“You keep getting close to Jackie, touching her, too. What he hell are you after?” Eugene’s eyes darkened, storm clouds brewing in his gaze.
Liam caught the edge in Eugene’s tone and smirked. “After We’re just friends. You’re the one with the dirty mind.
77
Eugene’s brows furrowed. He saw Liam making moves on Jacklyn more than once, and it set off alarm bells for him.
His features tightened, his fists forming with such force that his knuckles went white. He stood a few inches shorter than Liam, the weight of the latter’s presence pressing down on him.
A sharp wave of humiliation and rage washed over Eugene, and his fist rose slightly.
Liam didn’t flinch. He just watched, amused, as if daring Eugene. He was eager to see how far Eugene would go.
“Gene, don’t do anything reckless. He’s a Robertson!” Jacklyn cut in quickly, stopping Eugene.
His eyes locked onto hers, disbelief twisting into something darker. “You’re defending him, Jackie? I’m your husband.”
Jacklyn drew a deep breath. “I’m just calling it like I see it.”
Eugene’s eyes turned to ice. It set his teeth on edge every time Liam stepped too close to Jacklyn. And now, she was taking his side?
Jacklyn saw the anger still burning in Eugene and added, “If you can handle the consequences of crossing the Robertsons, go ahead.”
She’d stood by Eugene through everything. She knew exactly where he stood. He couldn’t afford to piss off the Robertsons, and he wasn’t capable of it.
Eugene’s mind sharpened into focus, the full weight of his recklessness crashing over him. Flustered, he wiped the expression from his face.
“What’s wrong? Scared? It’s not like you’ve never had the guts to do shady things. Guess now you finally know your limits.”
Liam arched a brow, leaning against the car door as he studied Eugene.
Jacklyn knew exactly what he meant–the affair. She said nothing.
“You…”
Oblivious to the deeper jab, Eugene bristled. Before he could retort, Liam slid into the car and drove off without a glance.
Only once the taillights faded did Eugene notice Jacklyn’s pallor. He immediately felt bad about it.
“Jackie, why do you look so awful?” He frowned, pressing a hand to her forehead, checking for fever.
“I’m fine. Just tired.” Jacklyn tensed as he drew near.
She was on the verge of stepping back when his phone rang His gaze snapped to the screen, then flitted nervously
to her.
She turned her face away, feigning indifference. “Go ahead Gene. I need to rest.”
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A bitter scoff twisted inside her.
Eugene sighed in relief before walking away.
“Gene, have you thought about the gemstone necklace? My stomach’s been hurting again. The baby must be reminding us to keep him safe.”
“I’m still considering it. If you’re in pain, go to the hospital”
Eugene’s expression darkened, his anger still simmering. When Penelope pushed him, his tone turned sharp instinctively.
Penelope bit her lip, forcing her anger down before it could rise. She had no choice but to comply, her voice deliberately subdued.
The moment the call ended, she summoned Amanda.
Amanda took in Penelope’s face and knew immediately that the gemstone necklace still didn’t belong to her.
“It’s all because of Jacklyn. She’s the one who told Eugene that keeping that gemstone necklace in the office would bring him good fortune. That’s why he refused to give it to you.
“But if something were to happen to her, you’d naturally become the next Mrs. Lloyd. And then, the necklace would be yours, wouldn’t it?”
Penelope’s brows creased, then eased as a sly smile curled her lips. “You’re right! That bitch Jacklyn needs to be ruined!”
Amanda nodded eagerly, a grin splitting her face. “Exactly.”
Then, eyes glinting with calculation, she added, “All it takes is one scandal with another man, and Eugene would drop her in a heartbeat. I’ve heard there are thugs for hire who’ll do anything if the price is right!”
Penelope stiffened. Why hadn’t she thought of it sooner?
The image of Jacklyn’s humiliation flashed through her mind, sending a sharp thrill of satisfaction down her spine. Without another word, she set off at once to make the arrangements.
The next day, night had fallen by the time Jacklyn stepped out of the maternity expo.
She hadn’t gotten far when motorcycles skidded to a stop before her. Three sleazy–looking men climbed off, their sly grins curling into leers as they eyed her.
“Hey, sweetheart. All alone out here?”
“You’re just as pretty as in the pictures. Come have some fun with us!”
Jacklyn’s brows tightened. Today was really not her day.
She snapped, “Back off! Or I’m calling the police.”
“Hear that? She’s calling the police!” they mocked her in a singsong voice, then burst out laughing. Unfazed, they reached for her, trying to get handsy.
A jolt of adrenaline shot through Jacklyn. She turned to run, but a hand clamped around her arm. She pressed a protective hand over her abdomen, teeth clenched.
She couldn’t let anything happen to the baby!
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Jacklyn thrashed desperately but stood no chance against the men surrounding her. Just as they were about to carry her off, a sharp cry sliced through the air, and suddenly, their grip vanished.
Black–clad figures emerged. And behind them stood Liam.
“A–Alan, there are too many! We should go now!”
Jacklyn’s legs gave way, and she collapsed to the ground, a wave of bitter helplessness flooding over her.
What had she done to deserve this? First, it was Eugene’s betrayal, and now this?
