Ch. 451..460

Chapter 451 I’m Not Afraid

All of Bryan’s anger dispersed upon hearing that Queenie could be pregnant with his child.

His dull face was lit with joy.

He had been married to his wife for eight years, but they’d never been able to have a child. He even had many mistresses, but none of them had ever successfully carried his child, even without taking birth control pills.

After he went to the hospital for a checkup, the doctors discovered that it was because he suffered from hypospermia, which made it harder for him to impregnate women.

He was already on the verge of giving up on having children, but luck was on his side as he heard the news that Queenie was pregnant with his child. If it were true, then he had to get her back.

“You’re right! If that b*tch really has my child, I must get her back!”

Bryan thought for a moment before saying, “Send someone to spy on the Gardners. If Queenie ever steps foot out of their house, bring her to me immediately. Remember, do it as discreetly as possible, and don’t let the Gardners discover anything.”

The butler nodded upon receiving orders and got right to it.

Queenie had been staying at the Gardner Residence for about a week. Even so, Wendy was still pretty repugnant about her staying with them. Right now, even her mom had already accepted the fact that Queenie was staying with them.

That angered her even more. Wendy could never admit to such a woman as her sister-in-law.

Nicole came over to the Gardner Residence once to visit Mr. Benedict. When Wendy learned that Nicole paid them a visit, she immediately dragged Nicole over to rant about Queenie. She even emphasized how she would rather have Nicole as her sister-in-law instead.

Nicole only smiled and didn’t say much as Wendy ranted. Nevertheless, she alluded to the frustrated girl with one sentence—

“You need to respect your brother’s decision.”

After she bid Wendy goodbye, Queenie suddenly popped out of nowhere. Apparently, she overheard their conversation and wasn’t too happy about what Wendy said about her.

She marched angrily at Nicole before she raised her arm; she wanted to slap her so badly, but Nicole was no pushover. When she saw Queenie with her arm raised, she immediately grabbed Queenie’s arm. She scoffed as she squinted her eyes, “What are you up to?”

Queenie’s eyes dripped with spite as she was furious at the sight of Nicole. She pried off Nicole’s hand and arrogantly declared, “Nicole, I’m pregnant with Colton’s baby, and Colton’s already accepted me as his family. So what are you still doing here at the Gardner Residence?”

Queenie’s agitation grew as she spoke. If it weren’t for you, I would’ve become Mrs. Gardner by now. It is all Nicole’s fault! Queenie screeched in her head.

I’ve almost succeeded, but as always, this b*tch just had to show up and spoil everything for me!

Queenie’s fuming face amused Nicole. She sneered as she landed her gaze on Queenie’s belly.

It’s only been a month or so, so her baby bump was still barely visible. Queenie was also wearing loose clothes, making it harder to see her baby bump.

“Queenie, aren’t you being a little too confident? Do you really think that you can give birth to your baby?”

Queenie’s face darkened, so she glared at Nicole as she spat, “What are you implying?”

“I meant it literally.” She ridiculed her in response.

Queenie scrunched her face and raised her voice as she shrieked, “Are you plotting to murder my baby?”

She looked terrified by such an implication, but deep down, she hoped it was true. If Nicole had those intentions, it would work in her favor because she could place all the blame on Nicole and get away with it.

“Why would I? Once you give birth to that baby and do a DNA paternity test, you’re the one who would be humiliated.”

Queenie was slightly taken aback by Nicole’s words. She looked at Nicole and noticed that Nicole was composed as if she knew something.

Queenie clenched her fist as she acted all innocent, saying, “What are you trying to say? The baby is Colton’s, and I’m not scared of doing a DNA paternity test after the baby is born!”

 

Chapter 452 An Act

Nicole regarded Queenie with disdain as it was clear that the woman before her wouldn’t give up getting into the Gardner’s good graces with underhanded means. Well, it was her lucky day that Nicole did not have the time to argue with her further. So, Nicole snorted derisively, “It’s okay if you want to think that way. We’ll see what happens in a few months.”

