Lindsay Gilpin never expected her act of revenge to have such severe consequences. Her shares were stripped away. Although she had the Gilpin family behind her and wouldn''t have to worry about her livelihood, who would willingly ept such treatment?


    And this was only the beginning. After signing the share transfer agreement, she was served with a court summons-Aurora had filed awsuit against her.


    Lindsay immediately sought help from herwyer. However, even herwyer made it clear that the opposing side had solid evidence, leaving little chance of victory. He advised her to mentally prepare for the worst.


    If she lost thewsuit, Lindsay would have to pay a hefty sum. She gritted her teeth in frustration. Damn Aurora! How could someone be so infuriating?


    Meanwhile, Aurora felt a sense of relief. The trial process would take some time, as both parties needed to gather evidence.


    Aurora worked tirelessly to finish the jewelry she was making for Candy and arranged for someone to deliver it to New York.


    She then booked a flight to Rome for the day after tomorrow. Julian was already there, and Aurora had always been fond of that city-a ce brimming with romance.


    "Julian, I''ve just about wrapped things up here. I''ve booked a flight for the morning after tomorrow," Aurora informed him.


    "You little bunny," Julian replied, a hint of reproach in his tone. "How could you deal with something so big back home without telling me? Were you trying to make me worry on purpose?"


    "Julian, I didn''t want to distract you. Besides, I handled it just fine, didn''t I?" Aurora''s voice softened as she yfully sought forgiveness.


    "Yes, yes, you handled it well. Rock already told me everything. I''ll let it slide this time, but don''t hide things from me again."


    "Okay, don''t worry. It''s gettingte. I''m heading to bed now. I''ll see you the day after tomorrow."


    "Alright."


    Aurora had resolved all thepany''s issues. After the toxic perfume incident, the negative publicity hadpletely vanished, reced by increased recognition of the perfume.


    Although the earlier returns had caused significant losses, thepany was on track


    to recover soon.


    Early the next morning, she had Mona drive her to the airport. Surprisingly, at the airport, she ran into someone she thought she''d never cross paths with again-Susan.


    The two of them went through security together. Aurora didn''t greet her, and Susan certainly didn''t greet Aurora either.


    Susan''s gaze lingered on Aurora''s radiant face. Ever since Aurora had left four years ago, her life had only improved, while Susan''s had only worsened.


    It wasn''t unusual for them to run into each other in such arge airport, given the number of domestic and international flights. But to their surprise, they ended up on the same flight-and seated next to each other.


    Susan removed her oversized sunsses as soon as she boarded the ne, then put on an eye mask, seemingly ready to sleep. Whether she didn''t want to see Aurora or was genuinely exhausted was unclear.


    Aurora nced at Susan out of the corner of her eye. Her face was lightly made up, but even the makeup couldn''t hide her weariness. Susan looked utterly drained.


    Ever since the perfumeunch event, Aurora hadn''t seen her. Susan was now with Marcos, so why was she flying to Rome alone?


    Aurora didn''t recall seeing anyone apanying Susan at the security checkpoint. Since Susan had left the entertainment industry, what business did she have in Rome?


    Aurora found it strange but decided it wasn''t her ce to ask. After all, they were no longer friends.


    As the ne took off, Aurora remained wide awake, having slept well the night before. She noticed Susan''s shoulders trembling slightly.


    Faint sobbing reached her ears. Although Susan was wearing an eye mask, Aurora could see her wiping away tears.


    What was wrong?


    Among all the scenarios Susan could have imagined, exposing her vulnerability in front of Aurora was thest thing she wanted. Yet fate seemed cruel, throwing Aurora into her path.


    Susan''s thoughts drifted back to that day at Marcos'' perfumeunch event, where she had fainted amidst a throng of reporters.


    When she woke up, Marcos was by her side. Her face was pale.


    "Marcos, theunch event..."


    "It doesn''t matter," Marcos said. "One unsessful event doesn''t mean future ones will


    fail. Don''t worry about it-I''ll handle everything. You just need to rest."


    "I''ve always been in good health. I must''ve just been too tiredtely. Let''s get


    discharged," Susan said as she started to lift the nket and get out of bed.


    "Susan, listen to me. There''s a reason you fainted. You''re pregnant," Marcos suddenly revealed.


    "What?" Susan froze, stunned. They had only been together once. Could it really have been that night?


    "It''s been a while," Marcos said, his expression grave. "The timing matches that night. It''s mine."


    "I''m... pregnant? I have a child?" Susan''s face lit up with joy. For so long, she had dreamed of having a child with Hayden, but Hayden had never touched her.


    If you''re loving the book, nel5s is where the adventure continues. Join us for theplete experience all for free. The next chapter is eagerly waiting for you! Now, by some twist of fate, she was carrying Marcos'' child. She had been so preupied with other matters that she hadn''t even noticed her missed periods. "Susan, don''t get too excited. The doctor said your body is weak and you haven''t been taking care of yourself. The baby is at risk of miscarriage. You need to rest," Marcos said, his tone serious.


    Marcos was conflicted. On one hand, his family, the Girons, would never ept Susan. On the other, he wasn''t sure what he truly felt for her.


    He had liked Susan when he was younger, but after returning to the country, his feelings for her had be muddled-was it love, or just a brotherly affection?


    He had already promised his family he would break things off with Susan. Yet, now that she was pregnant, he couldn''t see this as good news.


    "Alright, I won''t get too excited. I''ll eat and sleep on time from now on. I won''t let the baby go hungry," Susan said, gently touching her t stomach. The thought of a tiny life growing inside her felt miraculous.


    "Good. You must be hungry after waking up. I''ll go get you something to eat. Stay here and rest," Marcos said.


    Whether or not he loved her, and whether or not the baby was his, Marcos was determined to take care of Susan.


    Shortly after Marcos left, Susan remained lost in her joy. She wondered whether the baby was a boy or a girl, and whether it would look like her or him.


    Just then, the hospital room door opened, and someone walked in. Susan thought Marcos had returned, but to her surprise, it was an old acquaintance.


    "Mrs. Giron," Susan said, startled to see Marcos'' mother. She started to get out of bed.


    "There''s no need. I heard you''re not well, so I came to talk to you," Mrs. Giron said calmly.