Chapter 3 Bloodline

"Mother, Jaxson's been unconscious for so long. Surely his ability to father children is lost by now." Oberon Adams was the first to break the silence, unable to contain his urgency. He was Jaxson's older brother, and Kenneth was his son. Stella chuckled softly upon hearing this. The reactions of those around her were entirely within her expectations. However, she had not called this meeting to negotiate. It was to make her intentions known. "Do not concern yourselves with that, I've already made the necessary arrangements. The Adams family needs an heir, and that heir must be Jaxson's child, even if it's a daughter!" Those eyes that had been fixed hungrily on Jaxson's potential inheritance now dimmed. Stella's words were like a sledgehammer, effectively smashing the greedy calculations taking shape in the minds of the family to bits. No one, not even the resentful Oberon, dared to dispute her. Therefore, all eyes were now focused intently on Elinor. Elinor felt as if she had fallen into a hunter's trap, her skin crawling as if pricked by thorns. "Unless I am mistaken, Elinor is still in school. Wouldn't it be a bit premature for her to have a child at this time? After all, she would have to abandon her studies," Kamila Wells said, her eyes full of apparent concern but her heart beating in unrest. As Stella's elder daughter-in-law, she naturally sided with Oberon. They both sought to claim all that was Jaxson's and thus needed to thwart Elinor's conception of Jaxson's child at all costs. Stella's eyes narrowed for a moment, sending a piercing glance towards her son and daughter-in-law. Their ambitions were as clear as day. If the family were to be left to them, the dynasty that had lasted for a century would likely crumble. It was precisely for this reason that she insisted on continuing Jaxson's lineage. Stella turned to Elinor. "What do you think? If something unfortunate happens to Jaxson, everything will be yours. If you have his child, all his assets will belong to you and your child. Would you be willing to bear this child?" Now that Elinor was a part of the Adams family, she was also Jaxson's first in line for inheritance. If Jaxson were never to awaken, Elinor would become a thorn in the side of the entire Adams family. Stella did not need to spell out the rest. Elinor already understood her meaning. A faint smile gradually emerged on Elinor's face as she nodded solemnly, "I am willing." She did not care about the inheritance. She just did not want Kenneth to win. Stella might seem accommodating, but her attitude made it clear that she was not asking for opinions but giving out an order instead. Just like with the marriage, if Elinor were unwilling, there would be plenty of people who would force her into it. However, her response greatly satisfied Stella. "Long ago, I knew you were a smart girl who would make choices beneficial to you. Don't worry, your child will be the future heir of the Adams family." Finally, the family meeting came to a close. As Elinor stepped out of the manor, she saw Margaret and the driver waiting for her in the distance. Just as she approached the car, Kenneth suddenly appeared. Clearly, he was there because of Stella's earlier declaration. Handing a red velvet box to Margaret, Elinor's face remained expressionless. "Margaret, please wait a moment." Margaret glanced at Kenneth. She was worried, but replied obediently, "Alright." The two moved to a secluded spot within sight but out of earshot of the others. This way, no one would overhear their conversation. "My love, why did you agree to bear my uncle's child? Don't you love me anymore?" Kenneth asked. Elinor looked at him disdainfully. "Why shouldn't I agree? By having this child, I'll secure immense wealth and power in the Adams family. My child will be the heir. Anybody would have to be a fool to decline." Kenneth was left speechless, unable to counter her reasoning. "My uncle can't cherish you now, so why not bear my child instead? Either way, it would be an Adams, and our grandmother would eventually turn a blind eye to it. Life would be much easier for both of us," he persisted. 'Does he still think he can manipulate me as easily as before?' Elinor wondered. "Kenneth, I'll warn you for the last time. We are no longer together. And remember, before you dream of having everything, evaluate whether you have the capability to do so. The Adams family is strong, and a large part of that is thanks to Jaxson. If you wish to take over, you'll have to see if his loyal subordinates agree." Kenneth felt as if someone had poured a bucket of ice-cold water over his head. He almost forgot the ruthless men who served under Jaxson. Even with Jaxson in a coma, their mere presence inspired fear. "So, you've figured it out," Elinor smirked. "I assure you, Elinor. The moment my uncle is gone, I'll take you away from all of this," Kenneth said, pretending to sound earnest. Elinor smirked, "But I'm looking forward to your uncle waking up." Few in the family genuinely wished for Jaxson to recover. Now that list had one more name: Elinor. Her sincerity left Kenneth speechless. Ignoring his deceitful face, Elinor turned and walked away. On the way back, Margaret informed Elinor that a doctor had already arrived at the manor, fully prepared to conduct a health check on her. Elinor understood that Stella must have made all the arrangements in advance. Otherwise, the doctor would not have arrived at the manor so quickly. "Mrs. Adams," the doctor greeted Elinor respectfully when he saw her. Nodding in acknowledgment, Elinor cooperated with the doctor's examination. Once it was confirmed that she was physically fit for pregnancy, in vitro fertilization would proceed until she was confirmed to be carrying a child. "How long will it take to confirm that I'm pregnant?" Elinor asked with a touch of apprehension in her voice. After all, it was her first time going through something like that.