Chapter 13

"Mrs. Gadot, what are you doing? Please get up." Jennifer hurried to help Miriam. But Miriam refused to get up and said to Jennifer, "Mrs. Burtman Senior, I didn't know Genevieve was going to marry Mr. Burtman. With her behavior, she doesn't deserve him. Let the agreement we signed that day be nullified." "Tsk. Even your biological mother looks down on you. How pitiful you must be," Lillian mocked, looking at Genevieve, but a cold stare from Jennifer quickly silenced her. Jennifer turned to Genevieve, asking for her opinion. Genevieve clutched her abdomen tightly and said seriously, "Grandma, let's nullify the agreement. I really don't deserve Tristan." Tristan straightened up and took a sip of tea, his gaze indifferent as he asked, "What game are you trying to play now?" "Mr. Burtman, Genevieve doesn't deserve you. Only someone perfect like Ms. Taylor is worthy of you. Genevieve is nothing. She only deserves to marry an ordinary man." Miriam was insistent. Jennifer frowned in displeasure. "I think Genevieve is a hundred times better than Ms. Taylor. Mrs. Gadot, are you worried that the Burtman family will mistreat Genevieve? Don't worry. We are clear about right and wrong. We won't blame her for Charlie's mistake." Upon hearing Jennifer's words, Genevieve felt a lump in her throat and almost teared up. She had only known Jennifer for a few days, yet Jennifer was so protective of her, while Miriam... Her heart felt as cold as the fall rain. After seeing Jennifer unwilling to nullify the agreement, Miriam decided to push further. "Genevieve really doesn't deserve Mr. Burtman. She's got a messy personal life, and her behavior is utterly inappropriate—" "Mom!" Genevieve interrupted in disbelief. "What are you talking about?" But it was too late; Miriam had already finished her sentence. Lillian and Marlee looked shocked at first, then they immediately began sneering. Lillian told Jennifer, "Mom, this is the good wife you picked for Tristan. Tsk! She has a messy personal life. If she gets pregnant, we'll have to wonder if the child is really from the Burtman family." Genevieve instinctively held her abdomen, and her face turned pale. Jennifer's expression darkened, and Tristan gave a cold, distant laugh. He then stood up and walked over. At that moment, Genevieve crouched down, trying to pull Miriam away. He stopped in front of her, his eyes cold as he glanced at her reddened eyes and nose. He laughed lightly. "No matter how cheap and promiscuous you are at heart, remember your position as Mrs. Burtman. If you dare to sleep with other men during these three years, I will make sure you wish you were dead! "I may look down on you, but I still have dignity." He threw a golden card in front of her. "You came here today for money, didn't you? Well, take this five million dollars and leave. Don't stain the Burtman family's reputation." He exuded an air of arrogance, while Genevieve felt like worthless trash, pitiful and filthy. She trembled as she picked up the card, intending to return it to the arrogant man, but before she could, Miriam snatched it away. "Five million dollars? Is that all? The Burtman family is so wealthy, and you think five million will make us leave? "As long as that agreement isn't nullified, I'll be here daily causing trouble." Jennifer was furious, shouting at Bernard, "Throw this crazy woman out!" Soon, Miriam was dragged out by the maids. Genevieve bit her lip, limping behind Miriam. Suddenly, Jennifer said, "Genevieve, I won't nullify the agreement. I believe in your character. Let's just wait for the three years to pass, alright?" Jennifer was kind, and the look in her eyes was filled with trust for Genevieve. Genevieve's tears finally fell, and her heart ached with bitterness. She didn't look at Tristan; she only nodded and said in a choked voice, "Okay." She covered her mouth, enduring the pain in her knee and abdomen, and awkwardly walked out. Tristan stared at her limping figure, his eyes dark and unreadable. After a long pause, he turned his gaze away. The irritation in his eyes was clear. That woman was like filthy mud. Even a single glance would taint his eyes. Genevieve caught up to Miriam and grabbed the card back from her. Miriam was furious. "This agreement can't be nullified. Do you expect me not to take some money?" "Mom!" Genevieve felt her heart ache. "Can't you let me have some dignity in the Burtman family?" "Dignity?" Miriam scoffed. "What is your dignity compared to Ms. Taylor's happiness?" Genevieve pursed her lips, her eyes red-rimmed as she stared at Miriam. If it weren't for Charlie telling her that Miriam almost died during childbirth and she had to honor Miriam, she would seriously doubt whether she was Miriam's biological daughter. That night, Genevieve stayed at Heidi's house. She wasn't planning to return to the Burtman residence, but Jennifer sent someone to bring her back. When she got home, Tristan was not there. She rubbed the golden card, remembering how Miriam had tried to snatch it from her hands for a long time but failed. In the end, Miriam left after scolding her harshly. Though she didn't like Tristan, she still wanted to maintain dignity in front of him. While standing at the door of his study, she hesitated before turning the doorknob. She knew he didn't let her in his study or wanted her to touch his things. But she was only going to place the card there. She placed the card on his desk, where it was easily seen, and as she stepped out, she bumped into him. He stood at the door, impeccably dressed with his shirt buttons fastened, exuding an aura of danger. Genevieve instinctively took a step back. Tristan narrowed his eyes, his tone icy as he demanded, "What are you doing in my study?" She bit her lip, remaining silent. She lowered her head and brushed past him, heading toward the bedroom. He furrowed his brow, surprised that she dared to ignore him. He walked to his desk, instantly noticing the golden card. Leaning back, he casually tapped it with his long fingers, lost in thought. That night, Genevieve shivered and was unable to sleep. She wrapped herself tighter in the thin blanket, trembling. Suddenly, the door to the room opened, and a tall figure walked in. It was Tristan. Genevieve felt both annoyed and nervous. She thought he would avoid entering the room if she was there, assuming he hated her. But to her surprise, he entered. The moment he stepped in, all feelings of comfort left Genevieve. He stopped beside her as if watching her. Genevieve instantly stiffened. Even in the dark, she could feel the pressure emanating from him. After an eternity, he finally left and headed to the bathroom. He didn't turn on the lights, and after a while, the sound of running water filled the room. Soon, he returned and climbed into bed. Genevieve felt cold and nervous, unable to fall asleep. While listening to his steady breathing, imagining the warmth and softness of his blanket, her heart filled with bitterness. Three more years of this unbearable existence. A thousand days and nights—just the thought made her feel like life wasn't worth living. Her fingers unconsciously brushed her flat abdomen, and a small glimmer of hope ignited in her heart. Maybe the arrival of this child could bring an end to this suffocating marriage. But before the thought could fully form, she dismissed it. Tristan was violent and cruel. If he found out about the child, he would definitely destroy it. She bit her lip, still unsure whether she should keep the child. Early the following day, Genevieve was awakened by a phone ringing. She groggily opened her eyes and saw Tristan standing by the floor-to-ceiling window, dressing himself. He was born to be a model, with his upright back and tall stature. Sunlight bathed him, making him seem less cold and more warm. She couldn't help but stare, mesmerized. "Okay. I'm free today. I'll see you later." His voice was unexpectedly gentle as he spoke into the phone. It was probably Harper on the other end. Once he finished dressing, he suddenly walked over. Genevieve instinctively closed her eyes, pretending to be asleep. After a long while, she cautiously opened her eyes, only to immediately meet the man's deep, inscrutable gaze.