?strongChapter 150:/strong

Melinda, ovee with anger and frustration, tried to confront the woman once more, causing quite amotion in Dean’s office.

Curious employees peeked from the doorway, yet none ventured closer.

Dean had reached his limit. Watching Melinda unravel like this filled him with embarrassment. He yanked her away and shouted, “Enough! How long will you keep this up?”

Melinda’s hair was a mess, her face streaked with tears.

Feeling utterly betrayed, Melinda red at Dean. “I’ve been by your side, supporting you through it all. Haven’t I sacrificed enough? Why are you doing this to me? Dean, what do you want from me? Are you pushing for a divorce?”

Dean massaged his temples. “Let’s discuss this at home. You’re not in the right frame of mind now. I’ll arrange for someone to drive you home.”

Melinda shook her head defiantly. “No, I want answers now! You have two choices. Fire her, or I’ll take our child and move back to my parents’ house for good.”

Melinda thought she could intimidate Dean, but he merely chuckled dismissively.

Wrapping his arm around the waist of the woman, Dean smirked at Melinda and said, “Leave as you please.”

Then, Dean strode away with the woman.

Melinda remained rooted to the spot, utterly dumbfounded, nearly copsing from the shock.

Elsewhere, in stark contrast to the chaos of that scene, Kallie experienced a tranquil moment as she escaped from the hospital.

Throughout the ride, Kallie gazed at her belly, deep in thought.

Finally making up her mind, Kallie typed a message on her phone and showed it to Brent, who was sitting beside her: “Can you help me find a family doctor? I’d prefer to avoid the hospital. It attracts too much attention.”

Brent’s expression turned to one of worry as he promptly inquired, “Is something wrong? Are you feeling okay? Did Jake do something to you?”

Kallie shook her head, signaling that wasn’t the case, and nced down, her cheeks coloring slightly with embarrassment.

She typed another message: “Actually, I’m pregnant. It’s Jake’s baby, but I’m unsure about the baby’s well-being. I need to have it checked.”

Understanding her situation, Brent looked at Kallie with a mixture of pity andpassion. “Kallie, are you sure about this? How do you n to handle everything with the baby? I know you prefer to be independent and refuse any help, but raising a child on your own is challenging.”

Kallie simply shook her head, her fingers flying over her phone’s keyboard. “It’s fine. I’ve thought it all through. I can handle it.”

Pausing, she nced down at her belly, a wistful look crossing her face, and then resumed typing. “As long as the baby is healthy, I’m keeping it.”

Brent gave a nod of approval.

Together, they drove to a modestly sized vi nestled in the mountains on the outskirts of the capital.

Although not overly spacious, it was perfectly suitable for one person. Its location in the mountains was its primary charm.

Brent revealed to Kallie that Jerome used to own the property. Back when Jerome was younger, he and his wife had purchased it because they were drawn to its tranquility.

This property was affordable, which meant the rest of the Hayes family didn’t take much interest in it.

Eventually, Jerome passed it on to Brent.

Even if Jake suspected something, it would take him some time to pinpoint this location. Kallie could find peace here.

“More importantly,” Brent said with a smile, gesturing to his left, “just a few hundred meters in that direction is where I’ve been living. I prefer to keep my distance from the rest of the Hayes family. That’s where you’ll find me most of the time. If you ever need anything, feel free toe by. Furthermore…”

Brent waved his hand casually, and as he did, someone entered the hall.

Kallie was taken aback to see Irene.

Irene offered Kallie a gentle smile.

“I’ve brought Irene on board to look after you,” Brent exined. “She’s able to manage her other responsibilities online, so it’s no trouble. And don’t worry, I’mpensating her generously, I’ve doubled her usual rate.”

The idea of havingpany pleased Kallie, yet it stirred a twinge of concern within her.

Kallie typed on her phone: “But Irene has her own life, her own dreams. It isn’t right to pull her away just for my sake. It’s not fair to her.”

Ireneughed softly, shaking her head. “No, I chose toe here on my own. Besides, I’m making more than double what I was before, so it’s hardly a burden. Please, don’t feel like you’re imposing on me.”

Hearing this, Kallie chose not to object. She nced at Brent, her eyes conveying silent gratitude.

She had turned to Brent out of necessity, reluctant to impose on Linsey and the others.

Brent noticed Kallie’s gloom and, concerned about her feeling isted in this new environment, arranged for Irene to apany her.

With everything in ce, the doctor finally arrived.

The doctor conducted a brief examination on Kallie and offered a reassuring smile. “Don’t worry, your baby is in excellent condition. Everything looks great. You’re almost three months along now, and it’s important to remain cautious during this critical period. Once you get past these first three months, things should start to stabilize. I suggest you keep up with regr visits to the hospital to ensure everything continues to go smoothly.”

Atst, Kallie felt a wave of relief wash over her.

She sped a hand over her mouth, tears nearly escaping her eyes. Her baby was healthy! The earlier pronouncements by that primary doctor had been deceptive.

If she hadn’t been resolute, or if Brent hadn’t been persistent in supporting her, she might have lost the baby to overwhelming sorrow.

A chill crept up her spine as she realized the extent of Jake’s efforts to endanger her baby under the guise of preserving his own reputation. He had manipted that doctor into misleading her. As long as she signed the consent form for the procedure, the me would fall on no one else.

Irene noticed the rage simmering in Kallie’s eyes and recognized the gravity of the situation. She cleared her throat and addressed the doctor, “Thank you foring. Could you please prescribe some medication? She needs to rest adequately.”

The doctor gave a nod, gathered his belongings, and departed. Brent lingered only briefly, issuing a fewst instructions to Irene before he made his exit.

As Irene approached Kallie, whose sadness was palpable, she couldn’t help but feel a wave ofpassion.

“You might not be ready to discuss what urred, but we’ve made it through. Everything’s going to be alright now. Try to get some rest. Things will look up soon,” Irene reassured her.

Kallie nodded in thanks, but as she got to her feet, tears streamed down her face.

Through signnguage, Kallie conveyed her bewilderment to Irene. She was at a loss as to how, after so many years together, Jake could show such cold indifference. Perhaps he had always been this way, and she was never an exception.

Feeling Kallie’s distress, Irene gently dabbed away her tears. “If that’s truly the situation, it’s time to stop showing him any sympathy. From here on out, concentrate on making a good life for yourself and your child.”

Gradually, Kallie found her peace and offered Irene a tender smile.

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