Chapter 27
“Mr. Lloyd, I’ve brought the financial reports.”
Eugene snapped back to his senses, straightening his clothes before calling out, “Come in.”
Seeing her chance evaporate, Penelope scowled and slumped into the nearest chair. As Sammy delivered the report, Penelope kept flicking Eugene coy glances.
Sammy’s gaze Hipped mid–explanation and caught the undone button at Eugene’s collar. On the way out, he stole a few more looks at Penelope.
Once clear of the office, Sammy pulled out’a phone and dialed Jacklyn. “Mrs. Lloyd.”
Jacklyn went rigid, spine straightening. Why would Sammy be calling her out of the blue?
“Yes? What is it?”
“I just saw Penelope in Mr. Lloyd’s office. They seemed close…” Sammy hesitated but spilled everything anyway.
Disgust flashed in Jacklyn’s eyes. So they couldn’t even wait. But the assets hadn’t been transferred yet. She couldn’t afford even a flicker of suspicion.
She took a deep breath, then spoke up in their defense, “Penelope and Gene have always gotten along well. You must’ve mislooked. Gene’s loyal. There’s no way anything’s going on between him and Penelope.”
Sammy shifted awkwardly. “I just thought you should know.”
Jacklyn understood the kindness behind the warning. After a beat of silence, she murmured a sincere, “Thank you.
11
She offered a few more reassurances before ending the call
“Gene, you’re amazing.”
In the office, Penelope looped her arms around Eugene’s neck, straddling him as she pressed eager kisses along
his face.
Eugene surrendered to her, lost in the rush. He’d never done anything like this at work before. So this was what made it so thrilling.
As the heat between them cooled, Eugene slowly regained his senses. He arranged for Penelope to be driven home. Then, he returned to Lloyd Manor.
When he stepped into the guest room, Jacklyn lay on the bed. She didn’t bother to get up when he entered.
“Jackie, I heard you’ve been cooped up at home all day. Why not go out for a bit?”
Eugene’s face still carried a faint flush, the lingering warmth of intimacy.
Jacklyn sneered. A few days ago, he hadn’t even let her step outside, and now, he wanted her to get some fresh air?
He must’ve lost his damn mind after coming back from Penelope.
Her hand drifted unconsciously to her stomach before she shook her head. “No. I twisted my ankle last time at the yoga studio. I’m resting.”
Seeing her indifference, Eugene grew flustered. He quickly said, “Jackie, I’ve been too busy lately. It’s my fault. I should’ve made more time for you. But I’ve cleared the next few days, just for us. Remember how you wanted to
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go to Maldoria? I’ll book the tickets tomorrow!”
He expected Jacklyn to light up and throw her arms around his neck in that sweet way she used to. But not a flicker of joy crossed her face.
Jacklyn shook her head, her voice flat. “That was before. Funny that you still remember. But I’m not in the mood for a trip.”
Back then, she’d watched those travel videos, dreaming of Maldoria, only for Eugene to brush her off every time, claiming he was too busy with work.
Now that she no longer cared, he suddenly had time. It wasn’t truly time. It was guilt.
But she couldn’t be bothered.
“I just wanted to be with you and help you clear your head, Jackie.” Eugene kept talking, oblivious to her disinterest.
“Maybe next time.”
Jacklyn’s voice was cool, distant. She tugged lightly at the edge of the blanket, forcing down the disgust simmering inside her.
“Then, I’ll stay home with you, around the clock, completely at your service…”
His eyes lingered on her, charged with unspoken meaning.
Jacklyn stiffened.
An entire day with Eugene? Once, that would’ve sounded comforting and blissful. But now, knowing the filthy things he’d done? The thought of being trapped with him was enough to drive her mad.
And worse, there was her plan. She couldn’t let him suspect a thing.
“Jackie?” Eugene traced a finger along her cheek, his touch fond, mistaking her silence for delight.
Jacklyn snapped back. “Actually, let’s go to Maldoria.”
“Of course. Anything you want, I’m with you.” Eugene pressed a soft kiss to her forehead.
Jacklyn sneered to herself. Was that the same line he’d used on Penelope?
The next day, Jacklyn arrived at the hospital, her prenatal checkup report in hand, when a familiar car caught her eye in the distance.
Liam?
As if summoned by her thoughts, Liam stepped out of the vehicle and strode toward her.
Jacklyn froze, momentarily stunned by his sudden appearance. It took her a second to find her voice. “What are you doing here?”
Liam casually took the report from her hand. “Isn’t today your prenatal appointment?”
She shook her head firmly. “I can handle it alone.”
He gestured at the other couples passing by. “Since when do pregnant women go to these appointments by themselves?”
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Jacklyn was about to refuse again, but Liam was already walking ahead, cutting off any chance for argument. As she watched Liam’s figure, busy registering and waiting in line, a pang of sorrow tightened in her chest.
Once, when she’d been sick, Eugene had done the same for her. But now, everything had shifted. The moment he betrayed her, there was no turning back..
“Thank you, Liam.”
Jacklyn’s eyes burned, voice rough with emotion. The whisper was too faint for him to hear.
“Jacklyn Stinson, please head to the OB–GYN exam room for your appointment.”
The call jolted her back to the moment. She stepped inside.
The doctor, Gloria Barlow, looked up. Noticing Jacklyn was alone, Gloria gestured toward the door. “Jacklyn’s husband, come on in. These instructions are for the father, too.”
