnancy aren’t good. You should go home with her.”
“Yeah, Gene. I’m fine. I just need rest. Come home with me” Penelope coaxed softly. “Maybe I’ll feel better soon with you by my side.”
Eugene noticed her complexion had improved, and she didn’t seem to be in pain, so he reluctantly agreed.
At the Stinson residence, Penelope clung to Eugene all morning and still refused to let him go by afternoon.
Amanda murmured quietly nearby, making Eugene even more restless.
“What are you mumbling about?” he asked.
Amanda hesitated, then said, “I’m praying for Penelope and the baby. As you know, this year is bad luck for Penelope. If we don’t resolve this, there might be a bloodshed curse.
“She’s still in early pregnancy and has months to go. Without the gemstone necklace Mr. Collier mentioned, anything could happen to her.”
Upon hearing that, Penelope snapped to attention. “So that’s why I got shoved so hard in the mall! I thought it was just an accident.”
Eugene was stunned. If something happened to her, what about the baby inside her?
“Gene, what should I do now?”
Penelope’s eyes filled with fear as she grabbed his sleeve tightly. “Gene, I’m so scared!”
“Yeah. Penelope just had a fall today, but who knows what might happen next?” Amanda added fuel to the fire.
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Chapter 35
+25 BONUS
Eugene pondered for a moment, then looked down at Penelope’s belly. Gritting his teeth, he made his decision.
“I’m going to the office now to get the necklace.”
Penelope suppressed her excitement. “Really, Gene?”
Eugene said nothing and stood up to leave.
Watching him walk away, Amanda and Penelope exchanged sly smiles.
“Penelope, once you get that necklace, that bitch Jacklyn will be furious. Do you think she’ll come after you?”
Penelope grinned smugly. “Let her come. Watching her jealous meltdown will be hilarious. She’s about to become a cast–off wife. Maybe she’ll even beg at my feet to spare her!”
Penelope’s face twisted in a sinister fantasy.
In Lloyd Manor, Jacklyn had a rare good night’s sleep. Upon waking, she saw a new message pop up on her phone.
“Ms. Stinson, meet me at Elmwood Cafe this afternoon.”
Chapter 36
