Chapter 78

"I... I..."

Annabelle's gaze darted around the living room before she suddenly grabbed a crystal ornament from the coffee table and pressed it against her abdomen. "If you won't show me your phone, I'll smash it!"

Alexander's Adam's apple bobbed.

"You really must see it?"

"Yes!"

"Fine." Alexander tossed his phone into her lap. "Have your fill."

The screen was suspiciously bare.

Only work emails, financial news, and WeChat remained.

Annabelle opened the inbox - nothing but correspondence with Andy Taylor. The pinned WeChat contact showed "Mom," with Margaret Hamilton's latest message about her headaches.

[Mom: These headaches won't stop. What medicine should I take?]

[Alexander: Get checked at the hospital.]

[Mom: No need. Painkillers will do.]

[Alexander: Still not sleeping well?]

[Mom: Don't worry about me. Focus on your work.]

Though brief, Annabelle scrutinized the exchange three times.

"Satisfied?" Alexander snatched back his phone. "Move."

"How dare you speak to me like this? I'm pregnant!"

"Honorable Miss Taylor," Alexander sneered. "Kindly remove your noble foot from blocking the doorway."

"Alexander, you—"

Before she could finish, he yanked her aside and slammed the door behind him.

"Wait!" Annabelle chased him to the entrance. "Take out the trash."

Alexander strode toward the balcony without turning.

The cardboard box contained no garbage.

Evelyn's dress reeked of dead fish slime. Plush toys and succulents mingled together, emitting a putrid stench.

"Why are you still here?" Annabelle leaned against the doorframe.

"You call this trash?"

"What else?" She stroked her belly with a smirk. "My territory tolerates no other woman's belongings."

"According to property law—"

"This is my house!" Annabelle's voice sharpened. "I'll discard whatever I please!"

Alexander turned slowly.

"Your house?"

Her smile froze. "What do you mean?"

"Exactly what I said."