Chapter 152

Valeria put on her best flustered act. “I… I was going to wait until I was sure before telling you…”

Megan cut her off. “This is wonderful news! Valeria, you’re moving in here starting today. I’ll make sure you’re properly taken care of.”

Jasper’s expression went through several changes before he finally said quietly, “Mom, I need to talk to Valeria alone.”

This was way too sudden. He needed a minute to process.

In the study, Jasper stared at Valeria. “Did you plan this?”

Valeria’s eyes immediately welled up with tears. “Jasper, what are you saying? Don’t you want this baby?”

Jasper tugged at his tie in frustration. “That’s not what I meant. It’s just… this came out of nowhere.”

Jasper had never expected Valeria to get pregnant. He was always careful about protection—how the hell had this happened?

“I know you’ve been under a lot of stress lately, so I wanted to wait until things settled down before telling you.” Valeria looked down, playing the wounded victim. “If you don’t want it, I can…”

“Don’t.” Jasper sighed heavily. “If you’re pregnant, we’ll have the baby. I’ll take responsibility.”

After all, it was a life.

Plus, his grandfather had been pressuring him about heirs, and all those illegitimate half-siblings were circling like vultures.

Having a legitimate heir would definitely strengthen his position.

When he thought about it that way, maybe the timing wasn’t so bad after all.

Valeria threw herself into his arms, wrapping her arms around his waist while a triumphant smile crossed her lips.

Jasper patted her back gently, though his expression remained conflicted.

This wasn’t part of his plan, which is why the news had thrown him for a loop.

But now that it was happening, he’d roll with it.

Megan was already bustling around, instructing the staff to prepare special meals and calling their family doctor to examine Valeria.

“Valeria, sweetheart, you need to take excellent care of yourself. This is the Hale family’s first grandchild,” Megan beamed.

Good girl, Valeria. Hopefully it’s a boy.

Megan couldn’t help thinking about how Anastasia had been with Jasper for so long without producing anything. Thank God they’d broken up—who knows what would have happened otherwise.

Valeria nodded sweetly. “Of course, Mrs. Hale. I’ll be very careful.”

Soon the Kingsley family heard the good news too.

Whitney was absolutely glowing with pride.

Her daughter really had inherited her skills!

Now that Valeria was pregnant, the position of Mrs. Hale was locked down.

The moment Valeria walked through the door, Whitney rushed over, fussing over her like she was made of glass. “Oh my precious daughter, you’re absolutely priceless now! Walk slowly!”

Valeria giggled. “Mom, you’re being so dramatic, I just found out!”

Whitney lowered her voice, her eyes gleaming with calculation. “Silly girl, this is exactly when you need to be most careful. The Hales aren’t family. If you give birth to a boy, the entire Hale empire will be yours someday!”

Whitney was practically vibrating with excitement thinking about how she could show off to her friends.

Valeria rubbed her stomach with a hint of smugness. “Don’t worry, Mom, I’ve got this handled.”

Whitney nodded approvingly, then leaned in closer. “Baby, you also need to think about your own security. Now that you’re pregnant, you should get Jasper to buy you property, maybe some businesses. Build up your assets.”

Valeria paused. “Right, good point.”

She’s absolutely right. I’ve got leverage now – I should use it.

The company had been doing pretty well lately. She’d need to find the right moment to bring it up.

Whitney felt relieved but still warned, “The first trimester is crucial. Don’t eat anything risky, don’t overwork yourself, understand?”

“Mom, please don’t worry. I know what I’m doing.” Valeria was more protective of this pregnancy than anyone.

She was already planning her next moves.