Chapter 230

"What do you mean by 'before and now'?"

His words were so cryptic that I couldn't quite understand.

"Things are different now. Before, I could just show up empty-handed, but not anymore."

I finally got what he meant, and my face turned bright red.

I gave him a playful shove. "What are you talking about? Just go already."

But he didn't budge. Instead, he grabbed the hand I used to push him.

His thumb gently stroked my wrist.

A jolt of electricity ran through my body, starting from my wrist.

"I have to head back to Skyview City tomorrow. I still need to visit another city today. Don't worry, I'll find the kid."

I nodded. "I know. Thanks for everything you're doing."

"You really don't have to do all this."

He sighed softly. "But it's your problem."

His words made my heart race.

He glanced at his watch. "I gotta go. You should head back."

I nodded and stood still. He took a few steps forward, then suddenly turned back and kissed my forehead.

"See you."

I touched my damp forehead and watched Royce's retreating figure, my face turning even redder.

After he got in the car, I couldn't see him through the rear window, but I could feel his eyes lingering on me.

I waved, and the car paused for a moment before driving away.

When I turned around, I saw Savannah and Kathy crouching sneakily by the door.

I felt a wave of embarrassment. How did they catch me?

Resigned, I walked over to face their curious stares.

Kathy waggled her eyebrows at me. "What's going on with you and Royce?"

"Are you two together?"

"I saw him kiss you. Even if it was just on the forehead, friends don't kiss like that."

"When's the wedding? I want to be a bridesmaid."

Savannah immediately raised her hand. "I want to be a bridesmaid too."

"I haven't even thought about it. What are you guys doing?"

I couldn't help but push them away and went inside to escape their prying eyes.

"Haven't thought about it? Looks like you're almost ready to marry him."

Kathy mimicked my voice sarcastically, laughing.

I sighed helplessly and flopped onto my bed.

To be honest, I wasn't worried about Alfonso's threats anymore because I knew Royce would handle everything.

I didn't know where my trust in Royce came from, maybe from his consistent reliability.

In any case, I trusted him unconditionally now, without any reason.

A few days passed, and there were only about ten days left until the bidding meeting.

Alfonso finally called me again, his tone as indifferent as before. "Ms. Sharp, have you made up your mind? Will you give up your child or award the project to me?"

I steeled my thoughts. "Shouldn't you give me more time to consider? This project isn't a small matter. How could I decide in just a few days?"

Alfonso chuckled. "I understand. I'm not calling to rush you, Ms. Sharp. I just wanted to update you on your child's condition."

My heart tightened, and I gripped the phone tightly, staying silent.

"Your child seems to have a seafood allergy. It's a shame, really. Someone from Skyview City who can't eat seafood is missing out on one of life's great pleasures."

His words confirmed my suspicion that he had my child.

He was also subtly threatening me. If I didn't give him the bid by the deadline, he would harm my child.

So Royce only had about ten days left.

My heart tightened, and I couldn't help but feel anxious.

But I didn't show any emotion on the surface and snorted. "How do I know you're telling the truth?"

"What if you're just making this up to trick me? Neither Brandon nor I are allergic to seafood."

"Who knows? Two people without seafood allergies having a child who is allergic-how interesting."

"That's the wonder of genetics. It only has two combinations but can produce infinite possibilities."

"Whether you believe me or not, that's all I have to say."

"There are ten days left until the bidding meeting. I'll be waiting for your good news, Ms. Sharp."

After he hung up, I couldn't help but throw the phone to the ground in frustration.

"That bastard is openly threatening me now."

But there was nothing I could do except wait for Royce to find a lead.

This feeling of helplessness was overwhelming.

Just then, Kathy pushed open my door. "Alfonso's mistress asked me to go measure her for a dress. Do you want to come with me?"

My eyebrows twitched, and I immediately nodded. "I'll go."

I got into Kathy's car, and we drove to the hotel where Alfonso and Aurelia were staying.

As soon as we entered the hotel room, Aurelia looked surprised to see me.

She extended her hand towards me. "Ms. Sharp, long time no see. I haven't seen you since your divorce."

I couldn't help but scoff. "Really? It seems Ms. Kingsley is very interested in my personal affairs."

"Everyone in Skyview City knows. I'm no exception."

"By the way, Ms. Sharp, why are you here?"

I glanced at Kathy, remembering how Aurelia had been giving her a hard time since hiring her.

I was here to support Kathy and to see if I could find any information about my child.

After all, Aurelia wasn't very bright.

"Kathy is my friend. I'm planning to have dinner with her after she's done. Please hurry, Ms. Kingsley."

Aurelia's smile stiffened, and she quickly nodded. "Alright, Kathy, let's get this done quickly."

Her voice softened as she stood in front of the mirror. "The pattern you made last time was still a bit big. Can you make the waist smaller and the hips wider?"

Kathy replied expressionlessly, "Ms. Kingsley, I always make the patterns to fit you perfectly. But if you keep slimming your waist and filling your hips after I make the pattern, how am I supposed to finish?"

"If I don't finish, Mr. Carr will hold me accountable."

Aurelia's face changed, and she glanced at me awkwardly.

"What are you talking about? I've just lost some weight, and my hips are from working out. I didn't get any injections."

"Fine, just follow this pattern. I'll try to control myself."

Her eyes were already burning with anger, but she couldn't lash out with me there, so she gritted her teeth and spoke.

Kathy quickly finished measuring her. "All done, Ms. Kingsley."