CHAPTER 127: CHAPTER 127: FORCED ONTO THE OPERATING TABLE FOR AN ABORTION

Zinnia’s footsteps unconsciously slowed. She was very nervous.

When Granny Tilton didn’t hear her footsteps, she turned back, saw Zinnia dragging her feet, and returned to pull her along.

"Third Young Mistress, hurry up. Don’t keep the Old Madam and the doctors waiting."

Yet Zinnia stood still. "Granny Tilton, what on earth is going on? Isn’t Eighth in the pediatric ward? Or is Old Madam Forrest unwell? Why are we in the obstetrics and gynecology department?"

Seeing that she wouldn’t move, Granny Tilton had no choice but to explain.

"It’s not about Young Master Eighth; he’s already been admitted to the pediatric ward. To be honest with you, Third Young Mistress, I overheard you talking with the Sixth Miss at the old residence a few days ago. The Old Madam found out about Miss Sutton’s pregnancy that day and had me confirm it. The Old Madam was furious when she learned that the Third Young Master was accompanying Miss Sutton to her prenatal checkups. She was already planning to settle accounts with Crystal Sutton, but who would have thought that she’d run right into Miss Sutton when she came to see Eighth today? That Miss Sutton is quite the actress, sidling up to her all solicitous and sticking out her belly, acting as if she could secure her status with an unborn child. How could the Old Madam indulge her theatrics? She’s already had people press Miss Sutton into an operating room."

Zinnia was stunned. What on earth is Crystal Sutton thinking?

She was already secretly photographed in the garden. She should have been sneaking out of the hospital with a guilty conscience, not rushing to get in front of the Old Madam.

However, since it wasn’t her own pregnancy that had been discovered, Zinnia relaxed slightly.

She and Granny Tilton arrived at the operating room entrance and, sure enough, saw Old Madam Forrest. Crystal Sutton was also there, her shoulders held firmly by two maids.

"Grandma Forrest, I practically grew up under your watch! I respect and admire you, so why are you being so heartless to me? The baby in my womb is a Forrest, your own flesh and blood! He’s a tiny life, and you want the doctors to take him away? The baby is innocent! He would call you Great-Grandma..."

Crystal Sutton held her abdomen tightly, her pleading look could easily move those unaware of the truth.

However, Old Madam Forrest’s expression was icy. "Save your breath. I’m not falling for that act!"

Zinnia quickly stepped over, supporting Old Madam Forrest’s arm.

"Grandma."

"Zinnia, you’re here. Grandma had no idea my dear Zinnia had been wronged so deeply. Today, I am going to make it clear to certain people with ulterior motives: don’t even think about using a child to climb the social ladder. The Forrest Family has never had a precedent for illegitimate children! Even if this old woman is desperate for a great-grandchild, he must come from the womb of my legitimate granddaughter-in-law! The Forrest family won’t just acknowledge any child born from some riffraff!"

Old Madam Forrest’s words were powerful and resolute. She squeezed Zinnia’s hand, her palm radiating warmth.

Zinnia felt a sting in her nose, and tears instantly welled in her eyes.

In her youth, the old madam had been decisive and formidable, a woman who was second to no man. In private, however, she had always been kind and forgiving—a benevolent and gracious elder. But now, for my sake, she’s forcefully detaining Crystal Sutton, determined to make her have an abortion. This goes against her own principles, and she’s doing it all for me.

Zinnia was touched by the old madam’s unwavering support. She was protecting her as if she were her own flesh-and-blood granddaughter, refusing to let her be bullied or wronged. But I also feel so guilty. She should be enjoying her golden years, not worrying about my problems. If Grandma really forces Crystal Sutton to have an abortion today, people will surely condemn her. Besides, as much as I despise Crystal Sutton, I’m a mother too. I could never bring myself to be a part of taking away someone else’s child.

"Grandma, please calm down. I know you’re doing this for my own good..."

"Don’t you try to persuade me. I know you’re a kind, soft-hearted, and magnanimous girl, but we cannot yield on this matter! I brought you here to establish your authority and to prevent any random riffraff from trying to pull the same stunt in the future. I’m not asking for your opinion, so you just stand aside obediently and leave this to me."

Zinnia had only just begun to speak when Old Madam Forrest interrupted her.

Hearing this, Crystal Sutton was practically twisted with jealousy. A flash of resentment and indignation crossed her face. Old Madam Forrest only took Zinnia in because of her past friendship with my grandmother, yet now she’s willing to crush me—her own granddaughter—into the dust for Zinnia’s sake!

"Grandma Forrest, you and my grandmother were closer than sisters. Because I was switched at birth, I never had the good fortune of growing up by her side, but I know that if she were alive, she would adore me. I miss my grandmother, and I’ve always looked up to you as if you were my own. You can’t do this to me! Jenson won’t let you treat me like this either!"

