Love on the Fast Track (Derek and Norah)

Chapter 304:

“Kathy, what’s the reason for this meet-up?” Madeline asked as she settled across from Kathy in the booth, genuinely curious about Kathy’s sudden invitation. Considering their last interaction at Carter Manor, where Kathy had not minced words in her criticism, this invitation stirred her curiosity about Kathy’s intentions.

“Madeline, I’m expecting,” Kathy blurted out.

Madeline, sipping her lemonade, was caught off guard and started coughing. Surprised, she stared at Kathy, wondering when Kathy had become so reckless.

Kathy, avoiding Madeline’s probing look, murmured, “It’s been about two weeks.”

Setting her glass down, Madeline dabbed at her lips with a napkin before asking, “And why are you telling me this?” The possibility of Kathy sharing such sensitive information without fear of it reaching the Carter family seemed unlikely. It suggested either an overestimation of trust or perhaps an underestimation of the complexity of their relationship. “Who’s the father? Why come to me instead of him?” Madeline pressed.

“I don’t know who the father is,” Kathy admitted, a statement that left Madeline in disbelief. Kathy’s past had its wild moments, but this was uncharted territory. Kathy had been closely monitored by her family until recently. They had lessened their vigilance, believing she had changed. Then, Kathy found herself pregnant after a night out.

Madeline utilized her

laugh, her gaze hardening. “It seems you’re not as well-behaved as you

piercing observation. Despite the sting of Madeline’s words, Kathy had come prepared, willing to face whatever backlash awaited her. “I’m looking to find

await

people won’t question the child’s

resolve. “How many really opt for a paternity test once the child is born? Aristocratic circles are rife with tales of children being swapped. My situation won’t stand

piecing together Kathy’s bold, if not desperate, plan.

I’ll need your assistance to make it

deeper into the booth, her skepticism clear as she folded her arms. “Given

connections, she’d have utilized them for her own benefit,

family, and I gather you’d prefer not to deal with my antics regularly, correct? If I were to marry and move away, I assure you, I’d cease to be a thorn in your side, even offering