?<strong>Chapter 96:</strong>


    At the Miller Mansion, the atmosphere was tense. Irene questioned everyone present about the incident. When it was Fiona’s turn, all eyes turned to her. Fiona, who was prone to nervousness, felt overwhelmed, as if the intense scrutiny might swallow her whole. She figured that Lacey was right. The Miller Mansion was a dangerous ce. She had never expected that Spencer would do that to Joelle.


    “Fiona, you were the only witness. What exactly did you see?” Irene’s voice was firm, demanding rity. Fiona recalled the horrifying sight of blood mixing with pond water, Joelle’s life hanging in the bnce. She recounted the events in a trembling voice. “I went looking for Spencer but found him by the pond, talking to Joelle. He tried to grab her, and she resisted, crying out for help before falling into the water.”


    The implications of her testimony were clear to all. Irene paused, her age weighing on her. She no longer had the strength to personally deal with Spencer’s transgressions. At that moment, Amara entered the room. “I’ve spoken with Adrian. Joelle is pregnant. They were supposed to share the news with us today.”


    L staggered, barely catching herself. Thinking of the bloodied water, she asked with a quiver in her voice, “Is the baby saved?” Amara returned her question with a frosty stare. “What do you think?”


    L’s knees nearly buckled under the strain of her emotions. Unfazed, Amara continued, “Adrian and Joelle have been trying to have this baby. And now, it’s likely lost. How am I to face Adrian’ste father with this news?”


    Irene closed her eyes, the weight of the situation pressing heavily upon her. Tears streaming down her cheeks, Katie reached out desperately to Amara. “Please, Spencer didn’t mean to do it! Forgive him, please!”


    Amara shook off Katie’s hands, her resolve steel-hard. “Thew will decide his fate. Although the baby wasn’t born, it was still a life. A murderer should pay.” Overwhelmed, L copsed, unconscious. Quincy gave Amara a meaningful look.


    Weary yet authoritative, Irene dismissed Fiona with a wave of her hand. “We’ll handle things from here, Fiona. You’re free to go.” Fiona quickly agreed, anxious to be away from the tension. “Of course.”


    “Just remember, this isn’t over. Keep this to yourself,” Irene instructed sternly. Fiona nodded. “I understand. I won’t say a word.”


    As she left, Fiona cast onest look back at the gathering, her own family’s turmoil paling inparison to the chaos here. Outside, Lacey had been waiting patiently. Fiona slid into the car, exhaling a deep sigh of relief. “Lacey, I don’t want to get engaged to Spencer anymore.” Lacey gave a nonchnt shrug. “I warned you. You just wouldn’t listen.”


    Fiona turned to face her. “You know what? Joelle was pregnant. But Amara just said Joelle lost the baby.” Lacey’s fingers stilled, uncertainty flickering across her face before sheposed herself. “What a shame.”


    Fiona, still shaken, pleaded urgently, “Take me away! I can’t stay here any longer!” Without another word, they departed.


    Meanwhile, Erick stumbled into Reba’s ward. Reba, startled, chastised him, “Erick, ever heard of knocking?” “I saw Adrian!” he blurted out.


    “Really?” Reba dropped her phone as she prepared to leave the bed. “Wait.” Erick held up a hand, hesitating before adding, “I heard he came because Joelle is pregnant.”


    “What?” Reba’s shriek filled the room, her volume belying her patient status. Frustrated and incredulous, she threw a pillow across the room. “How could she?”


    Erick limped over to retrieve the pillow, attempting to calm her. “Don’t lose your temper. Joelle’s still in the emergency room. It’s uncertain if the baby will survive.”


    “But she’s pregnant with Adrian’s child!” Reba paced restlessly. “She’ll use this to steal Adrian from me. What am I to do?”


    Erick’s eyes gleamed as an idea formed. “The fool who harassed Joelle hasn’t confessed yet. If we can make him admit he’s the father, we can at least create a rift between her and Adrian.”


    “And how do you propose we make him confess?” Reba was skeptical. “Money talks!” Erick’s voice was confident. “Tell Adrian I need a hefty sum to fix my leg. Five hundred thousand dors… No, make it eight hundred thousand!”


    Reba hesitated, wary of the implications. “I’m not sure… What if Adrian finds out about your leg and demands the money back?”


    “He wouldn’t dare,” Erick retorted sharply. “He owes us! He must pay up, even if it’s a million dors!” Though doubtful, Reba conceded. They were allies in this game. Her primary goal was clear—secure her ce as Adrian’s wife, with Joelle as her only obstacle.


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