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Novel Catalog
Chapter 7
Elizabeth smiled warmly at Veronica. “Stay with me for the next two days,” she said, her tone inviting but firm.
Veronica, still reeling from her confrontation with Matthew, wasn’t about to grovel to the Larsons for the sake of her adoptive parents. She didn’t have much of a choice, however, and leaning on Elizabeth felt like the safest option. At least the older woman had shown no ill will toward her.
“I don’t understand,” Veronica said, her brow furrowing in confusion. “Why do you want me to stay with you?”
“I want to get to know you better,” Elizabeth replied, her tone as kind as ever. “Matthew’s been… less than kind to you, so he should take responsibility for his actions.” She paused, then added, “As for your parents, I’ve arranged for the best foreign specialists to help them. They’ll be on the mend soon, I’m sure.”
Veronica’s heart swelled with gratitude. She couldn’t fathom how to repay Elizabeth for all her kindness. But she reminded herself that saving Matthew’s life had, in some small way, balanced the scales. “Thank you so much, madam,” she said sincerely, though she felt at a loss for words.
For the next three days, Veronica spent her time with Elizabeth, keeping her company as they did everything from morning exercise to gardening and afternoon chess games. It was a peaceful routine, and time passed quicker than she expected.
On the fourth morning, after a simple breakfast together, Veronica packed her things. She walked downstairs, her suitcase in hand, and gave Elizabeth a polite nod. “I’m leaving now, madam. Thank you for all your hospitality.”
Elizabeth rose from the sofa with a smile that was gentle and warm. “You’re outspoken and open-minded, young lady. It’s made me feel younger having you here.” She added, with a hint of playfulness, “It’s rare I don’t feel the weight of being a matriarch. You’ve made me forget about it.”
Veronica chuckled softly. “You should always stay young at heart, madam. I’ll be going now. Goodbye.”
“Mm-hmm. And remember to visit when you have time,” Elizabeth said with a wink.
“Uh… okay, madam,” Veronica replied, a hint of awkwardness in her voice. Whether she’d be allowed back at the Kings Residence was still up in the air, but she wasn’t about to discuss that right now.
Elizabeth arranged for the chauffeur to take Veronica to downtown Bloomstead. As they passed a drugstore, Veronica asked the driver to stop. “I’ll get out here, mister. Thank you.”
The chauffeur nodded. “Yes, Miss Murphy.”
After leaving the car, Veronica entered the drugstore. The pharmacist greeted her immediately. “Hello, how can I help you today?”
Veronica didn’t waste time. “Please give me a box of the best morning-after pills,” she said, her voice hurried.
The pharmacist handed her a box. “This one is the most effective when taken within 72 hours,” he explained.
Veronica looked down at the box, her stomach sinking. “Did you say ‘72 hours’?”
“Yes,” the pharmacist confirmed. “It’s most effective if taken immediately, but it’ll be useless if you wait longer than 72 hours.”
Veronica froze, her mind racing. She had assumed the pills would work if taken within a week. But the reality was harsh. No wonder Elizabeth had kept her at the Kings Residence for three days. It all made sense now.
Her hands trembling, Veronica handed the box back. She stepped out of the store and wandered aimlessly through the streets, her eyes red. The weight of the situation pressed down on her, but she tried to steady herself. What’s there to be afraid of? If I get pregnant, I’ll just have an abortion. There’s always a solution.
But before she could process any further, a car screeched to a halt in front of her. Before she could react, strong hands grabbed her and shoved her into the backseat.
“Hey! W-Who are you people? You can’t just kidnap someone in broad daylight!” Veronica struggled, her voice rising. “Stop the car! Let me out, or I’ll call the police!”
A familiar voice came from the front seat, cutting through her panic. “Miss Murphy, you’d better behave yourself and not cause trouble.”
Veronica’s eyes widened as she turned her head. There, behind the wheel, was Thomas. So it’s Matthew behind this?
Her heart sank as the truth hit her. Bragging about getting pregnant and marrying Matthew was only going to bring trouble. And now this…
“Stop the car, Thomas!” Veronica snapped, her voice laced with frustration. “If you don’t, I’ll call Old Mrs. Kings and tell her what’s going on!”
Thomas merely glanced at her through the rearview mirror. “I’d advise you to know your place, Miss Murphy.”
Veronica seethed, but she knew better than to push him further. Her adoptive parents were still under the Kings’ care, and she couldn’t risk making things worse for them.
After a tense ride, Thomas finally stopped at the Twilight Club. Veronica was led into a sleek, modern building that screamed wealth and power. They reached the 38th floor, where Matthew’s private residence was located.
“I’ve brought Miss Murphy here, Young Master Matthew,” Thomas said, his voice respectful yet detached.
Matthew didn’t look up from the laptop in his lap, his fingers flying over the keys as he worked. When he finally closed the laptop and placed it aside, he stood, his eyes scanning Veronica with an air of quiet dominance.
“Have you had enough of staring at me yet?” he asked, his voice low and unamused.
Veronica blinked, caught off guard. “W-Who’s staring at you?” she retorted quickly, her lips curling into a fake smile. “Stop flattering yourself.”
Matthew’s gaze turned sharp, his expression unreadable as he approached her, his black shirt sleeves rolled up to his elbows, his every movement oozing controlled power. “Do you think you can act so recklessly just because my grandma is backing you?”
Veronica swallowed hard, her confidence faltering under his icy stare. “N-No, I didn’t think that.”
Matthew’s eyes flashed with something dark. “Didn’t you say you’d get pregnant with my child and marry me, all in front of my grandma?”
Veronica’s face paled slightly. I can’t believe I said that. Was I really so reckless?
She forced a laugh, backing away, though her heart was pounding. “It was just a joke, Young Master Matthew. I was joking, really.”
Matthew’s cold eyes narrowed, and before she could react, he grabbed her collar, pulling her toward him with a frightening force.
“I, Matthew Kings, hate being threatened more than anything else,” he said, his voice quiet but deadly. “Congratulations. You’ve just done it.”
Veronica’s breath caught in her throat as she realized how deeply she had just crossed a line. “I… I didn’t mean it,” she stammered, panic bubbling in her chest.
Matthew’s gaze bored into her as he held her in place. “Whether you were joking or not,” he said coldly, “you’ll have to prove it.”
