“Well…” Ramon hesitated, an expression of difficulty crossing his face.
“Don’t worry. Just tell me how to fix this, and I’ll pay whatever it takes,” Eugene said solemnly.
People would do anything for money, and even devotees couldn’t live without it.
“That’s not it.” Ramon shook his head. “Wealth is just material.”
“Then, what is it?” Eugene asked, confused.
Penelope, trembling, feigned a look of despair. “If I lose this child, I don’t want to live, either! My baby! I can’t lose this baby! Gene, please do something!”
After a sigh, Ramon finally said, “Alright. Since you’re so eager, I’ll tell you straight. To break the bloodshed curse, you’ll need a sacred object. It’s not easy to get.”
Eugene, not overly concerned, responded, “Tell me what it is. I’ll find it no matter what.”
Smiling, Ramon nodded. “Since you’re so earnest, I’ll be direct. You need to find a unique gemstone, set it in a necklace, and have your wife wear it every day. It will ward off evil and protect the child in her womb.”
Eugene exhaled with relief. “A gemstone? That’s simple. I’ll have someone buy one right away.”
He had thought it was something rare, but it was just a gem. With his wealth, buying a truckload of gems was nothing.
Just as he was feeling smug about it, Ramon quickly stopped him. “It’s not just any ordinary gem.”
“What is it, then?” Eugene frowned.
“Do you know about the gemstone necklace that the Princess of Wimborne bought, which caused a stir in the gem world?”
“Yes.” Eugene nodded.
He not only knew about it but had even bought the exact same necklace. It was currently hanging around Jacklyn’s neck.
“You need one exactly like that to ward off evil.”
Ramon’s words wiped away the confident look from Eugene’s face.
“Is there a problem?” Ramon asked, noticing the shift in Eugene’s demeanor.
Eugene told him the truth, “I bought that exact same necklace not long ago, but I gave it to someone else.”
How could he possibly ask for it back?
Penelope knew that the “someone else” was none other than Jacklyn.
With a sob, tears began to spill from her eyes. “Maybe my baby isn’t meant to be. Maybe it’s fate that he never gets to see this world. If there’s a next life, I hope he can find a good mother who can protect him.” –
She wept uncontrollably.
The sound of crying made Eugene’s scalp prickle with tension. As the father, how could he bear the thought of losing his child?
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Chapter 15
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“Don’t cry. Even without the necklace, I’ll find a way to protect the baby,” he comforted her.
“Really?” Penelope looked up, her eyes filled with hope.
Eugene didn’t dare answer her directly and instead turned Ramon. “Mr. Collier, is there another way?”
Ramon shook his head. “The bloodshed curse is tied to fate. It can’t be broken without the right item. I’ve done the reading, and only this specific gemstone necklace can help her have a smooth pregnancy. If she doesn’t wear it, everything will be left to fate.”
Penelope sobbed, collapsing into Eugene’s arms. “It’s all my fault. I’m not worthy of having a child. Baby, I’m so sorry. I can’t protect you. But it’s okay. As long as Jackie’s not upset, I can live with it. If I lose the baby, then that’s just the price I have to pay.”
She said that, but her mind was set on Jacklyn’s downfall. She couldn’t believe Eugene would let his child come to harm.
“I’ve said all I can. The decision is now in your hands.” Ramon signaled the end of the meeting.
“Thank you, Mr. Collier.” Eugene nodded politely. “I will visit again with a token of appreciation.”
After a few more formalities, he left with Penelope.
In the car, Penelope couldn’t stop glancing at Eugene.
She pressed her lips together, then spoke up with a pitiful look, “Gene, could you spend more time with me during these final days? Just think of it as spending time with the baby.”
Frowning, Eugene stayed silent.
After a long moment, he made the decision. “Don’t worry. I won’t let anything happen to the baby.”
“But-”
Before Penelope could finish, he cut in, “I’ll go back home later and get the necklace from Jackie. You stay home and rest well. Don’t go out anymore.”
Penelope froze for a moment. Once she realized what he meant, she was overjoyed inside.
Compared to Jacklyn, Eugene cared far more about the baby
Just like Penelope had told Jacklyn, the necklace would be hers if she wanted it.
She didn’t show her joy on her face. Instead, she feigned concern. “What if Jackie refuses to give it back?”
“Don’t worry,” Eugene said confidently. “I have a way.”
Penelope smiled brightly. “I knew it, Gene. You’re the best.
After dropping Penelope off at the Stinson residence, Eugene headed back to Lloyd Manor. Instead of going straight upstairs as usual, he sat on the couch in the living room, deep in thought.
That necklace was a gift he gave Jacklyn as an apology. Taking it back would be awkward and humiliating.
But a life was at stake, and the child came first.
At that thought, Eugene finally went upstairs and pushed open the door. “Jackie.”
But as soon as he stepped inside, he froze. Jacklyn’s belongings were all gone.
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Chapter 15
His eyes widened in shock.
Jacklyn had really disappeared this time!
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