Chapter 189: Chapter 189

Back in the car, Flora sat on the side, secretly sizing up Maxwell. She hadn't expected him to decide to give Chloe a big mansion. She couldn't understand what he was thinking, being so generous.

Moreover, he hadn't appeared for so long, but today he suddenly showed up. Why didn't he continue to be stubborn with her?

"If you have something to say, just say it. Don't look at me with that innocent girl expression," Maxwell chuckled without looking back. Although she was indeed a young girl, she was far from innocent after his influence.

"Who's looking at you? Boring!" Flora turned her head away, looking at the passing scenery outside the window, refusing to pay attention to him.

"Are you sure?" Maxwell cupped her face, looking at her with a half-smile.

Flora blushed and retorted, "Yes, we haven't seen each other for half a month. I found that you've aged, so can't I take a closer look?"

"Yes, I've aged, but it doesn't necessarily mean you've gotten younger." Maxwell chuckled lightly, feeling resentful that she dared to say he was old.

Flora snorted, freed herself from his hand, and turned her face away again, only to realize that the car was going in the wrong direction. Worried, she asked, "Hey! Where are we going? Aren't we heading back to the apartment?" This road led to the Smith Family mansion.

Maxwell touched his jaw and then pulled her into his arms, apologizing, "Flora, didn't I give you ten days off? It's time to go back to the Smith Family mansion for a safe pregnancy." He knew this would be difficult for her, but he had no other choice.

"What ten days off? You've been ignoring me, letting me fend for myself!" Flora complained angrily. She cursed angrily in her heart, knowing that he was angry and had ignored her for a whole ten days...

Maxwell rubbed her hair, awkwardly explaining, "How could I let you fend for yourself? Didn't I appear in front of you at the right time?" Thinking that he had indeed delayed quite a bit of time in Japan, Maxwell felt guilty. However, he had always been attentive to her whereabouts.

Then he thought of the scene where Philip appeared in front of Flora. Holding her hand tighter, he couldn't help but worry about what might have happened if he hadn't sent someone to protect her. What would be the consequences in the end?

Feeling the strength in his hand, Flora was moved. He did appear at the right time, but... With a tearful tone, she said, "Ten days, why, didn't you miss me at all? Didn't you ever think about giving me a call?"

Although she had thrown away her phone at the hospital, he could find people who could locate her. Couldn't he inquire about Chloe's home phone number? So, it was clear that he didn't care about her at all! Flora's heart began to sink into paranoia again.

"I'm sorry. I stayed a few more days in Japan because of something, and you've always been clamoring to come here, right? I just let you stay a few more days. Calling is too insincere, so I've been waiting for the right time to visit in person. That's the truth," Maxwell said seriously, but there was a clear hint of a smile in the corner of his eye.

What a sincere excuse! Flora felt like she was about to faint. Well, this question could be set aside for now...

"Why can't we go back to the apartment? I don't want to go to the Smith Family mansion. "

It's not a place for a safe pregnancy; it's a stimulating life!

Maxwell sighed helplessly and said, "It's no longer safe outside. Do you want to be kidnapped a second time?" Although freedom is important and maintaining a happy mood is crucial, her life seems to be more important!

Flora remained silent. Although she really didn't want to return to the Smith Family mansion, Maxwell was right. It was no longer safe outside. To avoid burdening him, she had no choice but to stay obediently at the Smith Family mansion and try to avoid meeting Chiyoko in the future.

As the car slowly entered the Smith Family mansion, Maxwell led Flora out of the car and happened to see Chiyoko coming out with joy. The joy on Chiyoko's face faded as she wondered why she still had to see this woman. Why hadn't she died yet?

Feeling uncomfortable under Chiyoko's unfriendly gaze, Flora lowered her eyes, avoiding eye contact. She tightly grasped Maxwell's hand with her left hand, seeking more strength. Only he could give her the strength she needed!

Chiyoko forced a smile back onto her face, took a few steps forward, and stood in front of Maxwell, saying with a light laugh, "Maxwell, did you go to Japan to see my uncle? Is he doing well? Is he urging us to get married again?"

Maxwell tightened his grip on Flora's slightly trembling hand, revealing a faint smile on his face. He stared at Chiyoko and replied, "I went to Japan for business, not for leisure. Naturally, I wouldn't visit Itou Tokugawa, and I have no obligation to do so."