She paused as she suddenly thought of something and continued, “Oh right, we can do a DNA paternity test with amniotic fluid. So, it can be done even if the child is not delivered.”

Queenie’s face changed at Nicole’s words. She planned to abort the child as she knew Colton would not make a big fuss out of it. But if they did the amniotic fluid test, then she was done for. Suddenly, a sheen of perspiration covered her forehead.

Even so, Queenie would not back down, not before Nicole. Therefore, she warned through her teeth, “Whatever happens between Colton and I is none of your business!”

Nicole’s bright eyes gleamed with mockery as she quipped, “Oh, was I meddling too much? Weren’t you the one who wanted to argue with me?”

Queenie’s face turned red as she wanted to refute but did not know what to say.

After she pondered for a while, she shot daggers at Nicole and rebuked coldly, “Didn’t you come to the Gardner Residence to look for Colton? I don’t believe that you’re only here to visit Old Mr. Benedict. I know what you’re thinking. You’ve been anxious since I moved in here. So, you’re here to feel things out!”

Eventually, Nicole couldn’t suppress her amusement as she burst into laughter.

“Queenie, who do you think you are for me to waste my time on you?”

She was done with Queenie and did not want to waste time arguing with her. Thus, she stepped back as she deliberately taunted Queenie, “Let’s not even talk about whether or not the child in your belly is Colton’s. But it is an undeniable fact that my son is indeed his. So, do you truly think you can wait until your child is safely delivered, knowing that they would forever be second to my son?”

Nicole’s words touched a sore spot. Queenie’s face instantly turned livid as she yelled insults, “You’ve finally revealed what’s on your mind! You’re just afraid that I will deliver a son for Colton that will compete with your son for the Gardner Family’s fortune. You vicious woman!”

Nicole curved her lips into a smile and watched as Queenie stomped her feet like a fool. She just loved watching Queenie getting all worked up yet being unable to do anything to change her predicament. “Even if that’s what I think, so what? Do you think you would be that lucky that you would be able to bear a son?”

Just when she thought Queenie would continue and squabble with her, Queenie suddenly softened her expression and spoke softly. She looked especially pitiful with glistening eyes. “We’re half-sisters, Nicole. Do you need to be so mean to me? I’m pregnant. Why can’t you let me off the hook?”

Nicole furrowed her brows and thought. What’s up with her?

Then, just when she suspected something was up, Queenie went up to her and grabbed her arm. “Sis, you can’t hurt my baby. I can apologize for wronging you before. The child is my life. You can’t harm him!”

Nicole wanted to draw her hand back but realized Queenie had such a hold strong on her that she was already leaving slight scratch marks.

Thus, she didn’t hesitate to shake her off with a little force, but Queenie suddenly fell backward.

She wanted to grab her, but another figure whizzed in and pulled Queenie to her feet.

When Nicole raised her gaze to look at the figure, she realized it was Colton.

No wonder Queenie had such a massive change of attitude. It was all an act for Colton. She remembered Lydia being the same as well with her two-faced personality. They were truly mother and daughter.

 

Chapter 453 Little Thoughts

Queenie felt very wronged right now as Colton held her wrist. She wanted to get closer to him, but he didn’t hesitate to release her the moment he noticed that she could stand without aid.

She did nothing but merely looked at him with her puppy eyes and bit her lips. “Colton, don’t blame Nicole for what just happened. I was the one being careless.”

Nicole was rendered speechless by Queenie’s shamelessness. Still, she had to admit that Queenie was skilled. Her abrupt change of attitude just now was probably because she saw Colton walking over.

She should not have wasted her talent studying design. Instead, she should have studied acting, and she could have possibly earned herself an Oscar by now.

Colton did not say anything but let Queenie go after he made sure she could stand upright. His brows furrowed together, and he said sternly, “You know you’re pregnant. So, you shouldn’t leave your room so easily. If anything happens, you’re the one who suffers.”

