Chapter 353

Camellia felt wronged. “Your Dad and Wendy hurt me.”

“What?” Jennifer gasped, anger rising as she glared at her sleeping Dad.

Seeing Nick sprawled on the sofa, Camellia guided Jennifer into the room. “Sit, Jennifer, I need to tell you what happened. Wendy found out about Colin and me, and Nick hit me. Wendy followed us here and accused Nick of cheating, then she hit me. Now, I’m in pain all over.”

“Mom, what is your relationship with Colin?” Jennifer asked, frustration clear in her voice. Jennifer was rendered speechless.

Camellia wiped her tears and replied, “Jennifer, I can’t depend on Nick. He’s useless without Wendy. Colin loves me, but he can’t marry me. My family isn’t good enough for him. Colin has stayed in touch even after he married. Do you think I can give your brother a good life with your Dad’s small help? Your Dad is very stingy. Every time I ask for money, he checks every cent. Most of what I get comes from Colin.”

Jennifer stared at her Mom in shock, realizing the weight of the situation. She thought back to sharing a room with Colin, but never getting too close. A wave of nausea hit her as she pressed her hand against her chest. “Mom, who is James’ Dad?”

Camellia’s face changed at the name. Nervously, she said, “What nonsense are you thinking? He’s Nick’s son.”

Jennifer sighed with relief, as long as he wasn’t Colin’s. Suddenly, a dark thought came to her – an idea to ruin Natalie. She wondered if Davian could get rid of Natalie, who was already sidelined by Easton. She didn’t want her to thrive.

In a low voice, Jennifer whispered, “Mom, I am pregnant.”

Camellia was shocked but quickly asked in a quiet voice, “Is it Easton’s? That’s great! He should marry you; think of the honor!”

Jennifer’s eyes flashed with anger. “It’s not his! We never have sex. I think the accident affected him down there. No matter how I tried to seduce him, he didn’t react.”

Camellia was stunned. “You two are so close, yet nothing happened? Jennifer, every time I see you together, he looks like he cares; how could it not go further?”

Frustration bubbled up inside Jennifer. “I want Easton to be my child’s Dad, but I see the risks. He doesn’t trust me anymore because of what Natalie revealed.”

Camellia asked in disbelief, “Then whose child is it?”

“It’s Octavian’s—the male lead I filmed the drama with.”

Angry, Camellia considered hitting her. “Jennifer, I’ve gone through so much to secretly support you. Was it all for you to act like this? Didn’t I tell you to hold onto Easton? You may not like him, but he has what you need."

“If the child isn’t Easton’s, you must end the pregnancy. I can’t let you become like me. The Garcia family would destroy you if they found out.”

Tears spilled down Camellia’s face as her anger burned. Jennifer had been battling her own feelings, which is why she asked for Camellia’s opinion.

Her face turned serious. “But I want to use this child.”

Camellia shot that idea down. “Jennifer, you can’t take this risk; it will have serious effects. You’ve always been smart; why risk your future for a baby? If you truly want to marry Easton, I can help you, but the baby must go. Nothing happened between you; even if you try to trick Easton now, it’s too late! Remember, many medical systems belong to the Garcia family; they could easily find out about your pregnancy. Tomorrow, I’ll take you to the hospital to end this pregnancy. It’s the best choice. You’re doing well in your career. If people find out you’re an unwed Mom, it will hurt your chances in the industry.”

Camellia, filled with urgency, thought of the skills she learned but never taught Jennifer to mess around. As tears fell, she said, “Jennifer, I pushed you to take socialite classes to help you marry rich. Wendy is doing well; only one of her four sons has died. You took over her company, yet I feel we’ve gained nothing.”

Touching her belly, Jennifer asked, “Mom, can you check more about Octavian’s family business?”

Camellia frowned. “Aren’t you planning to marry Easton? And what about the man you loved all those years ago – didn’t you care for him?”

Jennifer closed her eyes, wrestling with deep pain, and admitted, “Mom, I feel he’s trying to use me too.”

“What?” Camellia gasped in shock, her face a mix of disbelief and sorrow.

This wasn’t how Camellia pictured things ending. She envisioned a day when Wendy’s whole family would be gone, allowing her to be the proud Mrs. Simpson with endless wealth. But here she was, still in the shadows. If Wendy discovered her secret, her children would be labeled illegitimate forever.

Jennifer said, “This child can go, but Natalie must take the blame. I’ll frame it as Natalie having the abortion.”

Camellia felt her daughter had gone completely mad thinking about harming Natalie. “Jennifer, please don’t do this! If anyone finds out, you’ll ruin yourself. You won’t be able to handle the consequences. Do you understand?”

Jennifer insisted, “Mom, I have a plan.”

“What kind of plan?”