Chiyoko's expression dimmed, but Maxwell continued to scrutinize her, saying, "I have called him many times to have you brought back. Unfortunately, he has not taken any action. Is it your problem or his?"

"Maxwell, how could you do something so impulsive? If my uncle finds out you want to break off the engagement, he won't let you go. Don't you remember how our engagement came about?" Chiyoko tried to persuade and threaten simultaneously.

"So, you blocked the information?" Maxwell raised an eyebrow, dissatisfied. "I do remember how our engagement came about, but don't you also remember the terms of the engagement? One of them is your loyalty to me. Have you fulfilled that?"

"I..." Chiyoko stumbled, stubbornly saying, "But that agreement was set by your aunt, and my uncle doesn't know about it."

"Are you trying to threaten me? Intimidate me?" Maxwell sneered. This woman was quite adept at finding excuses for her unfaithful behavior, and she spoke with such conviction. Was it because she had Yota Gang as a backing?

"No!" Chiyoko hurriedly shook her head, explaining with a worried expression, "Maxwell, I'm just reminding you to be careful. My uncle doesn't usually play by the rules, and I'm afraid he might do something to you."

"Thanks for your concern, but I'm not worried. Let him play his cards." Maxwell said, leading the serious-looking Flora into the house.

He could clearly hear that Chiyoko was subtly trying to intimidate him, but he wasn't buying it.

Not only could he hear it, Flora could too. At this moment, she looked up at him with a worried expression. Maxwell felt her unusual gaze and, embracing her, walked into the bedroom with a light laugh, saying, "What's wrong? Are you scared?"

"Of course, I'm scared. Chiyoko said you might be in danger at any moment. Yota Gang is so powerful; you're not their match at all." She was indeed worried and afraid because she didn't want to lose him!

Maxwell chuckled, kissed her on the lips, and said, "Don't underestimate your baby's daddy, okay?"

Flora was speechless. How could he be so nonchalant about such an important matter? As an outsider, she was worried and scared, especially when she thought of Philip's malicious demeanor. She was afraid Maxwell would be caught by him.

"You don't need to worry. Just take care of yourself, okay?" Maxwell wanted to add "and safely give birth to our baby," but he refrained, thinking she might get angry again. The emotional swings of pregnant women were indeed unpredictable.

Flora suddenly pounced on him, hugged his neck, and said in a sentimental tone, "If you dare to get into any trouble, I won't have the baby. I'll anger you to death. Do you hear me? Say you heard it! Quickly say you heard it!"

"I heard it," Maxwell responded with emotion, tightly embracing her. He kissed her on the forehead and said, "Don't worry. As long as you take good care of yourself, that's enough. Understand?" He could feel her concern, and that was sufficient. He silently vowed in his heart that he wouldn't let anything happen to himself or them.

During her time at the Smith Family mansion, Flora rarely left her bedroom to avoid encountering Chiyoko. Usually, in the morning, she accompanied Maxwell, who had a habit of swimming early, for a stroll in the garden.

In the evening, when Maxwell returned, he would again take her for a walk in the garden. Sometimes, he would arrange for Darren to pick her up early for dinner and perhaps a bit of shopping.

Last night, Maxwell didn't come back as the company had an important meeting. After spending the whole day confined to her room, Flora couldn't sit still any longer. If it weren't for the piano accompanying her, she would have broken down long ago.

It was now a little after four in the afternoon, and Flora didn't know if Maxwell would be back tonight since he was in an important meeting. Hesitating for a while, she decided to go out for a walk on her own.

The Smith Family mansion was always quiet in the afternoon. Walking through the vast empty living room, Flora aimlessly strolled through the garden. The weather was getting hotter, but the flowers and plants in the garden were vibrant with colors.

Flora spotted a wallflower in full bloom along the base of the wall. Her steps involuntarily led her towards it. Passing by the pool, she was startled by the sound of water. Looking towards the pool, she discovered a graceful figure swimming in the water. The only women who could swim in the pool were Chiyoko and Mrs. Smith. Considering Mrs. Smith's age, it must be...

After a moment of hesitation, Flora felt it was better to avoid any confrontation. She turned and walked back towards the house. Even though she didn't turn around, she could sense Chiyoko's sharp gaze fixed on her.