Queenie thought Colton was on her side, but he berated her instead. She did not expect that and nervously tried to explain, “Colton, I can’t be holed up in the room. It’s not good for the baby. I just wanted some fresh air. It was a coincidence–”

She wanted to explain more, but Colton interrupted her, “You’re pregnant. You should return to your room and rest.”

She wanted to use what happened to make him disappointed in Nicole. Unfortunately, he did not say anything but demanded her to rest.

Queenie gritted her teeth as she was unwilling to let this matter slide while she scrambled to think of a comeback, but Colton did not give her a chance. “If you don’t want to return to your room, I’ll send you back to the Anderson Residence.”

That sentence killed Queenie’s temper, and she blurted, “I’ll return to my room now.” Then, she turned around and left.

Nicole waited for Queenie to leave and asked Colton in amusement, “What? Aren’t you going to question me for pushing her?”

Colton smiled and raised an eyebrow at her sarcasm. “I’m not that naive. I can spot a deliberate plot when I see one.”

Nicole was satisfied with his answer and nodded. “Not bad. You’re not that hopelessly stupid.”

He did not reply to her harsh remark and cautioned, “You should avoid Queenie in the future. I don’t even know what she will try to do later.”

Nicole agreed with his words vehemently as she nodded. She did not want trouble coming her way too. “Then, you’d have to keep your eyes on her. If she has a miscarriage and blames it on me, I’m dead meat.”

Colton could not help but curve his lips as laughter filled his eyes as he heard her teasing. “Even if you were the one who caused the miscarriage, I won’t blame you.”

Nicole did not respond to his words as she didn’t hesitate to depart. Initially, she just wanted to visit Old Mr. Benedict; she did not expect to be involved in this.

Colton watched as she left, and interest glinted in his eyes. However, he retracted his gaze after she left and went upstairs.

Queenie was lying on the bed to rest when Colton arrived. She was delighted to see him enter and chirped, “Colton, you’re here!”

He did not react as warmly as he looked at her and said coldly, “Keep your little schemes to yourself.”

Her face turned pale at his words. What is he hinting at?

Tears immediately brimmed her eyes as she asked with a pitiful look, “Colton, what do you mean by that?”

He couldn’t help the disgust swelling in his heart as he saw her trying to guilt trip him. So, he didn’t hold back the sneer on his lips as he warned, “Stay away from Nicole in the future.”

Chapter 454 Marriage Certificate 1

“Colton, I didn’t go near her on purpose. She—”

Queenie was not done speaking when she was cut off mercilessly.

“You just need to make sure the baby is well and healthy. Then, we’ll be registering our marriage next week.”

His words instantly shocked her. What did he say? Register our marriage?

Colton never brought this up back when she first got together with him. Even though people addressed her as Mrs. Gardner, nothing really happened between them.

Now, he had announced that they would get a marriage certificate. She could not believe it and her eyes widened while her lips trembled. “Colton, is what you said true?”

He replied, “All you need to do is take care of the baby. Then, I’ll register the marriage with you next week.”

Queenie felt this happiness was unreal. Before this, she had begged so much, but Colton never agreed. Now, he suddenly wanted to register the marriage because she was pregnant with his baby.

“Colton, you… Are you really willing to register this marriage?” She felt like she was dreaming and had to check with him again.

Colton glanced briefly at her and chuckled. “If you don’t want this, I won’t force you.”

Queenie quickly shook her head. “No, no. I do. I do want this. It’s unbelievable that I can be with you. It’s all I’ve ever dreamed of.”

She was so giddy with excitement that her heart was pounding.

“Okay,” he answered. Compared to her excitement, he was more distant. He swept a glance at her on the bed and continued, “Rest well now. Don’t bother with other things, and don’t mess with anyone else. Or else…”

Not waiting for him to finish his sentence, Queenie hastily assured, “I know. I will behave!”

At first, she wanted to gain his empathy. Still, things took an extraordinary turn, and now he wanted to register their marriage.

As long as she was married to Colton, she could get into the Gardner Family and gain all the glory and wealth one could possibly imagine. She would not need to worry for the rest of her life.

