CHAPTER 322: HUNGER FOR POWER

"Falling for each other?" Jeanne snorted, her chest twisting with rage. "Are you even listening to yourself? He is the father of your ex-boyfriend."

"Yes, ex-boyfriend," Tania snapped back. "Denis and I broke up cleanly. We have nothing to do with each other anymore. I stayed far away from the Beaumonts all these months, didn’t I? I didn’t disturb him. I didn’t chase him. I kept my distance."

Her shoulders squared as she met Jeanne’s burning glare with cool resolve. "My encounter with Gabriel was pure coincidence. I never tried to lure him or trap him. I only wanted to help him."

After a moment of pause, she added, "He was drunk that night, creating a nuisance in the bar. People were laughing at him, mocking him. The bartender was cursing him and was about to throw him out. If I hadn’t stepped in, he would have landed himself in trouble."

She took a step closer to Jeanne. "I didn’t want to see him humiliated. My intention that night was nothing but to help him."

"Humph? Help him?" Jeanne scoffed with mockery. She looked Tania up and down as though the very idea was laughable.

But Tania pressed on, "He helped me back, out of gratitude. But afterward... we started seeing each other. We got close. I never tried to ruin your marriage. I never demanded he give me a name or marry me."

She looked around at the circle of curious faces. "All I wanted was his love and support. But you..." She lifted her trembling hand to point at Jeanne. "You slandered me in front of everyone, not even caring about your family’s reputation."

Jeanne’s patience snapped. "Now you will teach me how to protect my family’s reputation? Who do you think you are?" she screamed, and with every ounce of strength in her body, she swung her hand.

The slap landed on Tania’s face with brutal force, causing her to stagger backward and fall.

"Uh!" A sharp cry burst from her lips as she clutched her stomach, curling up. "My baby... my baby..."

The crowd collectively gasped. Shock rippled outward like a wave. All eyes fell on her, curled on the cold ground.

Even Jeanne faltered, horror flickering across her face. ’Is she really pregnant?’ It was the first time she started doubting. ’Is that really Gabriel’s child?’

If what Tania claimed was true, and if something happened to the baby, Gabriel would never forgive her. He would destroy her.

Terrified, Jeanne staggered back, her resolve cracking. She shoved her way into her car and sped away, her face pale in tension.

"Please..." Tania’s weak, broken voice echoed in the air. "Help me... someone, please save my child..."

But no one moved. People averted their eyes, muttering curses under their breath.

"Shameless."

"She deserves it."

"Serves her right."

They dispersed one by one, leaving her on the ground. But a woman with her eyes filled with compassion lingered at the edge of the pavement. After a few moments of hesitation, she finally stepped forward and pulled Tania up with care. "Come. Let me take you to the hospital."

She supported her trembling body as they moved back toward the hospital.

Through her tears, a spark of triumph gleamed in Tania’s eyes. This was exactly what she had wanted.

This incident would spread like wildfire. Gabriel would hear of it, and he wouldn’t let this matter pass quietly.

’This will shake the Beaumont family. And I’ll make sure Gabriel takes me into his home.’

Completely oblivious to the chaos happening outside the hospital, Gabriel was savoring his recent triumph. Under his pressure and influence, Starlite Corp’s management was on the verge of collapse and was ready to give in to his demands. Meanwhile, things at the Sphere Group’s branch office were no better—internal disputes had escalated to their highest point, with everyone eyeing Augustine’s seat.

Denis sat opposite him, narrating the recent development.

"I’ve heard there is some trouble brewing at the Sphere Group’s head office as well," Denis added. "I’m not certain of the details, but rumors say Mr. Bennet’s empire is starting to crumble. The board is challenging his authority. They are planning to oust him from his position."

The news only fueled Gabriel’s confidence. A glint of cruelty flashed in his eyes. "Excellent. Augustine is lying in a coma, and the board of directors is turning against their own leader. Such a golden chance won’t come twice."

"This is perfect," he gushed. "Augustine thought he was untouchable. But look at him now—lying in a coma, powerless. And Bennet? He can’t even hold his own company together."

A trace of smug satisfaction flickered across his face. "Starlite Corp is already surrendering. And as for Sphere Group—humph..." he scoffed. "They have long forgotten whose city this is. They will learn."

