Chapter 408

The Hospital Penelope leaned against the bed, her voice weak, “Dad, Mom, I failed to protect the baby in my belly.”

Tears welled up in her eyes as she spoke.

Christopher, who only had one daughter, couldn’t bring himself to blame her. He felt nothing but heartache, “It’s alright, Penelope. It’s not your fault. You were trying to save Miranda. Who would blame you? It’s just unfortunate for the baby. Don’t be too hard on yourself. Your mother and I only wish for your health.”

Leah cried, her eyes red, “The Lindberg family has been so unfair to us. Penelope got hurt so badly while trying to save Miranda, and now she’s lost the baby. Yet the Lindberg family only offered a few words of consolation. They didn’t even mention the possibility of marrying Penelope. Christopher, what should we do?”

Christopher hadn’t expected such a turn of events either. The Flanagan family and the Lindberg Corporation had already begun collaborating, and now Penelope had lost both the baby and the chance to marry into a wealthy family. He comforted Leah, “Don’t think too much about it for now. The most important thing is for Penelope to recover. Leah, stay here with Penelope. I need to go to the office this afternoon to sign a contract.”

“Okay.” Leah said.

After Christopher left, Leah closed the door to the hospital room and walked back to her daughter’s bedside. She looked at Penelope, lying on the bed, and said, “Penelope, tell me what happened. Why did it end up like this? Why did you risk your life to save Miranda? What does their life and death have to do with us? Look at you now, you’ve lost the baby and almost lost your own life. Next time you encounter such a situation, protect yourself and don’t worry about others. You have no idea how scared I was!”

Penelope held Leah’s hand. Though her body hadn’t fully recovered, she couldn’t wait to tell Leah, “Mom, don’t worry, I’m fine. Despite my severe injuries, it was worth it.”

Leah asked, “What do you mean?”

Penelope said, “Mom, you also know that the baby in my belly isn’t actually Lucian’s. My due date is approaching. If we can’t keep it a secret, we’ll be done for. We deceived the Lindberg family, and it’s not just a matter of me not becoming Lucian’s wife. If it’s discovered, our position in Northfield as the Flanagan family will be shaken. Even if I have to have an abortion, I need to find the right time, and the charity gala is the perfect opportunity.”

Leah exclaimed in surprise, “Penelope, are you saying you knew there would be danger?” She widened her eyes, “Penelope, this wasn’t your plan, was it?. It’s too risky!”

“This plan was designed by Pete. I hesitated at first, but it’s my only chance. I lost the baby because I saved Miranda, and the Lindberg family will feel guilty about it. There were many media outlets and influential families present at the time, and they all know that I got injured and lost the baby because I saved Miranda. Lucian will marry me because of this, and the Lindberg family will have to give an explanation.” Penelope said.

Leah sighed, “You should have told me in advance. I’ve been so worried these past few days. You’re my only daughter. What would I do if something happened to you?”

“Mom, I’m fine. Didn’t the doctors say so? I’m fine.” Penelope held Leah’s hand, “Once I’ve recovered, and after I marry into the Lindberg family, no one in Northfield will dare to look down on us again.”

This plan was indeed risky, but it was the most effective one. However, Leah couldn’t help but feel a sense of lingering fear. That person named Pete was truly extraordinary, and she worried that her daughter had been deceived.

If something happened to Penelope because she saved Miranda, she might lose her own life too, and then the matter between Pete and Penelope wouldn’t be exposed. After all, Pete’s father was David, the Lindberg family’s steward. If outsiders found out about the connection between Pete and Penelope, Lucian wouldn’t let Pete off the hook, and David would be implicated as well.

Leah said, “Penelope, it’s best if you don’t have too much contact with Pete in the future.”

“Why, Mom? He has helped us a lot.” Penelope asked.

“Silly child, you don’t understand. Listen to your mother. Once you marry Lucian, you should have less contact with Pete.” Leah said.