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    "Jason is gonna think I''ve turned into a pumpkin when he gets back!" Nydia fretted, catching a glimpse of her reflection and not liking the fuller figure staring back at her.


    "Turned into a pumpkin? Look at you! Those legs, those arms, slim as ever. It''s just the baby bump making you feel this way, and that''s perfectly normal," Evadne reassured her, gently squeezing Nydia''s arm while they both stood in front of the mirror. Her eyes sparkled with the excitement of weing a new life, though she couldn''t resist a yful tease. "And if you think about shedding pounds now, what do you reckon you''ll look like when your belly gets even bigger?"


    Nydia, puzzled, asked, "Like what?"


    "Thin all over but with a big belly? You''ll look just like a praying mantis!" Evadne couldn''t help but chuckle at her own joke.


    Nydia''s cheeks flushed with embarrassment and annoyance. "Sis, that''s not funny..."


    "Alright, alright, I''ll stop," Evadne said, wrapping an arm around her sister in aforting hug. "Every girl wants to look her best, and with your dreams of acting, I know it''s tough on you right now. But don''t worry. Once the baby''s here, Verna and I will help you get back in shape in no time. And as for Jason, forget about him for a moment. The other day, I caught him mooning over your photos like a lovesick puppy. He''s head over heels for you."


    Nydia''s cheeks turned even redder, if possible. "Sis..."


    "Guess what? Jason''s officially asked Emeric for your hand," Evadne continued, a smile of contentment on her face. "Heid all his cards on the table, even handed over his paycheck to Emeric. And you know what Dad said? ''I''m getting the short end of the stick here! My daughter''s marrying you, and I''ll have to promote you and increase your sry, not to mention the dowry that''s practically a fortune. I''m at a total loss here!'' But he was so happy, he couldn''t stop smiling after Jason left."


    Nydia giggled, then her face clouded with worry. "But... Dad''s okay with Jason, right?"


    "Over the moon! After Jason left, Dad couldn''t help but sneak in a few smiles here and there. Trying to y it cool, that''s all."


    Evadne sighed softly, her gaze bing misty. "Dad''s not as strong as he used to be. He''s never rushed us, but I know how much he yearns to see his grandchildren. So, Nydia, you''ve got nothing to worry about. You are our precious gem. You and Jason will have a beautiful family, and we''ll always be here to protect you."


    "Sis..."


    Nydia bit her lip, feeling a surge of emotion. She wanted to say more but held back, fearing she might upset her sister.


    "Nydia, I know what you''re thinking. Don''t worry about me. I''m fine," Evadne reassured her, gently caressing her sister''s belly with a tender look. "Having you and Darcy in my life is more than enough for me."


    Just then, Evadne''s phone rang. She picked it up from the bedside table, and Arnold''s name shed on the screen.


    She knew Arnold had gone to confront the Chambers Group today, but she didn''t harbor much hope. With someone as cunning as Avery at the helm, any incriminating evidence would have been long gone. Still, an investigation into the Chambers Group spelled trouble, no matter the oue.


    "Arnold," Evadne answered, her tone casual, "Calling me in such a hurry, did you actually find evidence of Avery''s corruption?"


    "No evidence of corruption," Arnold took a deep breath, his voice suddenly stern. "But, evidence of something much darker. Murder."