Chapter 7

"That won't happen," Shane reassured Wendy, his usual cold demeanor nowhere to be seen. His voice was calm, almost gentle. "Psychics aren't always right. You never know. They could have just made a mistake." "But he's the most famous psychic in Brackenridge! How could he be wrong?" Wendy sobbed, her voice filled with distress. "Shane, what should I do? I'm really scared." "Don't cry. I'm here," Shane said softly. His deep voice carried an undeniable sense of conviction. Watching the man before her, exuding warmth and infinite patience, Nina lowered her gaze, hiding the emotions in her eyes. Once, Shane had treated her the same way. She had felt blissfully happy back then, thinking she had the best brother in the world—someone who would always support her no matter how willful or reckless she was. But three years ago, she finally realized. Shane's kindness was never directed at her as a person, only for the role she played as his sister. That cruel truth had been carved into her heart through countless moments of pain and betrayal. Even now, the sting remained, piercing her heart anew. She forced herself to suppress the useless emotions and remain indifferent. Under Shane's soothing words, Wendy gradually calmed down. "You and your child will be fine." Shane promised her, "I'll ask Dr. Dale, the top gynecologist, to personally check on you and ensure your pregnancy is safe." "Really?" Wendy gasped in delight. Even Nina couldn't help but glance at Shane. Calla Dale was a legend in gynecology, unmatched in her field. But she had retired two years ago, disappearing from the public eye, leaving countless people regretful that they could no longer seek her expertise. "Yes." Hearing Wendy's undisguised excitement, Shane's voice softened. "With Dr. Dale, you have nothing to worry about." "Great!" Wendy beamed. "Thank you, Shane! You really are the best!" Shane chuckled indulgently. "Who else would I take care of if not you?" "Well…" Wendy started, then huffed and changed her words. "From now on, you have to always be good to me!" Shane agreed without hesitation. After hanging up, his gaze shifted back to Nina. The warmth in his eyes faded instantly, replaced by an icy detachment. "When Dr. Dale arrives, have her check on you as well." "No!" Nina's heart pounded. If Calla examined her, she would undoubtedly be exposed. Her obvious resistance made Shane narrow his eyes in suspicion. "She's here for Wendy." Nina averted her gaze, biting her lip. "I don't have the right to compare myself to the true Ms. Lawson." Something in her words seemed to irritate Shane. His expression darkened, and his tone was pressing as he said, "She'll be here in a couple of days." With that, he picked up his suit. Lisette, fearing that Shane might take Nina away, quickly stepped forward, swallowing nervously. "Mr. Lawson, Nina's body is weak right now. The hospital recommends she stay for a week to recover. "Gynecological health is crucial for women and should not be neglected." After speaking, she exchanged a glance with Nina. Both of them held their breath, worried that Shane would refuse. He was too domineering—once he made up his mind, no one could stop him. Thankfully, he agreed. Nina secretly let out a sigh of relief. Only after Shane left did Lisette dramatically pat her chest and collapse onto the hospital bed. "That scared me to death! He really looks like a lunatic!" Nina adjusted her clothes and sat beside her, frowning slightly. She wanted to ask about her condition, but just then, her phone rang. It was Abigail. "Mom." Ever since Wendy returned, Abigail rarely called Nina anymore. Though her concern still existed, nearly all her attention had shifted to Wendy. Whenever Abigail did call, it was always about Wendy. It made Nina uneasy. Abigail hesitated for a moment before speaking, "Nina, come home now." Nina instinctively wanted to refuse. She had no desire to return to the Lawson residence. Every time she did, she left feeling stripped to the bone, both physically and mentally exhausted. Now, in her weakened state, she wanted to avoid it even more. But Abigail said firmly, "I have something important to tell you." Her tone was serious, brooking no refusal. Nina had no choice but to agree. "What good can come from dragging you back?" Lisette grumbled, already frustrated just thinking about the chaos in the Lawson family. Nina sighed helplessly. "If Mom tells me to go back, I can't refuse." Lisette could only help with the discharge procedures and send her off. … Half an hour later, Nina arrived at the Lawson residence. Abigail had sent multiple messages urging her to hurry, sounding anxious. Worried that something serious had happened, Nina rushed in, slightly out of breath. But when she saw Abigail sitting calmly on the couch, looking no different than usual, she finally relaxed. "Mom, what's so urgent?" Nina asked, remaining standing. She no longer felt like she belonged in this house. Every time she stepped through the door, she felt like an outsider, nervous and uneasy. In the past, Abigail would insist she sit. Today, she didn't. Abigail, her well-maintained face etched with worry, ignored Nina and instead turned to Wendy, who was seated across from her. "You said the baby is at risk. Does this have anything to do with Nina?" She pressed, "Now that Nina is here, tell us everything. Neither you nor the baby can be harmed!" Realizing the matter involved Wendy again, Nina remained impassive. But now, with Wendy's pregnancy in question, she had no idea what tricks Wendy was planning. "Mom, you remember what the psychic said about my weak connection to children, right?" Wendy cast a hostile glance at Nina before turning to Abigail. Abigail nodded, squeezing Wendy's hand with deep sympathy. "It's my fault. This must all be my fault. My Wendy should have a life of prosperity, surrounded by children and fortune…" "Mom!" Wendy impatiently cut her off, angrily pointing at Nina. "This has nothing to do with you! I figured it out—it's all Nina's fault!" "What?" Abigail gasped, panic flashing across her face. "W-What do you mean by that?" Her first instinct was to shield Wendy, turning a wary, guarded gaze toward Nina. That look hit Nina like a knife, a sharp sting settling in her chest, her eyes burning with an ache she couldn't ignore. Instincts never lied. "I didn't do anything." Nina swallowed her grievances, trying to remain composed, though her voice was noticeably softer. Wendy stormed over, shoving her hard. Nina lost her balance and fell to the floor. "It's you!" Wendy pointed straight at Nina, her voice sharp with rage. "I went to a psychic, and they said you're the reason for all my misfortune! You stole my luck and drained my energy! "For over 20 years, you took over my home, my life—everything that should have been mine! As long as you're around, I'll never have a good life. I'll be childless, cursed, and doomed to die alone!" "Is that true? How can this be?" Abigail stood up in shock. Wendy's eyes turned red. "Mom, for my sake, she has to be sent away from Brackenridge!"