Chapter 177

Terry noticed William's distraction and smirked. "Thinking about your wife, huh? Don't worry, I'll keep it quick."

William smiled, not denying it.

Terry started talking about the collaboration, going over the terms the partners proposed and potential issues. William listened, chiming in with his thoughts and suggestions now and then, but his mind kept drifting back to Christina in the bedroom.

After a while, William couldn't shake the image of Christina's pale face. He interrupted Terry, "Hang on a sec," and quickly walked to the kitchen.

He expertly opened the fridge, grabbed a few of Christina's favorite fruits, and swiftly cut them into small pieces, arranging them on a delicate plate.

Then, he grabbed a soft, thin blanket from the cabinet and hurried into the bedroom with everything in his arms.

Christina was still awake, lying quietly on the bed, staring blankly at the ceiling.

Hearing the door, she turned her head and saw William enter, frowning slightly.

William approached the bed with a gentle smile, placed the fruit on the bedside table, and softly draped the blanket over Christina. "Maybe some fruit will help you feel better. These are your favorites. I'll be outside talking to Terry. If you need anything, just call me, and I'll come right away."

Christina turned her head away without speaking, her gaze returning to the ceiling.

The scent of the fruit in the silent room felt like a sharp mockery, making her feel even more stifled.

She recalled the past when her daughter was gravely ill, her face flushed with fever. She had desperately called William, her voice choked with tears, begging him to come see their daughter. But all she got was his cold response, saying he was with someone important and not to disturb him.

The despair and helplessness from that time now washed over her like a tidal wave.

And now, this William, who once ignored her and their daughter, was suddenly so considerate. How could she easily let go?

The more Christina thought about it, the more she realized she couldn't sink into this false warmth. Her eyes grew resolute as she picked up her phone and quickly scrolled through her contacts.

Finally, her finger stopped on a lawyer's number, and she dialed.

"Hello, Mr. Oscar, this is Christina."

"I need your help with a divorce case, as soon as possible," Christina's voice was low but firm.

Oscar paused briefly. "Alright, Ms. Windsor. Please come to the office when you can, and we'll discuss the details and process."

"Okay." Christina hung up without hesitation.

She placed the phone aside and quietly stared out at the dark night sky.

Outside.

Terry looked at the distracted William and sighed. "You're not really here. What's going on with your wife? Is it serious?"

William sighed, his face full of worry. "Her morning sickness is really bad. Seeing her suffer, I can't focus."

Terry nodded understandingly. "I get it. Pregnancy needs care. But this project is important too. The client's new terms need attention."

William rubbed his temples. "I know the project's important, but with Christina like this, I can't fully commit. What's the toughest part of the new terms?"

Terry took a sip of coffee. "Profit share and delivery time. The client wants 40%, which is way higher than we expected, and they want delivery moved up to the 15th of next month. We need to compress the schedule and increase investment."

William frowned in thought. "40% is too high, it really cuts into our profit. Moving up delivery is also a big challenge, but this project is crucial for the company's growth. We can't give up."

Terry nodded. "I think so too. Let's try negotiating down to 35%. For delivery, we can optimize processes and add manpower to meet the deadline."

William considered it. "35% is the bottom line. Draft a revised delivery plan with resource allocation, and we'll review it. Keep the communication friendly."

Terry smiled. "Got it. Take care of your wife. I've got this covered. We'll stay in touch."

William was grateful. "Thanks, man. I appreciate it."

Terry waved it off. "No problem. Go check on her. I'm heading out."

William walked Terry to the door. "Drive safe. Keep me updated."

Terry put on his coat and turned. "Don't overwork yourself. Take care of her and the baby."

William nodded, watching Terry leave.

He hurried back to the bedroom, still thinking about checking on Christina.

As he reached the door, he heard Christina on the phone, the word "divorce" ringing in his ears like a thunderclap.

He froze, his heart clenching painfully, his face turning pale.

After a long moment, he slowly raised his hand and gently pushed the door open.

The creak of the door hinge sounded especially loud in the quiet room.

He saw Christina sitting quietly on the bed, her phone beside her.

His voice trembled with disbelief. "Christina, are you really going to divorce me?"

Christina looked up, her eyes cold and unwavering. "Yes. I can't forget the past, and neither can you, right? Otherwise, why would you try to make amends? Those wounds are like scars on my heart, each one deep and painful."

William was taken aback, standing up slowly, his voice hoarse. "Christina, I'll agree to the divorce. But you need to have the baby. I want this child to be our Harper. It might be the only happiness I can hold onto that's connected to you."

Christina laughed coldly, her eyes full of scorn. "Hypocrite. Even now, you speak so righteously. Do you think saying that will erase what you've done? Are you really doing this for the child, or just to satisfy your own desires?"

William opened his mouth to argue but seeing the scorn and anger in Christina's eyes, he swallowed his words.

He knew that nothing he said now would make Christina believe him.

He sighed softly, his voice even gentler. "Christina, I know my words mean nothing now. I understand your resentment. I'm just worried about your health. You're pregnant, and this stress isn't good for the baby."