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Novel Catalog
Chapter 11
Seeing Thomas, Veronica felt a wave of nervousness sweep over her. The events of just a few hours ago—the flooded apartment—were still fresh in her mind. She couldn’t help but feel a tinge of fear as she greeted him with a forced smile.
“Haha, what a coincidence, Mr. Ritter,” she said, trying to mask her unease as she pulled out her phone. Quickly, she searched for Elizabeth’s number and sent a text.
Before she could finish, Thomas snatched the phone from her hand without a word. Veronica’s eyes widened. “What is this about, Mr. Ritter?” she demanded, feigning irritation.
Without a glance at her, Thomas handed the phone to a bodyguard, his face cold. “Please, Miss Murphy,” he said, gesturing for her to follow him.
Reluctantly, Veronica complied, her pulse quickening as they led her to the waiting sedan. She climbed into the car and immediately locked eyes with Matthew, who was sitting inside with his eyes shut. The intensity of his presence sent a jolt through her chest.
Nervously, she swallowed. “I heard you were looking for me… Young Master Matthew.”
He barely acknowledged her at first, then turned his head slightly, his eyes sharp and unblinking. “So, how do you want to die?” His voice was unsettlingly calm, like a judge sentencing her.
Veronica’s heart skipped. Despite the calm exterior, his words felt like a death sentence. “Hehe. Of old age, of course,” she replied, forcing a grin, though inwardly, she was cursing him out.
Matthew didn’t react, his hands resting on his abdomen as he tapped his finger against the back of his hand. “Start the car, Thomas.”
Veronica’s stomach churned as panic crept in. “Wait—where are we going?” She tried to steady her voice, but before she could get another word out, Thomas had already started the engine.
Matthew shut his eyes again, ignoring her. Veronica turned to Thomas, her voice trembling now. “Where are we heading, Mr. Ritter?”
“The hospital.”
Veronica’s face paled, and her heart slammed against her ribcage. The memories of Matthew’s previous threats about removing her womb flooded her mind, and a cold shiver ran down her spine. This is it. I’m done for.
She slumped back into her seat, her energy drained. Please, Elizabeth, help me, she thought, though the words felt hollow.
Just as the car hummed with tension, the shrill ring of a phone cut through the silence. Veronica’s heart jumped. It’s Elizabeth!
When Matthew answered the call, Veronica’s hope flickered. She turned towards him, desperate. “Help me, Madam! Matthew’s going to—”
Before she could finish, Matthew’s hand shot out, gripping her neck and silencing her words. His gaze burned with murderous intent, and she froze, a terrified nod the only response she could muster.
Elizabeth’s voice rang out, sharp with concern. “What’s going on? Where are you taking Veronica?”
Matthew didn’t answer right away. The pause was long enough to stretch the tension between them. Finally, he muttered, “She’s fine.”
Elizabeth wasn’t having it. “Tell me exactly where you’re going, or I’ll—”
“If anything happens to her, I’ll kill myself!” The words escaped Elizabeth’s mouth in a rush, and Veronica’s heart lurched.
Matthew stiffened, clearly caught off guard by the ultimatum. His voice was curt as he responded, “Grandma, she’s no one important.”
“Doesn’t matter. The child inside her does!” Elizabeth shot back, her tone resolute. “I’m not asking for a marriage, just a grandchild to hold. How much longer do you think I have left?”
The tension in the car thickened. Matthew remained silent, the weight of his grandmother’s words pressing down on him. Finally, Elizabeth’s voice softened but remained firm. “Get her checked in two months. But if you dare hurt her before then, I’ll… I’ll smash my head against the wall and join your grandpa in the afterlife.”
Matthew was silent, his jaw clenched in frustration.
“Pass the phone to Veronica,” Elizabeth demanded.
Reluctantly, Matthew put the phone on speaker and handed it to Veronica, his fingers trembling with barely contained rage.
“Veronica?” Elizabeth’s voice crackled through the phone, full of concern.
Veronica wiped her mouth, still feeling the lingering pressure from Matthew’s hand, then forced a grin. She shot a triumphant glance at him, her eyes mocking. “Madam?”
“What’s going on? What did they do to you?”
In an instant, Veronica’s expression shifted. She burst into dramatic tears, her voice cracking with feigned fear. “Boohoo! Madam, Matthew said he was going to take me to the hospital to remove my womb! Boohoo! I’m so scared!”
Matthew’s eyes narrowed dangerously, and for a moment, Veronica wondered if he’d snap. But as his frustration built, he remained eerily silent, his hands balled into fists. If it weren’t for Elizabeth’s orders, she knew he would have strangled her on the spot.
Elizabeth’s voice softened in her ear. “Oh, Veronica, don’t cry now. Don’t worry, okay? I’ve already taught him a lesson. He won’t bully you again.”
Veronica sniffled, her face still streaked with tears. “Okay, I trust you, madam. B-but…”
“But what?” Elizabeth pressed.
“Matthew… he confiscated my phone.”
Elizabeth exploded. “That brat! He’s really grown bold, huh? It’s okay, Veronica. Stop crying, alright? Tell me if he dares pull anything stupid next time.”
Veronica could hear the exasperation in Elizabeth’s voice, but she also felt a warmth. It was rare for someone to care for her like this. “Got it. Thank you, madam.”
“Anytime. Now, give the phone back to Matthew,” Elizabeth ordered.
Veronica hummed in agreement and handed the phone to Matthew. His fingers tightened around the device as he turned off the speakerphone.
“Grandma?” he said stiffly, his voice edged with annoyance.
“Don’t think I’ve forgotten what you did, you ungrateful brat,” Elizabeth shot back, her tone sharp. “You disobeyed me! If anything happens to Veronica, I’ll make sure you regret it!”
Matthew’s expression darkened, but before he could respond, Elizabeth hung up.
The car was silent for a moment, and Matthew’s fury was palpable. He gripped the phone so hard his fingers cracked, glaring out the window.
Veronica watched him closely, noting the subtle signs of his anger. Elizabeth warned him, she realized, feeling a sudden wave of relief wash over her. She had won this round.
As Thomas drove, he handed Veronica back her phone. “Thank you,” she muttered, her fingers brushing against the screen just as it rang again. The caller ID read ‘Madam Elizabeth.’
Matthew glanced at it too, his expression darkening further.
