Chapter 159

Christina stood her ground. "I have my reasons. I'm sorry, but I just can't agree to this."

"Is it because you're in love with William? Christina, he's not someone you can count on forever. We still have a chance to start over." Walter held her hand tightly, refusing to let go.

Christina yanked her hand back so hard that her bag fell off the table, spilling its contents, including a bottle of vitamins.

Walter immediately bent down to pick them up.

When he saw the label on the bottle, he couldn't help but tremble. "Prenatal vitamins? You're pregnant? Is it William's?"

Christina's eyes darted away as she hurriedly gathered the pills back into her bag. "Don't ask anymore."

"Why?" Walter's emotions flared, his eyes almost bloodshot as he grabbed her arm, trying to see into her heart.

Christina winced in pain, gasping. "Let go!"

Walter realized he was out of line and quickly released her wrist. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to hurt you. Christina, are you really going to sacrifice everything for this child? It's a lifelong commitment."

"I haven't thought about it that way." Christina took a sip of her coffee, the bitterness spreading through her mouth.

"Then what are you thinking?" Walter's eyes were still intense.

Christina took a deep breath. "I have my own plans, but I definitely won't spend my life with him in confusion."

Walter closed his eyes, as if making a difficult decision, then looked at her seriously. "Christina, if you're willing, I can take you abroad. You can have the baby there, and I don't care who the father is. I'll be a good dad."

"Are you crazy?" Christina shook off his hand. "Don't be like this. I'm keeping the baby, but my child doesn't necessarily need a father."

Walter was stunned.

At that moment, William suddenly appeared, wrapping his arm around Christina as if to claim her. "Claiming this child as yours would mess up the family tree."

Someone had been keeping an eye on Christina and informed William as soon as Walter met her at the hospital. Naturally, William saw Walter as a threat and rushed over.

Walter stood up, squinting at him, and didn't hesitate to confront him. "Even so, if you can't make Christina happy, it's only right for me to take her away."

William sneered. "Don't kid yourself. You can't even protect yourself abroad, let alone your woman."

"You!" Walter was infuriated, feeling humiliated.

He lunged forward, and the tension between them was palpable.

Christina frowned, stood up, and sighed. "If you two want to fight, wait until I leave. I have to go."

With that, she turned and walked towards the door.

Walter chased after her. "Christina."

Christina turned back and said calmly, "I'm not going with you, Walter. I'll always see you as family."

Walter could only watch helplessly as she walked away.

In the car, William sat next to her. "Did you even think about going with him for a second?"

"Do you want me to go with him?" Christina glanced at him. "Maybe it would be a good choice. He might be a better father."

Before she could finish, William sighed and almost leaned on her, filled with jealousy. "No way. She's my daughter. How could she call someone else 'Dad'?"

"You don't even like her. I can decide who she calls 'Dad.'" Christina pushed him away and turned her face.

William stared into her eyes seriously. "Christina, I'll be a good father. From now on, our child will only have me as a father."

Christina glanced at him without speaking, then looked away. After a long silence, she chuckled. "Your promises mean nothing to me."

She closed her eyes, shutting out the world, ignoring everyone.

William felt a pang of anxiety. Even though she hadn't agreed to Walter's request this time, what if a better man came along and offered to take her away and be the father of her child? He couldn't be sure she wouldn't be tempted.

When they got back, a candlelit dinner was already set up on the table.

Christina, feeling exhausted, said, "I don't want to eat anything. I'm going upstairs to rest."

As she passed the nursery, the door was locked. She couldn't see inside and sighed before locking herself in her room.

In a dimly lit bar, the flashing lights made it hard to keep one's eyes open. In the loneliness of the night, alcohol became the best companion. Walter drank one glass after another, but the more he drank, the clearer his mind became.

"What kind of lousy drink is this? It doesn't even get you drunk." He slapped a wad of cash on the bar. "Bring me the strongest stuff you have."

Before the bartender could serve him, a figure in red appeared beside him. Walter glanced up, his expression changing.

"Rhea!"

Rhea greeted him. "Surprised? Ever since you left, I've been thinking about you. Finally, I found you again."

Walter shook his head dismissively and continued to drink.

Rhea looked at him with a smile. "You're in a bad mood. Who upset you?"

"What? You want to help me?" Walter laughed bitterly. "Even if you wanted to, it wouldn't matter. That guy pulled me back to the States. His power is overwhelming."

Rhea's eyes lit up with determination. "So it's him. No matter, I'm not afraid. I want revenge. But didn't he save you? Why are you two at odds now?"

"He's just a hypocrite," Walter scoffed.

"Looks like we have a common goal. How about we team up?" Rhea narrowed her eyes and extended her hand. "Shall we have a drink to celebrate our partnership?"

Walter thought for a moment, then shook her hand. "Alright, to a successful partnership."

They smiled, their eyes burning with a shared hatred.