On the Ruins of His Regret I Soar novel Chapter 162

Lance’s gaze remained fixed on Jessica’s face. “If… if the embryo doesn’t implant, that would be for the best,” he said softly. “If it does, I’ll go with you to terminate the pregnancy in a month.”

Jessica’s hand shot out, and she slapped him hard across the face.

As dawn broke, Lance drove Jessica to the Registrar’s Office. They were early and were the first to be called. The clerk examined their documents, and when she saw Jessica’s name, she couldn’t help but look up, her eyes lingering on the woman who was currently the subject of so much online gossip.

Jessica sensed that something was off, but having been disconnected from the outside world, she couldn’t put her finger on it.

After they completed the filing process, Lance looked at the clerk. “You know what to do.”

The clerk quickly lowered her head. “Mr. Smith, rest assured. This is a private matter. We won’t say a word.”

As they left, Jessica felt countless eyes on her. It was only when she was back in the car that she finally felt shielded from the stares.

“I’ll have the money transferred to your account this afternoon,” Lance said. “Where do you want to go? I’ll drive you.”

“Just drop me at the next intersection,” she said, her voice cold.

Lance gave her a long, deep look in the rearview mirror before pulling over.

Jessica got out and hailed a cab, giving the driver the address for Willowbrook Gardens. The moment she got in, the driver recognized her. He fidgeted for a while before finally speaking as they neared her destination.

“You’ve got some nerve, going out in public.”

Jessica frowned.

“So, are the rumors true?” the driver pressed.

Jessica’s smile was laced with pain. “Even if I said no, you wouldn’t believe me.”

“To be honest, we’re just watching for the drama,” the driver admitted. “At first, it was just about seeing how the other half lives. But it’s spiraled out of control. The stuff coming out now is obviously just people trying to get clicks, saying really nasty things. But a lot of folks believe every word of it.”

“Thank you,” Jessica said softly.

When they arrived at Willowbrook Gardens, Jessica got out and went inside. She didn’t bother opening her phone to look at the firestorm online. She was just too tired. She collapsed onto her bed and fell into a long, deep sleep.

She was woken by a commotion outside. Frowning, Jessica dragged herself out of bed. The moment she pulled back the curtain, an egg flew through the air and splattered against the glass, its contents sliding down in a slimy trail. She looked down and saw a crowd of people gathered outside her gate.