Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

Chapter 990

Nolan was at his wits' end and had no choice but to return to the Fuller estate. He had hoped to negotiate with Ashton, to tell him the heartbreaking truth, that he was the father and it was his responsibility to save their baby! However, Elaine's return had Nolan seething with anger, his dissatisfaction with Ashton growing.

What he wanted now was for the patriarch to unfreeze his assets.

In a conversation filled with hidden meanings, Beckford sensed something was off. He had always had a soft spot for Valerie. If it hadn't been for her insisting on the divorce from Ashton, the old man would have gladly kept her in the family.

After much consideration, aware that the poor newborn couldn't wait, Nolan clenched his fists and decided to go against Valerie's wishes, his voice hoarse with a sigh, "Dad. Actually, Valerie had a baby, born with a congenital heart defect. Whose child it is... well, you know."

"What? A baby... Valerie was pregnant?"

Beckford was utterly stunned, his voice filled with shock and anger as he roared, "She wasn't showing when she left! When did this happen?!"

The old man stood up abruptly, his cane falling to the floor as he grabbed his son by the collar, "And when did you find out?"

"After she divorced Ashton, that's when I noticed. She kept it a secret from everyone, very tightly. You know why, don't you? She's always been the cold one, never planned to forgive that idiot Ashton!" Nolan retorted with fury.

Beckford slowly closed his eyes, then raised his hand to his forehead, his veins throbbing with anger, "If she hadn't come to me herself, begging that she and Ashton couldn't make it work anymore, I would never have agreed to their divorce. I saw her slipping into depression, couldn't bear it.

If I had known she was pregnant, I would never have let her leave the Fuller estate."

"Dad, the baby is not doing well! That's why I'm asking for my rightful share of the estate. If you give it to me, it's like saving the baby!"

"A congenital heart defect?" Beckford's voice faltered, his eyebrows furrowing in concern, "This is my grandchild we're talking about... It's all Ashton's fault, he never made Valerie happy during that time, the damn fool, might have even affected the pregnancy and birth." "It's good that you know! Valerie's pregnancy was nearly the death of her. In the following months, she was practically on bed rest, so it's no surprise the baby's situation is grim.

But I didn't expect it to be this severe.

now that you know the reason, please

over who should take responsibility. If Ashton won't step up, I will. Valerie and the child are the innocents here!" Nolan thought appealing to reason would

at his son with

Fuller, yes, but it's

are you waiting for? Bring her back,

That's my grandson..."

voice breaking as he kicked Nolan's leg, "It's all your fault for

haven't given me a

the both of you. It was Valerie, poor girl, understanding my wishes, the kind-hearted child, who didn't terminate the Fuller family's only successor..." Beckford said, nearly in

the best medical care. How could Valerie possibly take care of the child outside? Contact her to come back, the doors

his father's adamant stance, Nolan knew his personal desires were completely

had no extra funds to arrange treatment for the baby's heart condition. Besides,

was staying in a quiet little town, lacking advanced

further delay could only increase the danger

for Valerie's sake, Nolan conceded

by the Fuller estate, Valerie and her daughter could receive the best care, there was no doubt

out of the main hall, into the estate's yard, the cool night air brushing against his skin. Nolan worried about Valerie, still in the hospital, wondering if

been heavy with concern for her and the child

number, Nolan's handsome features were shadowed in the

did you make it back to the

how is he

other end, was oblivious to

had left, he only mentioned needing to go home

few months. Initially, she had tried to push him away, greeting