CHAPTER 277: CHAPTER 277: A DESPERATE STRUGGLE

Inside the car, the air conditioning was set to a comfortable temperature. Shannon Quinn sat in the passenger seat, switching to the music she wanted to listen to. Once she found a song she liked, she leaned back against the seat comfortably, humming along with the tune.

"Honey, what if it’s another boy?"

Landon Sutton didn’t even think and answered, "Then we’ll keep trying."

"Hmph, you say it so easily. It’s not like you’re the one giving birth."

Landon Sutton seemed to realize something at this moment, turned his head to glance at her, and asked, "What was it like giving birth to Leo?"

"It felt like half my life was gone, the pain was so exaggerated. But now when I think about it, it seems like nothing. At that time, I really regretted having a child."

"Then let’s not have any more after this one."

"But what if it’s not a girl?"

Landon Sutton looked at her and laughed, "Isn’t there already one?"

Shannon Quinn rolled her eyes but thought carefully and did feel that he treated her like a daughter. Ever since being with him, Shannon Quinn didn’t have to worry much; she was already proficient in her work, and he took care of everything in life.

As Leo grew older, he became more obedient and sensible, not making her worry about his studies.

Since finding out she was pregnant, Landon Sutton even sent her out for work-related matters. Everything at work was arranged directly by Aidan Lockwood. She just had to complete the design at home and send it to him.

With more free time, Shannon Quinn started gardening again. The small yard made her even more inclined to leisure.

Usually, Landon Sutton asked her not to go out unless necessary, and if she did, she had to be accompanied by him.

Compared to work, he was more family-oriented. Regardless, ever since Shannon Quinn got pregnant, he made sure to come home every evening to cook dinner on time. After dinner, he would take her and the child for a walk, and on weekends, he planned outings for them.

As the wedding day approached, major media outlets were racing to report on the wedding preparation plans. Ever since the press conference, the hype around Landon Sutton and Shannon Quinn’s upcoming wedding hadn’t died down.

June Yardley spread the newspaper out in front of Seth Fairchild, frowned, and asked him, "It’s always them in the news; I’m so annoyed!"

Seth Fairchild chuckled lightly, exhaling white smoke, "Are you annoyed because you’re jealous? Women are narrow-minded."

"Jealous of her? I just can’t stand seeing someone who once hurt me living so happily now! My dad’s illness was largely because of the blow from the company’s collapse! So I have a lot to blame her for his death!"

"I remember you tried to pull some tricks initially, but instead, it backfired."

"Seth Fairchild, whose side are you on? You don’t really want to help me, do you?"

"I’m not on anyone’s side. You don’t need to consider me one of your own. I only do what I want to do."

June Yardley scoffed, was silent for a few seconds, took a deep breath, and said, "Fine, I’ll figure it out myself."

Seth Fairchild didn’t stop her, just watched her leaving back and said lightly, "When trouble comes, I hope you can handle it on your own."

June Yardley’s steps paused momentarily, but she said nothing and continued on her way.

In the café, June Yardley stirred her coffee while gazing thoughtfully out the window.

Claire Yardley sat across from her and asked, "Sis, since that man isn’t reliable, why not go with what I suggested?"

June Yardley withdrew her gaze, looked at Claire, and said, "No, it’s too risky. If Landon Sutton finds out, neither of us will have a good time."

"But what else can we do? We’re no match for him anyway. We might as well go for broke! If we can’t have a good time, neither should they."

"There must be other ways. We don’t necessarily have to take this risk."

"Sis, money can make anything happen. Let’s pay someone to help us."

"Who would dare get involved if they knew the kidnapped person was Vincent Rhodes’s son?"

"I did find someone suitable..."

...

That day, as usual, Shannon Quinn and Landon Sutton dropped Leo off at school. Shannon had arranged to go shopping with Erin Bishop, and after Landon dropped her off, he headed to the office.

"Shannon, your progress is scary. You’re getting married in a few days and already expecting a child."

"Well, it was bound to happen sooner or later. Anyway, how are things with Mr. Pierce? Didn’t you say you had dinner with him?"

Erin Bishop sighed, "Oh, don’t even mention it. Shawn Pierce is nice, but his sister is a handful. If things become serious with him, having such an in-law would be a headache."

"What happened?"

"She met with me privately, asking if I was after their money and said all the family property would go to her, so I shouldn’t have any designs on it. Who could hear that without getting upset?"

"There’s something I haven’t told you before. His sister also liked Vincent Rhodes and grew up knowing him. Then, during her brother’s birthday last time, she did something to stop me from marrying Vincent. Do you know what she did?"

"She had those intentions too?"

"Initially, she acted in front of me, but that night she tried to drug me. I didn’t fall into her trap, so she drugged her own brother. She wanted to set me up with him, then brought people to catch me in the act. Fortunately, Mr. Pierce had strong willpower and ended up with a long cut on his arm, so he didn’t let her succeed."

"It’s unfortunate to have such a sister. No wonder he’s not married yet despite having great conditions."

"It’s because their family spoiled her too much. Now I feel worried when I see people spoiling their children too much."

"Leo is sensible and can distinguish right from wrong. Young Master Rhodes surely feels he owes you and the child, so it’s only natural for him to be accommodating."

Shannon Quinn smiled slightly, resting her hand on her belly, "If it turns out to be a daughter, he might spoil her even more."

"Don’t say that; I’m already so jealous. You found such a good man, and I don’t know when I’ll meet my match. My mom mentioned a friend’s son a few days ago and wants me to meet him."

"Go see him. Maybe you’ll meet your fate."

"I’ll think about it when I’m in a good mood."

At around three in the afternoon, Shannon Quinn received a call from Leo’s school teacher: "Leo’s mom, did you come to pick up the child without telling us?"

Shannon Quinn paused her shopping: "I didn’t pick him up."

"Did Leo’s dad take him then? We couldn’t reach him by phone, and the school couldn’t find Leo anywhere. Could you call Leo’s dad? The teachers are very worried."

Shannon Quinn immediately felt a wave of panic. After hanging up, she called Landon Sutton right away, but maybe he was in a meeting or something—his phone was unattended.