Colton did not say anything else and departed when he saw that she was being so obedient and agreeable.

After he left, Queenie immediately called Lydia. Her voice was filled with excitement as she babbled, “Mom, Colton said we’re going to get the marriage certification. He’s going to marry me!”

Lydia was not expecting this to happen so suddenly and squealed, “Queenie, what did you say?”

“Mom, Colton said we’re going to get the marriage certificate,” Queenie repeated patiently. She was willing to repeat this sentence no matter how many times it took.

Lydia soon regained her composure but couldn’t help but inquire excitedly with a slight squeal, “Our time is here, Queenie. Did Colton tell you when the registration will be? When will the wedding be held?”

She got shy at the mention of a wedding. So, she lowered her head as she mumbled, “Registration is next week. He didn’t say anything about the wedding, though. Mom, the wedding isn’t the priority now. I can do anything when I’ve got my hands on the certificate.”

Lydia agreed promptly, “Yes, yes. That’s not the priority now. We just need to wait till you’ve got the certificate and become Colton’s legal wife. Then, the world is yours!”

Queenie could finally be at ease. If she had known Colton liked children and would marry her for children, she would have gotten pregnant long ago. Maybe the child would be running around now if she did. At last, it was all worth it, and her dream came true. All she needed to do now was to marry Colton, and she would be one of the elite.

Chapter 455 Marriage Certificate 2

Queenie was very comfortable staying at the Gardner Residence since Colton said they were going to get their marriage certificate.

Even though Wendy did not like her, she still tried to be nice to get on her good side since they would see each other a lot more in the future.

Ever since he told her the registration was next week, she had been counting the days. It was torture for her as the days seemed like years. Every day, she would hope for the day to come sooner. Finally, it was the day they would register their marriage.

Queenie stood at the door, waiting eagerly for Colton to arrive in the morning. She stood so long that her legs were sore, but there was no sign of him.

She wanted to give him a call but was afraid of disturbing him. So, she could only stand there and wait.

Just when she was going to give up, Colton finally returned with a group of people trailing behind him. They were all dressed in suits that made them look like salespeople.

Queenie took a step forward and looked as Colton walked toward her. Her eyes were twinkling with love as she called out affectionately and glanced at the men behind him, “Colton, you’re back. Who are they?”

He walked straight inside and answered, “They’re here to help with the registration. I asked them to come because it’s not convenient for you to go out.”

She was thrilled as a hint of excitement showed up on her face. It meant that he cared about her since he was being so thoughtful.

“Alright. You’re so thoughtful,” she said as she lowered her head bashfully.

“Let’s go upstairs and let them start the process,” Colton answered quietly as he walked up.

Queenie quickly followed him as she was just overwhelmed by happiness and felt like she was walking on air.

They entered the study room, and the employee took out a document for Queenie to sign. Seeing that Colton had already signed his name, she did not think much and signed hers too.

After the documents were signed, most couples would move on to get their pictures taken. However, Colton did not say anything, and Queenie was anxious as she waited. So, she initiated the conversation. “Colton, don’t we need our picture for the marriage certificate?”

He glanced at her and said indifferently, “You’re still pregnant now. It’s not convenient to get the picture taken. We’ll get someone to Photoshop one for the time being until the baby is delivered. Then, we’ll get a new picture taken.”

Queenie furrowed her brows at the mention of using a Photoshopped picture. She glanced at Colton carefully and urged, “Marriage is a once-in-a-lifetime thing, Colton. Why don’t we just take a picture? It’s not a big deal.”

He narrowed his eyes and scanned her up and down as he snubbed her. “Aren’t you supposed to think of the baby inside you? This thing radiates. If anything happens, can you take responsibility for that?”

As he made it sound so severe, she started to go pale, and her fingers twitched. She hesitated, “Not… It can’t be that serious, right?”

Colton stared at her for a moment, then said, “Since you want the picture taken, we’ll get the marriage certificate processed after you’ve delivered the baby.”

