Rebirth Into My Second Chance

At the gala, Kate was the belle of the ball, introducing Gabrielle to the high-profile guests. In the world of business, connections mean everything. When it came time to exchange gifts, Kate presented Gabrielle with a charm bracelet, leaving Gabrielle grinning from ear to ear.

Holding Kate's hand, Gabrielle advised, "You'll have to remind Claude to cut back on the cigars, dear."

That remark made it clear to everyone that Kate would become Claude's official partner. As for Claire, her days in the spotlight were soon over.

"Mrs. Hart, I've got it under control," Kate said, sending the crowd into a frenzy. Besides showering Gabrielle with gifts, some guests gave Kate presents as well.

It dawned on me what it felt like to be forgotten once out of sight. It appeared Gabrielle's favor was not eternal after all. Or had anyone ever truly favored me?

My spirit wandered off to a corner, where I bumped into Dr. Hilton. He was swirling a glass of champagne, glancing at Gabrielle but never approaching to offer his gift. Given his status, it was understandable he'd keep his distance from the Hart family.

I had thought him unremarkable at first. But at the moment, I saw him as just another soul caught in life's cruel game.

His phone rang, and he set down his champagne flute before stepping away with those long, graceful strides.

I wanted to follow and eavesdrop but got caught in a conversation between Kate and Claude. "Claude, I'm sorry, I went to the hospital today without telling you." Trying to keep cool, Claude asked, "What did you find out?"

"It's about Claire. I know you're stressed out, so I took your marriage papers and her picture to the doc, telling him Claire might be in trouble. That's how I got her medical records, and they even agreed to do a paternity test with samples they had, suspecting the baby might be yours."

into turmoil. So, she went to the hospital to prove my child was Claude's. But what was the point? My

there's a result?" Claude's voice wasn't loud but carried a weight that

Claude wasn't there for me or the baby. He

death, their true colors showed, bereft of any past

The baby's DNA doesn't match yours. Claire

shook me. "Claude, I didn't

"Kate is lying!"

screamed, but it was all in

phone, Claude

carrying someone else's child! Good for

was livid, more a lion than a lawyer, believing Kate without

find out, which means she's not in danger," Kate tried to calm him down. Claude scoffed and called Richard. "So, Claire's pregnant with your child,

het

are you talking about? Claire's pregnant? Damn it, Claude, what have you done to her! How could she

not

me, not in life,