Fortunately, Chiyoko was in the water and couldn't reach her immediately. Flora now regarded her as a dangerous person and preferred to keep her distance.

Chiyoko sneered, watching her retreating figure with a disdainful expression. If she wasn't guilty, why would she avoid her?

Flora briskly returned to her bedroom, tossing herself onto the bed, deciding it was better to stay in the room and sleep. Clutching the sheets imbued with Maxwell's scent, it felt as if she lay in his embrace, and she soon drifted into a peaceful sleep.

Not knowing how much time had passed, Flora was awakened by the sound of the door opening. Betty had brought dinner. Smiling, she said, "Flora, dinner is quite sumptuous tonight; make sure to finish it all."

With an eye roll, Flora retorted, "When is dinner not sumptuous?" Glancing at the clock on the wall, it was already past seven, and Maxwell hadn't returned yet. Was he still in the meeting? Or was he working overtime again?

Contemplating calling him to check, she suddenly heard a faint clamor outside. Curious, she asked, "Betty, why is it so noisy outside? What's happening?"

"Oh, I just passed by Miss Chiyoko's room, and it seems the servants were saying she caught a cold, probably from swimming too long," Betty casually explained while tidying the room.

Flora nodded, but something seemed off. She distinctly heard everyone sounding very cheerful. If Chiyoko had a cold, why were they so happy? Moreover, she heard Mrs. Smith's laughter, and it was strange.

Stepping out of bed, Flora unconsciously walked towards Chiyoko's room. As she approached, she saw Nancy leaning against the door frame with an enigmatic expression, coldly watching the room.

Feeling a bit uneasy, Flora stood several meters away. Occasionally, she heard Mrs. Smith's hearty laughter from Chiyoko's room, talking about boy and girl, expressing gratitude, but Flora couldn't understand.

When Nancy noticed her, she looked Flora up and down, mocking her with a tone of pity. "Miss Flora, are you here to join the spectacle? This commotion is quite entertaining, and I bet you can't guess what's happening."

"Let's forget it; I don't want to guess," Flora said with a smile, turning to leave.

Nancy hurriedly called out to her back, "Hey, Miss Flora, don't you really want to know? It's quite relevant to you."

Flora hesitated, turning to face her. Nancy smiled mysteriously, taunting her, "Can't you hear what they're saying inside? Miss Chiyoko is pregnant! You should go in and congratulate her."

"What did you say?" Flora's mind buzzed with a deafening sound, momentarily blank. Pregnant? Chiyoko? When her mind caught up, the image of Maxwell and Chiyoko entwined on a bed over a month ago flashed through her thoughts.

"I said Miss Chiyoko is pregnant, carrying the Big Young Master's child," Nancy said provocatively, flashing a mischievous smile and winking at Flora. Seeing her face turn pale and embarrassed, Nancy felt an overwhelming sense of delight—gleeful mischief at its finest!

Flora murmured in disbelief, "How could this happen...?" Chiyoko, how could she be pregnant? Just from that one time? The laughter emanating from the bedroom pierced her eardrums, making her feel unbearable pain.

She knew Maxwell wouldn't reject a child. Initially, it was because she was pregnant that he brought her down from the third floor and gradually started treating her well. Would he forgive Chiyoko as he did with her? Would he treat Chiyoko well, changing his initial decision to marry her? After all, they were already engaged!

At this moment, she felt the distance between herself and Maxwell was insurmountable. Just when she had reconciled with the Smith family after returning from Chloe's residence, in less than a month, everything was about to change.

What should she do? What could she do? Was she supposed to attract his attention using the child, taking advantage of it to demand more from him? He already had more than one child on the way now.

Turning around, Flora, tears streaming down her face, hurried back to her bedroom, collapsing onto the bed and sobbing quietly. Betty was startled, sitting nervously beside her, asking, "What's wrong? What happened?"

Ignoring her, Flora's heart felt as if it had been slashed open, and the pain quickly surged through the wound.

Betty's attempts to console were futile, and she sighed before leaving the room. Flora lifted her tear-streaked face from the sheets, sitting dazed in the corner of the bed. She remained motionless, listening to the faint laughter outside.

In the entire mansion, was she the only one crying? While everyone else was joyfully celebrating, she was the only one in profound pain!