Queenie’s face suddenly looked as if she had seen a ghost. That baby was destined not to be born. Then, it meant the marriage certificate would not be processed. So, she quickly changed her mind. “No. It’s alright. What you said makes sense. We’ll just use Photoshop. I don’t have a problem with it.”

Colton did not have much of a reaction even after she finally compromised. He asked the employee to proceed with the documents. As the picture was not ready, they stamped on the certificate first and made the necessary records in the system.

Looking at the marriage certification in her hand, Queenie could still not quite believe it. When she saw Colton’s name written on the certificate, she finally relaxed. They finally registered their marriage. I’m officially Mrs. Gardner!

 

Chapter 456 Congratulations!

Colton saw the employee who helped out with the marriage certificate and thanked them before they left, “Thank you all for today.”

Seeing that he was being so courteous, the employees were honored and answered, “You’re welcome. It’s part of our job.”

Nodding, Colton requested, “I hope you can keep today a secret.”

“Please be assured, President Gardner. We will not let word get out,” the employee promised and left.

Since the marriage was registered, Colton asked Queenie to move out of the Gardner Residence. Taken aback, she asked in bafflement, “Why?”

He explained, “You’re pregnant, and Grandpa just recovered. It’s not convenient for you to stay here. I’ve just bought a villa somewhere else, and there’s dedicated care by professionals. It’s perfect for you to move in.”

After pondering for a while, she could understand why. Since she was now his wife, it was a little awkward to stay in the Gardner Residence. Without thinking much, she nodded in agreement.

The next morning, Colton arrived at Gardner Corporation to see his employees all looking at him with weird looks. They all stole glances at him secretly, while some were even doing it openly.

He went up to his office to see Tony approaching him with a big smile. Tony was smiling widely as he handed Colton the document in his hands.

“Here’s the latest contract, President Gardner. You may take a look and sign it if there are no problems.”

Colton quickly glanced through and signed it.

Just as he was going to sit, Tony chirped, “President Gardner, it’s not nice of you not to notify me of your marriage. At least, I’d be able to prepare a gift.”

Colton squinted his eyes as an irritated look flashed across his face. “Who told you I got married?”

Tony could not stop himself and chuckled softly.

“The marriage certificate is posted online with your name and Miss Queenie’s name on it, President Gardner. You didn’t tell us and secretly got married.”

Queenie. Ugh! It’s her again. I have to keep my eyes peeled on her.

Colton did not explain himself. “If you’re that free with work. I can let you work on the matters in Espad. You should also make a business trip there.”

His words made Tony’s expression fall. Tony put his arms on his chest and shook his head. “Oh no. No. I’m not free at all. Besides, a plague just broke out there. I don’t have a death wish.”

Colton gave him a look and smiled. “Since you know you’re busy, what are you doing standing there? Don’t you need to get back to work? Or is the salary we’re giving too much?”

F*ck. He’s such a petty man! I was just gossiping for a bit, and he had to make a big deal out of it. Tony cursed in his heart but still stepped out of Colton’s office politely.

After he left, Colton picked up his phone and started scrolling. Sure enough, Queenie had posted a picture of their marriage certificate online.

No wonder the employee’s faces all looked so strange this morning when he came up.

Nicole pushed open the door and walked in just as he placed the phone down. She had compiled the documents related to the previous collaboration with Aimee International for him to take a look at.

Colton took the files and suddenly stopped Nicole, who was about to leave. “You don’t have anything you want to say to me?”

Nicole paused in her tracks as she recalled the news she saw this morning. Turning her head, she smiled and congratulated him, “Congratulations, President Gardner. I wish you a happy and long marriage!”

His face dropped after hearing her words. Then, he stood up and walked toward her.

Chapter 457 Listen Clearly

Even though Nicole wore high heels today, there was still a slight height difference between them. If she wanted to look at Colton, she had to raise her head.

“I did not get a marriage certificate with Queenie,” Colton said calmly.

Hearing his words, Nicole furrowed her eyebrows. Just as she was going to tell him that this had nothing to do with her, he placed a finger on her lips and traced the outline slowly with his fingertip.