How am I in any way inferior to Zinnia? That old woman must be blind! I already told her the child is Jenson’s, but she still wants to drag me onto an operating table! The old hag!

"Don’t you dare mention your grandmother. She was the most upright and honorable woman I knew, with no tolerance for filth. If she knew her own granddaughter behaved like this—scheming to become a mistress and destroy another’s family—she would break your legs herself! Since you claim to see me as your own grandmother, then today, I will teach you a lesson on her behalf!"

Old Madam Forrest’s expression was stern, but her eyes held a hint of pity. What a shame for my old friend, for her granddaughter to turn out like this. It’s clear that Zinnia is the one who truly inherited my friend’s temperament and character.

Seeing that the old madam was implacable and showed no mercy, Crystal Sutton was filled with hatred. She abruptly turned her attack on Zinnia.

She cried out, "Sister! I know you hate me, but my child with Jenson is innocent! He’s of the Forrest bloodline! Forcing an abortion is a sin that will shorten Grandma Forrest’s lifespan and ruin her fortune! Please, help me beg her!"

Crystal Sutton yelled, hoping to attract a crowd, but Old Madam Forrest had already had the area cordoned off.

Her performance was so earnest. If I hadn’t caught her having an affair in the garden, I might have actually believed her nonsense. At this point, all she has to do is admit the child isn’t Jenson’s, and the old madam would let her go. But she refuses. She just wants to drag me down with her and make me miserable. In that case, why should I bother getting involved? The comment about shortening the old madam’s lifespan, in particular, infuriated Zinnia.

Zinnia stepped forward and slapped her hard across her tear-streaked face.

"Crystal Sutton, if you don’t want to be dragged into that operating room right now, then tell the truth! Otherwise, no one can save you!"

Crystal Sutton clutched her face, her expression instantly turning venomous.

"Enough. Get her into the operating room. Start the procedure immediately!" Old Madam Forrest had lost her patience and ordered sternly.

The maids began dragging Crystal Sutton toward the operating room, causing her to break down and scream.

"No, I won’t go in! You have no right to do this! Let go of me! This is assault! I’m calling the police!"

Old Madam Forrest’s voice was cold. "Since the child is Jenson’s, then I, as his grandmother, have the right to deal with it. Unless... the child isn’t Jenson’s at all!"

The old madam still had faith in her grandson and believed Crystal Sutton was spouting lies. She couldn’t believe that even at this stage, the girl wouldn’t tell the truth. But to her surprise, Crystal suddenly wrenched free from the maids and fell to her knees with a THUD, clinging to the old madam’s leg and crying.

"Grandma Forrest, this really is Jenson’s child! He’s your great-grandson! Feel here, he’s already so big. He’ll be kicking soon! Please, I’m begging you, let him live!"

Old Madam Forrest frowned. Seeing her so tearful and insistent, a seed of doubt began to sprout in her mind. Could it be? Did that little brat Jenson actually make this mistake? This is terrible. I’ve just subjected Zinnia to a second round of humiliation by calling her here.

Just as a headache began to throb in the old madam’s temples, Crystal Sutton shuffled forward on her knees and threw her arms around Zinnia’s legs, pleading.

"Sister, I was wrong. I know you don’t like me. I know that after my parents found me and brought me home, they had to send you back to your birth parents through their tears. The fall from being the pampered young lady of the Sutton Family to living in an ordinary household must have created a huge disparity, and I understand why you resent me. I understand why you compare yourself to me in everything and even tried to steal my fiancé. But this has nothing to do with my baby! Please, let him live. I promise that once the baby is born, I’ll raise him myself. I’ll never use him to threaten you or take anything that’s yours, Sister! I’m begging you!"

Crystal had suddenly wrapped her arms around Zinnia’s waist and stomach. Zinnia felt a deathly chill, as if a venomous snake were coiling around her. Her instincts screamed at her to protect her own child, and she forcefully pushed Crystal away, shouting in anger.

"Let go of me! Get away! The child in your stomach is obviously not—"

"AH!"

Zinnia’s furious words were cut off by Crystal Sutton’s shriek. Zinnia’s push had sent her stumbling backward, and she slammed hard into the corner of a wall. Blood immediately started to flow from a gash on her head.

"Zinnia, what kind of scene are you making now!"

The sharp, severe voice of a man rang out from not far behind her. Zinnia whipped her head around to see Jenson Forrest striding toward them, radiating an icy aura.

The man’s thin lips were pressed into a grim line, and his displeased gaze seemed intent on boring a hole right through her. In that instant, all the color drained from Zinnia’s face.