Chapter 254

Chloe Valentine lounged lazily on the sofa, popping a segment of tangerine into her mouth with her fingertips. Hearing Margaret Evans' words, she didn't even lift her eyelids.

"Auntie, I've been feeling unwell lately—running to the hospital every other day. I really don't have the energy for any training classes..."

The humiliation from the last tea appreciation gathering still burned fresh in her memory. Just hearing the words "flower arrangement and tea tasting" now made her stomach churn.

Margaret's chest tightened with anger. Was this girl not even bothering with basic pretense anymore?

"This isn't up for discussion. You're going!"

The line went dead with a sharp "beep."

Chloe had hung up on her.

Margaret stared at her phone screen, fingers trembling. That insolent little wretch!

If she was this brazen before even giving birth, what would happen if she delivered a son? Would she try to trample over Margaret's head?

She immediately summoned the butler. "Go to Chloe's place personally and deliver the class schedule. Tell her if she misses a single session, she can pack her bags and get out of the Evans family villa! That bastard child in her womb won't be recognized either!"

At nine that evening, the butler returned with his report.

Margaret's expression was icy. "What did she say?"

The butler lowered his head. "Miss Valentine said she'll attend the classes as scheduled."

"Hmph. She'd better!"

......

The next morning, a shrill ringtone shattered the quiet.

Half-asleep, Chloe fumbled for her phone, her voice thick with drowsiness. "Who is it?"

"Good morning, Miss Valentine. This is Instructor Lynn from Morning Star Prenatal. Our first pastry-making class starts at eight. It's already seven-thirty—can you make it in half an hour?" A pause. "Mrs. Evans specifically instructed us to notify her immediately if you miss a session."

Remembering the butler's threat last night, Chloe gritted her teeth and forced herself up.

During breakfast, she opened the class schedule her assistant had messaged her and nearly spat out her milk.

From 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., every minute was accounted for—fashion coordination, social etiquette, Western dining, jewelry appraisal... Not even a moment to catch her breath.

Every fiber of her being rebelled. But the thought of Margaret's warning and her current luxurious lifestyle made her swallow her protests and step out the door.

Thus began Chloe's grueling prenatal education. Each day left her too exhausted to straighten her back, yet she still had to squeeze in university classes.

Her previous unexplained absences had piled up until her advisor came knocking with a stern warning. She'd resorted to paying classmates to attend for her, relying on roommates to cover for her sporadic appearances.

Now with prenatal classes consuming most of her time, the constant back-and-forth drained her completely. Within days, she reached a decision—

She would drop out.