She had goosebumps from his touch and took a few steps back while touching her lips in disgust. “You didn’t even wash your hand before you rubbed my lips. That’s disgusting.”

Looking at her disgusted look, Colton smiled slightly and did not continue the topic but explained the matter about Queenie. “It wasn’t me who got the certificate with her.”

Nicole gave him a weird look as she wondered what he meant by that.

Seeing the confusion in her eyes, Colton was in a good mood and explained further, “The person whom Queenie married is only a man with the same name as me. He was a gangster and in prison after beating his wife severely. After that, his wife filed a divorce, so he was considered single.”

“You’re saying that Queenie had married him?”

Colton nodded and smiled as he continued, “I gave that man a huge amount of money to change his name just for her.”

After all, Queenie had made such a huge effort for this matter, and he couldn’t disappoint her.

After hearing his explanation, Nicole felt the need to change her perspective about him as she had never realized that he was such a scheming person until now. As for Queenie, her life was practically ruined as she was married to an abusive husband.

“I never knew that you are such a scheming person,” she drawled.

Colton landed his eyes on her and retorted, “Did you think that I would be kind to a woman who had lied to me for five years and even drugged me multiple times?”

Realization dawned on Nicole as she would also not let this matter get out of hand if this had happened to her. Moreover, this was Colton they were talking about. Then, she lowered her eyes and thought, Well, this is Queenie’s business, not mine.

“Since you had everything done, you don’t need to explain it to me.”

Hearing her words, Colton suddenly stepped forward and leaned closer. Nicole was going to avoid him out of habit, but he held her by the waist and pulled her in, making her shiver slightly as the familiar scent surrounded her.

He leaned close to her and whispered in her ear, “But if I don’t explain it to you, I’m afraid that you will be jealous.”

His hot breath brushed against Nicole’s ear, making her ear turn crimson red. She leaned back and tried to struggle out of Colton’s embrace, but his arms were like iron clamping onto her tightly.

“Men and women should keep their distance, President Gardner. Don’t you dare cross the line!” Nicole gritted her teeth and reminded him, but Colton was always a brash person. Not only did he ignore her words, he even held her tighter.

“There’s no need for that; we are in love with each other. Besides, we can bond if we are closer, right?”

Damn this man! Nicole cursed inwardly and took a deep breath as she suppressed the urge to say it aloud. Afterward, she softened her voice and said, “Why don’t you let go first? We can talk after we keep our distance away from each other.”

Chuckling, Colton leaned closer to her and kissed her on the cheek before he stated, “I think this is better. This way, you can hear what I’m saying even clearer.”

Chapter 458 Being Stepped On

F*ck you! Nicole thought and felt the need to do something. Otherwise, Colton would definitely take advantage of her. With that thought in mind, she ruthlessly raised her leg and stepped on him.

The pain made Colton wince and let go of her. If it weren’t for him trying to stay composed, he would surely grab his leg and howl in pain, as Nicole had used all her might when she stepped on him.

Seeing that he had released her, Nicole tidied herself and looked at him calmly. “Pardon me, President Gardner. I didn’t notice that your foot was there. Well then, I shall take my leave as I still have a lot of things to do,” she said.

As the back of his foot was still in pain, Colton took a sharp breath. “Last time, you hurt my manhood. Now, it’s my foot. Are you trying to disable me, Nicole?” His voice trembled as he spoke.

Recalling the moment when she accidentally poked Colton’s member with a needle as she heard his words, Nicole couldn’t help but blush. “If you know how to keep your distance from others, I’m sure that you will not be harmed,” she said without mercy and left the room while slamming the door loudly, signaling that she was not in a good mood.

After she left, Colton dropped his act and took off his shoe to look at his foot; the back of his foot was becoming reddish. It was fortunate that he had worn leather shoes—a good one too—otherwise, his foot would have been severely injured. The sharp pain was engraved in his mind when Nicole stepped on him.

When Tony saw that Nicole had left, he entered the room. Yet, he did not expect to see Colton sitting alone while grabbing his foot and looking at it. He stopped dead in his tracks and wondered if he should enter or not at this moment.

