“I wouldn't dare!” Mandy's gaze flickered over Emily's belly. “I just heard some very interesting news today and thought I’d come ask if you know about it.” “I don’t want to know,” Meggie said dismissively, continuing to eat. “If you want to eat, then shut up and sit down. If not, go back to your place. Jesus doesn't like noise.” Meggie’s words were cold and showed no regard for Mandy, making her very embarrassed. To ease the tension, Bella asked, “Ma’am, are you staying for dinner?” “No, I’m not!” Mandy’s voice became sharp with anger. “Mom, I just came to tell you that you're wrong. This Emily is a scheming little s.lut!” “Are you done? Get out of here!” Meggie was furious, slamming her bowl down so hard it shattered near Mandy’s feet, making her jump back. Meggie, still angry, grabbed a fork and threw it at her. “You’ve been hanging out with that Grace for too long! You didn’t learn anything good but picked up all her vile, sneaky ways. But unlike her, you don’t have the brains. You hear a bit of gossip and come spouting nonsense! You’re being used by her and don’t even realize it, you i.diot!” Mandy ran out, covering her head, looking quite pathetic. Bella quickly helped Meggie sit down, patting her back. “Don’t be mad. It’s been so many years; you know what kind of person she is. She’s not a bad person, just not very smart and easily manipulated. You can’t blame her entirely for this.” “I know it’s not entirely her fault, but now she’s letting that Grace provoke her against Emily, and I can’t allow her to continue this nonsense! Bella, it’s been nearly thirty years. From the time she married Alex, you know what her intentions were, don’t you?” Bella sighed. “I know, but what can we do? She’s been married to Alex for so many years and has had two children. Didn’t you say that as long as the children were good, you wouldn’t mind her motives?” “I’m not unreasonable,” Meggie said, still angry. “But did you see how arrogant she was just now? This is all Grace’s doing, spreading rumors about Emily. If she takes over this household, we’ll be in big trouble!” “I know. Let’s not talk about it now. Calm down, or your blood pressure will go up again…” The meal was over. Emily and Bella helped Meggie lie down in the bedroom. Bella fetched an electronic blood pressure monitor to check Meggie’s pressure, which was alarmingly high at over 170, making Bella pale with worry.“Emily, Vincent, you should go for now. Let Meggie rest. If her blood pressure rises any more, it could be dangerous…” Emily was concerned. “Should she go to the hospital?” “Meggie hates hospitals. It’ll be fine; I’ll stay here with her. She’s had this happen before. She just needs to rest and calm down. You two go on.” Vincent nodded, taking Emily’s hand. “We won’t go far. Call me if anything happens.” Bella nodded. “I will.” Vincent led Emily outside, walking along the path. Emily speculated, “I think Mandy might know that I’m still married to Nathan. Otherwise, she wouldn’t be so confident in accusing Meggie of being wrong about me…” “Probably,” Vincent said, slipping her hand into his coat pocket. “Grace is a tough opponent. She’s messed with the Reed family and now wants to target mine.” Emily felt guilty. “I’m sorry, this is all because of me…” “It’s not your fault. You don’t need to apologize. Grace and Sophia are too greedy, but their greed will be their downfall. Just wait and see.” Emily looked up at him. “Are you planning to deal with them?” Vincent didn’t answer directly. Instead, he asked, “With my methods, dealing with them is as easy as squashing an ant. But you want to avenge your mother yourself, so I’ve held back. Do you want me to take action?” Emily shook her head. “No, I can’t rely on you forever. I need to do this myself. I have to avenge my mom.” Vincent agreed. “As you wish. Do whatever you want. If you get tired, just tell me, and I’ll finish it for you.” Emily felt warmth in her heart. “...Thank you, Mr. Satan.” Vincent smiled slightly. “You don’t need to thank me. It’s what you deserve. But Emily…” “Yes?” “Can you stop calling me ‘Mr. Satan’? It sounds so formal, like we’re strangers.” Emily hesitated. “Then what should I call you?”Meggie calls him Vincent… Is his real name Vincent? Emily bit her lip. “Wouldn’t it be disrespectful to call you by your name?” “Why would it be?” “It just feels a bit…disrespectful.” “Respect shouldn’t be an issue between us. Emily, you’re my woman. You can call me by my name or, actually, I’d prefer if you just called me ‘husband.’ I don’t need your respect. I just need you to have me in your heart.” Emily felt a pang in her heart. She rubbed her nose. “Of course you’re in my heart. Otherwise, I wouldn’t be having your baby. But I can’t just call you anything, like I can’t call you ‘daddy’…” “Hm,” Vincent seemed to seriously consider this. “I think ‘daddy’ sounds good. It’s intimate. You should call me that from now on.” Emily: “…” Vincent added, “It’d be even better if you called me that when we’re making love.” Emily: !!! “You’re too bad! I’m pregnant. We can’t have s.ex…” Vincent pulled her back into his arms. “After three months, it’s safe. I’ll be gentle.”