On the Ruins of His Regret I Soar novel Chapter 154

As Patricia worked, she spoke in a low, soothing voice. “Lance had no other choice, Jessica. He loves you. He doesn’t want to divorce you, but you were so determined to leave that he felt this was the only way. I’m doing this for both of you. Do you want Amy to be raised by a stepmother? Do you want Lance’s future children competing with her for his inheritance? Can you really stand to see the man you’ve loved for over a decade end up with someone else? You’re young now, you think you know everything. But when you get older, you’ll realize that nothing is more important than your children and your security.”

Jessica’s bound hands clenched into fists, her nails digging into her palms until they drew blood. Her consciousness began to fade, and Patricia’s words became a distant murmur.

Lance doesn’t want a divorce?

Even if that were true, did it give him the right to violate her, to force a pregnancy on her? He didn’t want a divorce because his pride couldn’t handle it. He couldn’t accept that the woman who had worshipped him for years suddenly wanted nothing to do with him. He, the golden boy, could never be the one who was left. He had to be the one in control.

A wretched, broken laugh escaped her lips, and with it, a spray of blood from deep within her chest.

That evening, Lance received a call from Patricia Allen. “The procedure was a success,” she said. “Barring any complications, the embryo should implant soon. It’s twins—both boys. Lance, there’s something I need to say.”

“Go ahead,” he said.

Patricia sighed. “Your mother was my best friend. She helped fund this clinic when I was just starting out. I’ve always felt indebted to her. What I did for you today goes against every professional and personal ethic I hold. But I did it. Consider my debt to your mother repaid.”

Lance grunted in acknowledgment.

“But if you really don’t want to divorce her,” she continued, “if you still have feelings for Jessica, then I think you’ve made a terrible mistake. This won’t bring her back. It will only push her to the brink of despair.”

“Should I try to set up a meeting with Frank Ward?” Aaron asked.

“No. If they’ve already paid the penalty, their minds are made up. Let the project go. All our preliminary work is a loss. From now on, avoid any and all cooperation with the George Group.”

“Understood,” Aaron said.

Before he could hang up, Catherine Brown burst into the room, breathless and panicked. “Something’s happened! It’s Jessica!”