But before he could decide, Colton had already turned his head toward the door as he heard the door open. So, Tony could only brace himself and enter the room.

Even though Tony told himself that he would stay composed, he couldn’t help but laugh out loud when he saw the state Colton was in. It was hilarious to see him doing such an unfitting action when he was wearing a suit, and his hair was slicked back.

Colton was already upset as Nicole had stepped on him. Now that Tony was laughing at him, his mood was even gloomier.

As Tony was laughing his *ss off, he heard Colton’s cold voice. “If you keep on laughing, you can resign straight away.”

Even if the vaccine’s research was almost completed, the pandemic at Espad was still severe, and he still wanted to live. With that, Tony immediately stopped laughing and held back his laughter. Then, he looked at Colton’s foot and asked, “President Gardner, was it that you tried to harass her, but it backfired?”

Colton put his leg down and could still feel his foot throbbing in pain. Tony’s question made his expression darken, and he said in a deep voice, “It seems that you are quite unoccupied.”

Sensing the warning hidden in his words, Tony shut his mouth and quickly handed the document to Colton. “This is the information about the F&R Enterprise. Aren’t we going to cooperate with them? Take a look at it.”

Colton took the document, and his expression was serious, remembering that Nicole had told him Kohlberg Group was also trying to work with F&R Enterprise. The tycoon behind Aimee International, whose president was Emily, was Douglas, the President of F&R Enterprise; they were also husband and wife. So, he could guarantee that Nicole knew Douglas. Although Gardner Corporation wanted to work with F&R Enterprise, Colton had never considered using Nicole to get to his plan.

To him, relying on women was the most shameful thing one could ever do.

 

Chapter 459 Campbell Family in Trouble

After going through the document, Colton didn’t comment further and just nodded. “I understand. You can leave first.”

Before Tony left, he glanced at Colton’s foot, which was still red. For some reason, he admired Nicole much, as she was the only one who had ever made Colton yield.

At this moment abroad, in Zachary’s office, Whitney placed the documents that she sorted out in front of him. Seeing his tired face, she said worriedly, “President Yates, you don’t have to work yourself so hard. Although you are now in control of the Yates Family, we can still get things going accordingly.”

Zachary was exhausted as he propped himself with one arm and pinched his nose slightly. When he heard her voice, he slowly opened his eyes and said hoarsely, “I’m fine. The reason I returned to Yates Family is to take matters into my own hands as soon as possible. Only when I am strong enough can I protect Nicole!”

Seeing that he was persistent, Whitney couldn’t help but sigh. He pushed himself so hard, all for Miss Nicole.

Just as she was going to say something else, her phone rang. When she saw that it was her father, her expression changed. Seeing that Zachary was still busy, she quietly slid out of the room, then answered the phone in a cold voice. “Is there something you want?” she asked.

“I need you to come back immediately,” Jonathan demanded straightforwardly with a stern voice.

Knowing why he called, Whitney paused, and her eyes flashed a glint of hurt. She pursed her lips and said, “I’m not going back. I told you before that I have nothing to do with the Campbell Family when you used my mother’s life to threaten me.”

It was nearly four years since she had left, and she had never wanted to return!

“Whitney! Don’t you forget that Aaron is still here. Are you sure you are going to stay out of it?” Jonathan snapped with an intimidating tone.

Being threatened by him, Whitney was furious. She gritted her teeth and decided to confront him. “He is your son! Jonathan, don’t you think you are so despicable for threatening me with your own son because there was no one you can use to force me now that my mother has left?”

Facing her confrontation, Jonathan finally softened his tone. “It’s not like I wanted to do this, Whitney, but there is some problem happening in the family. Please come home.”

There was no way she wanted to take part in the Campbell Family’s matter. Feeling her throat getting dry, Whitney closed her eyes and croaked out, “Four years ago, you threatened me with my mother’s life. That time, I told you never to find me, and I had nothing to do with the family anymore.”