The air seemed to grow colder as his voice dropped low, filled with venomous delight. "All this time, Augustine acted like a caretaker, soaring high under Mr. Bennet’s protection. But now that Bennet himself is in crisis, he won’t be able to lend him a hand."

He gave a cold chuckle. "Sphere Group needs to learn who truly holds power in this city. If they want to operate here, they’ll have to play by our rules."

His confidence was dangerous and intoxicating. To Gabriel, this wasn’t just a business victory—it was a declaration of dominance.

"How is the negotiation going with them? Have they agreed to our terms?" Gabriel asked, leaning back in his seat.

"Without Augustine, the business is barely staying afloat," Denis replied. "Clients are losing confidence in them, and if Augustine doesn’t wake up soon, the internal strife will only get worse. I believe it’s only a matter of time before they accept our conditions."

A smirk danced on Gabriel’s lips. "Keep tightening the pressure. Our aim is to dominate their operations here. Make them understand—without our support, they can’t do business here. They may be powerful abroad, but here, things happen according to our rules. Deliver that message."

Denis nodded obediently, though a flicker of thought crossed his face. He had never liked Augustine, yet he couldn’t help but feel a grudging respect for the man.

All those days, Augustine had stood tall against the Beaumonts, managing two corporations single-handedly, earning the trust of the city’s elites, and keeping everything running with precision. Even he and his father had been forced to cooperate with Augustine just to secure a project with the Sphere Group.

It was a shame that such a formidable rival—wise, shrewd, and unyielding—was lying unconscious in a hospital bed, powerless. For a brief moment, Denis felt the irony of it all.

"I’ll do that," Denis said, though doubt clouded his face. "But... what if Augustine wakes up?" he asked, unable to silence his thoughts. "I heard he was discharged. His condition must be improving. Otherwise, the hospital wouldn’t have released him."

Gabriel’s composure cracked. "Then speed it up." He slammed his palm against the armrest, his eyes blazing with impatience. "We can’t afford delays. If Augustine wakes up, he’ll dismantle everything we’ve worked for. This is our moment to crush him, strike him down while he is still weak. Kick him out of the corporate world before he has the strength to fight back."

His commanding voice reverberated in the room, but beneath the bravado was unease. The thought of Augustine standing again unsettled him.

With Oliver’s support, Augustine could easily return and seize everything back. The idea alone rattled Gabriel, fueling his determination to grind Augustine into nothing and erase even the faintest chance of him rising against the Beaumonts.

Denis’ thoughts spiralled. Denis paused, uncertainty flickering in his mind. The same question kept circling back—was his father the one responsible for that accident? Yet he knew, even if it were true, Gabriel would never admit it.

"I’ll do that," he said with forced conviction. After a pause, he added carefully, "But I have one request... Don’t target Anne. She is innocent. Don’t harm her or her baby."

Gabriel sneered inwardly. ’A bastard’s son will always be a bastard,’ he thought bitterly. ’Still pining over that woman... pathetic.’

He longed to throw Denis out, to cut ties with him. But for now, he restrained himself, masking his disdain behind a look of calculated composure.

’Once Tania gives birth to my child, I’ll clear out every last weed,’ Gabriel resolved inwardly.

Outwardly, his expression shifted into cool indifference as he gave a small nod. "Fine. I won’t touch her. But don’t waste your time on her. Do what I told you."

With a dismissive wave of his hand, he said, "You can leave now."

Denis rose from his chair and stepped out, but paused just outside Gabriel’s office, glancing back at the closed door with suspicion. He didn’t trust his father at all – he couldn’t.

"I hope you keep your word, Dad. If you try to harm Anne, I’ll fight you." He stormed away.

Inside the office...

Gabriel’s phone buzzed. Seeing Tania’s name on the screen, a smile tugged at his lips—she had promised to call after her checkup.

’Perhaps the checkup is done,’ he thought, anticipation quickening his pulse as he answered.

"Hello?"

"Gabriel... please come over." Tania’s sobs tightened his chest. "I’m at the hospital."

Alarmed, he sprang to his feet. "What happened? Why are you crying?"

"I’m pregnant," she revealed.

A grin spread across Gabriel’s face. But the joy was quickly cut short.

"The doctor said I have a threatened miscarriage...Come here. I’ll explain everything."

"I’m coming." Ending the call, he rushed out of the office and headed straight to the hospital.