Staring at the six pregnancy tests in front of her, each showing two lines indicating a positive result, Ofelia trembled with anger.
Unwilling to accept the truth, she visited a traditional Chinese medicine clinic, hoping the old doctor there would give her a different diagnosis. But the result was the same... pregnant.
She walked out of the clinic, wandering aimlessly down the street until she found herself sitting on a bench, staring blankly ahead as if frozen in time.
She didn't know how long she had been sitting there when a car pulled up in front of her. The door opened, and Daniel strode towards her with an air of confidence.
Seeing her sitting there, looking dazed and filled with despair, Daniel's brow furrowed slightly.
In all of Fortune's City, countless women threw themselves at him, dreaming of bearing his child and marrying into the Howard family. But here was Ofelia, pregnant with his child, looking utterly miserable.
Daniel recalled Ofelia's words: "Daniel Howard, not every woman is a gold digger who wants to marry into the Howard family. Don't flatter yourself too much."
"If you quit your job at the club, I'll have a team of specialists treat your father immediately, and the surgery will be free of charge."
He stood before her, looking down with an arrogant and imperious demeanor. Ofelia's eyes lowered, her face showing little emotion despite her deep sadness. "So, even if I quit my job and terminate the pregnancy, you'll still treat my father?" She didn't wait for his answer.
She looked up, her eyes filled with pain, meeting his gaze for a few seconds.
He replied, "Wishful thinking."
"Heh. So, spare me the noble talk. You want me to have your child, and in return, you'll treat my dad's illness. It's just a fair trade, isn't it?" Those 'expert' doctors weren't the kind you could hire just with money.
How could Ofelia not see the reality of the situation?
"You can make other demands," Daniel said in a deep voice.
"I don't ne—" She was about to say 'need' when a thought flashed through her mind. "If you can help me investigate my parents' car accident, I'll agree."
If having a child could ensure her father's recovery and give them justice for the 'accident,' Ofelia was willing.
Though it felt unfair to the unborn child, she knew she wasn't a match for him. If he truly wanted her to have this child, he had countless ways to make it happen. Instead of resisting, it was better to make a 'fair trade.'
"Deal," Daniel agreed without hesitation.
Ofelia pressed her lips together, her straight back suddenly slumping slightly. She lowered her head, staring at the floor, and said nothing more.
Powerless.
It was her own powerlessness that left her unable to protect her parents and even stripped her of the right to decide whether to have a child. She wanted to become stronger, but she didn't know where to start.
"However, you must move into the Howard Family estate."
"Give me a few days. I need some time to calm down."
Ofelia sighed deeply, turning her head to watch the traffic on the road, feeling a sense of frustration.
Daniel agreed to her condition. He got into his car and drove away.
As Ofelia watched the car disappear into the distance, a sudden chill enveloped her, as if she were standing in an ice cellar.
Was she really just a 'tool for childbirth'? Otherwise, how could Daniel be so heartless towards her?
Meanwhile at Howard Family Estate.
Upon returning to the estate, Daniel met with Elder Madam Howard.
"How is that girl Ofelia doing?" Elder Madam Howard's first concern was Ofelia, but in truth, she was more interested in the child Ofelia was carrying.
Daniel's sharp, starry eyes showed a hint of coldness. "I can allow Ofelia to give birth to the Howard Family's child. But any woman of mine must be a suitable match."
Daniel had been contemplating a lot lately.
Moreover, his frequent interactions with Odelia had revealed her to be a woman of good character and reputation. She was known in Fortune's City as a woman of both talent and beauty. Marrying her into the Howard Family seemed like the best choice.
"What are you saying? What's so good about Odelia?" Elder Madam Howard was visibly displeased.
"She saved my life. Marrying her is only reasonable."
Daniel had once suspected Odelia Griffins, even wondering if she had anything to do with that car accident. However, after ordering Sutton to investigate the incident again, it was confirmed that Odelia had no involvement.
"I once said that whoever bears your child, you will marry her. Does my word mean nothing?" Elder Madam Howard genuinely liked Ofelia.
"Do you think she is fit for the role?"
The Howard Family was a prestigious name, and Ofelia had nothing to her name. From any perspective, she was unfit to be the future matriarch of the Howard Family.
Daniel cared nothing for romantic entanglements; his focus was solely on the benefits and the vision of making the Howard Family bigger and stronger. Marrying Ofelia just because she was pregnant would only hold the family back.
His question left Elder Madam Howard speechless. She had to admit that for the future of the Howard Family, Odelia was indeed the better choice.
"But the child is Ofelia's. What will people say when they find out?"
Daniel's cold eyes flickered slightly. He had already made arrangements for Ofelia and her unborn child. He then said to Elder Madam Howard, "I will..."