?<strong>Chapter 116:</strong>


    “Shawn, what’s up?” Joelle asked. Shawn found himself unusually free today. His work had wrapped up ahead of schedule, and clients, typically demanding in negotiations, had unexpectedly sealed their agreements quickly. Now with unexpected leisure, he felt the urge to engage in something worthwhile.


    Seeing Ke’s post earlier sparked an interest in revisiting the business talk they had postponed, but she wasn’t avable. Deciding not to waste the day, he chose to spend it with Joelle.


    “I’m free today. How about we go shopping?”


    Joelle, still awaiting her hospital check-up results, hesitated to refuse his offer. “Sure, but can we skip the shopping? I’m feeling a bit worn out. Maybe we could just grab a meal together.”


    Shawn was quick to amodate. “Alright, thene over for dinner. I’ll cook.”


    “Okay.” Joelle nced at her watch. “I should be there in about an hour. Would it be alright if Katherinees too?”


    “Of course. Where are you now? I’lle pick you up.”


    Joelle didn’t want him to know she was at the hospital. If Shawn discovered her pregnancy, it would not only cause him concern but also lead to awkward questions about why she hadn’t informed the Miller family, a conversation she preferred to avoid. She quickly stood up with Katherine. “No need! We’lle to find youter!”


    The report should be ready by now. The obstetrician reviewed it and smiled at Joelle. “The baby’s ultrasound looks great. Keep taking good care of yourself. A happy and healthy mother makes for a strong baby.”


    Joelle had been meticulously monitoring the pregnancy, and it appeared her diligence was paying off. Exiting the hospital, she led Katherine to Shawn’s ce. Following Joelle’s parents’ idents, their vi was sold. Shawn now resided alone in a high-end apartmentplex, his unit on the top floor boasting a spaciousyout, overly sufficient for a single upant.


    Upon entering, they found Shawn, apron-d, cooking in the kitchen.


    “Shawn, can I help with anything?” Joelle offered. Katherine entered behind her, slipping into a pair of house slippers.


    “No need, just make yourselvesfortable,” Shawn responded, focusing back on his cooking.


    The family ordeal had inspired him to embrace new skills. Shawn had a knack for thriving through challenges, much like Joelle—optimistic, resilient, and unyielding. Besides the braised beef he was cooking, the table wasden with an array of dishes.


    Joelle and Katherine took in the familiar yet more homely ambiance of his apartment, noting the changes since theirst visit. Seeing that Shawn had managed his life so well, Joelle felt reassured about him.


    While Shawn busied himself in the kitchen, Joelle leaned closer to Katherine and whispered, “Any signs that a girl has been here?”


    Katherine scanned the room and replied, “Not a single strand.”


    Joelle exhaled, her concern evident. “He’s nearly thirty. Why hasn’t he settled down with someone?”


    “He’s always been too caught up in his work,” Katherine remarked. Suddenly, her eyesnded on a vinyl record by Eugene Riley in Shawn’s collection. She recalled that Frankie was a fan.


    “Shawn, may I check this out?” she asked, her interest piqued.


    Shawn, wiping his hands on a dish towel, walked over, nced at the album, and nodded. “Sure, go ahead.”


    Katherine moved to a corner and discreetly took a picture of the record. This album was a sought-after collector’s edition, released a decade ago. Spotting an opportunity, she considered this a perfect way to reconnect with Frankie.


    Meanwhile, Shawn was about to return to the kitchen when a piece of paper on the floor near the doorway caught his eye. He picked it up, murmuring, “Whose is this?”


    His voice faded as he saw Katherine’s name at the top. The word “pregnancy” jumped out at him, stunning him into silence. Was Katherine pregnant? Stunned, Shawn quickly reced the paper, pretending to have seen nothing.


    During the meal, Shawn kept an eye on Katherine. Noticing her hand inching towards a te with red wine sauce, he quickly intervened. “This isn’t fully cooked. Try something else instead,” he cautioned, sliding the dish away.


    Katherine and Joelle, who hadn’t sampled that dish yet, thought little of it. Later, while helping with the dishes, Joelle caught Shawn’s inquisitive nce.


    “Joelle, does Katherine have a boyfriend?” he whispered covertly.


    Joelle gave a knowing smirk. “Shawn, are you interested?”


    “Don’t misunderstand. I’m just curious!” he rified hastily.


    Joelle responded earnestly, “Not that I know of. She’s always on the lookout, but typical guys don’t catch her eye. She’s drawn to men who are decisive and sessful in their careers.”


    “Anyone she’s particrly close to?”


    “Yes, Bobby. Remember him? They’ve been quite close.”


    Shawn pondered this, his expression growing pensive, prompting Joelle’s concern.


    “What’s bothering you? Anything on your mind?”


    “It’s nothing,” Shawn dismissed quickly. His observations had revealed that even Joelle was unaware of Katherine’s pregnancy. With Katherine not ready to disclose her situation, Shawn felt bound to silence, unable to even confide in his sister.


    “Shawn, we should head out.”


    “Let me walk you downstairs.”


    As they descended, Joelle and Katherine headed towards the car in the parking lot. At the building’s entrance, a ck car idled, its headlights piercing the dusk. The window rolled down to unveil Adrian’s chiseled features in the dim light.


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