And The Daddy Is… The Infertile Guy?!

Chapter 5

Tucked away in a shadowy nook by the staircase, Gwendolyn eyed the flickering name on her phone screen. Suppressing her distaste, she picked up the call.

“Hello?”

“Gwen,” came Gemma’s gentle probing voice from the other end. “Was Howard awake? Were his legs… really done for?”

The doctors had barely delivered their verdict when the Sawyer family was already privy to the internal scoop.

Gemma showed no concern for how the Chadwick family was dealing with Gwendolyn, nor did she inquire how Gwendolyn had spent her previous night. Instead, Gemma was fishing for insider information.

Gwendolyn fell into greater disappointment.

“I’m hanging up if there’s nothing else,” she said flatly.

“Wait!” Shouting, Gemma was tinged with urgency. “Do Vivien a solid! Howard got this massive deal, a collaboration between Summit Corp and Chadwick Group. Convince him to sign the Transfer of Project, and Vivien can marry Howard’s cousin.”

Gwendolyn couldn’t help but laugh bitterly.

“What makes you think I can help with that? I’m just a shotgun bride with no standing.”

the aisle, Howard woke up. The entire Chadwick family is counting on you now. Besides, he’s a broken man. What’s the point of holding onto the project? Better to let it go and help Vivien secure her future with Mr.

upon completion. Howard

retorted, ready to end the

here! If you don’t

humanity?” Gwendolyn roared

mother–in–law!”

it weren’t for Nicolette’s

life of hardship, scrimping and saving to put Gwendolyn through school, and had worked herself to the bone. No matter how hard Gwendolyn

Nicolette on such a grueling journey! She couldn’t

the trials and indignities the frail

died early. Nicolette and I share no blood,” Gemma stated

Gwendolyn’s knuckles turned white,

and with tear–brimmed eyes, she asked, “Am I

replying, her voice cold and heartless, “Vivien was raised by my hand. She comes from a good family. She is also graceful and talented. If you could marry Howard, she certainly deserves better. Whatever, you just have to get it done. On your homecoming day.

Gemma hung up

making every breath feel like a blade scraping

echoed at the stairwell,