Chapter 16

Alexia was tied to the bed. The middle-aged man put on his gloves, ready to begin the surgery. Seeing this, she panicked and pleaded, "Please, don't hurt my child…" The man remained expressionless. "Stop wasting time." She refused to cooperate, but he began anyway. Alexia was genuinely terrified. As the cold tool was about to enter her body, she cried out, "Wait! My stomach hurts. I need to go to the restroom." He scowled furiously. "You're such a fussy woman!" Then, he untied the ropes and pointed to a basin on the ground. "Do it there." "Can you step out for a moment? I'll call you when I'm done…" "Hurry up!" he snapped, stepping outside. Finally, Alexis breathed a sigh of relief and slumped against the wall, feeling like she had just escaped death. After taking a moment to calm herself, she looked around the room for an exit. Her eyes brightened when she saw the window. She tried opening it and was shocked to see no security bars installed there. However, she was on the second story, which made her hesitate. … Outside the room, Hailey had just arrived. When Maya saw her, she scowled and scolded her, "What are you doing here instead of staying in the company?" "I came to watch that little bitch's misery firsthand. Is it done yet?" Hailey inquired excitedly, and her expression contorted with hatred. "Not yet. She said she had a stomach ache, so the doctor is waiting." Upon hearing this, Hailey clicked her tongue in disappointment. After waiting a few minutes, she lost her patience and kicked the door. However, it didn't budge. She frowned and pounded the door. "Is she dead in there?" There was no answer from the inside. Suddenly, Hailey had a bad feeling. Meanwhile, Bobby and Maya exchanged glances before approaching the door and forcing it open. When they eventually entered, the room was empty, and a white bed sheet was wrapped around the window frame. The smile on Hailey's face froze instantly, while Bobby and Maya's faces dropped. "I told you she's cunning. You had to keep an eye on her! How could you let this happen? You're so useless!" Hailey yelled in fury. Bobby snapped, his voice rigid, "Stop crying! She couldn't have gone far. Let's go after her." Sure enough, they soon spotted Alexia running in the distance as they drove. Upon seeing this, Hailey slammed her foot on the gas pedal. Alexia didn't dare to glance back as she ran with all her might. Yet, how could she outrun a car? Soon, the car stopped in front of her, blocking her path. Hailey got out and approached her. With nowhere to run, Alexia backed away, but Bobby closed in from behind. Hence, she was now trapped between them. Hailey grabbed her hair and spat angrily, "Run, go ahead! Weren't you great at running away? Why stop now?" "I'm tired. Can't I take a break?" Alexia chuckled coldly. "Oh, you've still got that sharp tongue. When you beg for mercy, we'll see whether your tongue is still as sharp later!" Maya interjected, urging, "Stop wasting time. The doctor is waiting. Let's take her back." "That's too troublesome." A wicked grin formed on Hailey's face as her gaze locked onto Alexia's stomach. "I'll just kick it out of her right here!" She lifted her foot and brought it straight toward Alexia's stomach. But Alexia shoved her away with her whole might before her kick could land. However, Bobby and Maya swiftly pin her down, making it difficult for her to move. Hailey struck her hard across the face before kicking her in the stomach. Alexia curled up instinctively, her hands covering her abdomen. "You're still trying to protect that bastard child. I'll show you what I'm capable of today!" Hailey laughed maniacally and kicked her repeatedly. Alexia's face grew pale as she held her stomach, shaking in pain. Seeing her in this state only made Hailey more thrilled. Desperate, Alexia turned to Bobby and pleaded with the last glimmer of hope. "Dad, I'll leave the Reed family once I reach the eight-month mark. I won't cause you any difficulty. Please, just let me go." Bobby hesitated as he felt pitiful looking at his daughter's frail figure. But Maya pinched his arm. "She's a cunning girl who knows what she's plotting. Imagine the money and status we'll have in the future!" Upon hearing this, his expression turned stiff, and he commanded, "Keep going!" Alexia shuddered at his remarks. She gave him one last sorrowful glance before closing her eyes and letting the tears flow down her cheeks. "Baby, I'm sorry. I'm powerless and couldn't protect you." It seemed that she and this child weren't destined for each other. Hailey's kicks got even more violent when she saw the misery and sorrow in Alexia's eyes. "What are you doing?" A cold, manly voice broke out abruptly. "Mind your own business!" Hailey snarled without looking up and continued her onslaught. However, Alexia's eyes widened in astonishment when she heard the voice. Standing there was a towering, handsome, and familiar figure. It was none other than Calvin. Alexia was stunned for a moment before she dropped her gaze and felt a tinge of melancholy. He adored Hailey, so there was no way he would help her. Meanwhile, Bobby and Maya were similarly stunned and stared at him dumbfoundedly. Calvin's icy gaze swept over Alexia's swollen, pale face before locking it on Hailey. Hailey was oblivious and warned, "You'd better go now and don't get involved, or you'll regret it!" Calvin's expression was emotionless. "Oh? You seem quite bold." "Of course! I am the future lady of the Reed family… Mr. Reed! Before she could finish her words, she saw him standing there. She froze in horror and wondered what he was doing in this desolate place. Calvin's face was icy as he continued asking, "What are you doing?" "I…" Hailey stuttered. Without waiting for her answer, he walked over, lifted Alexia off the ground, and cradled her in his arms. Alexia was shocked. She didn't expect him to help her. Nonetheless, she was relieved to be saved and clutched his sleeve tightly. Hailey was furious when she saw this. She raced over and grabbed his sleeve, looking pitiful and innocent, begging, "Mr. Reed, it's not what it seems. Let me explain…" But Calvin shook her off, his expression dark. "Get lost. I don't want to see you right now." With that, he carried Alexia to the car and drove away, leaving Hailey sitting on the ground, sobbing. "Why was Mr. Reed here?" Bobby asked after coming back to his senses. "I heard the manager say that Mr. Reed was going out for site visits today, so I took the day off. How did I know he'd come here?" Hailey answered with a choked voice through tears. Maya gritted her teeth. "That little wench is lucky! We were so close!" Hailey was torn between rage and fear. "Mom, what if Mr. Reed doesn't want me anymore?" "Don't worry, I'll figure out a way." Maya's eyes gleamed with malice.