Jonathan knew that she hated him because of Douglas, but this time, it was also Douglas that made them decide to let her return.

“Michael had used the family’s property to pay off his gambling debt. Now, they are here to take the company.” He paused for a moment before continuing, “I had someone to dig through this matter. It was Douglas behind all of this.”

When Whitney heard his name, she gripped her phone tightly as her heart wrenched. She didn’t know what to say.

Noticing that she went silent, Jonathan took the opportunity and said, “You must know that Aaron is here and also the company’s legal representative. He will also be in trouble if anything happens to the company!”

Anger flooded within Whitney, and she almost crushed her phone. Never did she expect that he would use Aaron’s identity as the legal representative. Jonathan was making sure that he would make it out safely if anything happened. This is just ridiculous!

She wondered how Jonathan could be this heartless when her mother had given birth to her and Aaron for him. He was so heartless that when her mother was seriously ill, he brought back a woman and a man older than her, saying that he was her half-brother!

 

Chapter 460 Tell Me Who the Mastermind Is

Now that her so-called brother had made a mistake, it was Aaron who had to face the consequences. How clever of Jonathan to have thought of such a plan!

No matter what, all she had left now was Aaron; she couldn’t possibly let him go to prison. Whitney closed her eyes and made up her mind.

“I understand. I’ll return as soon as possible.” She couldn’t do anything other than agree.

After hanging up the call, she sent Zachary a message applying for leave and gave him Hayden’s contact number. However, she didn’t tell him about Hayden’s identity and just said he could text this number if he needed any information.

Zachary approved her leave without any hesitation.

On the weekend, Nicole was unusually relaxed. They had already signed the contract with Aimee International and began to furnish the ‘Ann’ branded shop. The most important part was that the vaccine’s third clinical trial had also begun, and there was no exclusive reaction, which was a big improvement for them.

Having nothing to do, Nicole decided to visit Norman, who was in prison.

Although Norman was arrested, he denied everything and insisted that he had nothing to do with the matter about White. If it weren’t for the Gardner Family, the police department would have released him due to public pressure.

When she visited Norman, she saw that compared to him being in good shape, he had aged a lot after staying in prison for almost a month.

The moment Norman saw her, there was fury in his eyes. He gritted his teeth and growled, “How dare you come here, Nicole!”

If it weren’t for her, he wouldn’t be in this state!

Compared to his anger, Nicole was calm. She smiled and sat in front of him, crossing her hands on the table as she spoke slowly and softly, “Doctor Clancy, or should I say, Mr. Clancy? It’s been a while.” She had a faint smile when she looked at him.

There was fury in his heart as he looked at Nicole. In prison, he couldn’t sleep well nor eat well. All he could do was deny everything since all the evidence was there. He had gotten skinnier than when he was back here.

“What do you want?” Norman stared at her and asked.

Nicole smiled and said gently, “Mr. Clancy, I don’t believe that it was your plan since you are good friends with Master White. I can get you abroad if you are willing to say who the mastermind is.”

Hearing her words, Norman squinted his eyes. There is no way she would be this kind-hearted; it must be a lie! Having thought of that, he chuckled and denied, “I had never done anything. What do you mean by the mastermind? I don’t know what you’re talking about!”

Seeing that he denied it, Nicole was not angry and said casually, “It’s fine if you don’t want to admit it. Did you think that Pierre would get you out of here? I have the Gardner Family supporting me, and there is nothing he can do against them even if he is almighty!”

Norman’s expression changed when he heard her words. Although he was abroad for a long time, he still knew about the Gardner Family, and she was right about it. Here, they had superior power, but he would still have a chance if Pierre had gotten along with Kohlberg Group! Even if he was not the mastermind, his reputation would be ruined if he admitted it now!

“Why should I admit to things that I did not do?” Norman stood on his ground and denied it again.

Seeing that he was still not going to say anything, Nicole looked at him deeply but was not in a hurry. “Fine, tell me whenever you are ready. As long as you give out the mastermind, which is Pierre, I will let you go back safely!” she said.