Chapter 237 Chapter 237
In a few days, new celebrity gossip would replace the headline “Claire fights in public,” and the scene in the hotel lobby would be buried and forgotten. These days, information traveled at an alarming speed. The internet had a short memory. No matter how shocking the news was, it never stayed on the front page for long—especially when Edward Collins' empire was doing everything in its power to suppress it.
Caroline blocked her cell phone. The truth didn't matter to the media; only the narrative that screamed the loudest.
...
Meanwhile, at the Collins Family Mansion.
SMACK!
Mrs. Collins slammed her cell phone hard on the marble coffee table, her face contorted with pure rage. “Tell me, Edward, what the hell is going on?! How did your ‘perfect little fiancée’ end up on the floor of a hotel, exchanging punches and hair pulls with another woman like a street brawler?!” Doesn't she have the slightest bit of class or respect for her own image?!
The matriarch stood up, crossing her arms. “And you still have the audacity to want me to approve of a woman of that caliber as my daughter-in-law? The future Mrs. Collins?”
“Mom.” Edward sighed heavily, rubbing his throbbing temples. “It's not what you think.” Claire usually has a very docile temperament, you know that. She's never fought with anyone before. This is the first time she's lost control and gotten physically involved with someone. I talked to her; the other actress humiliated her in an indescribable way first. Claire only lost her temper because she was cornered.
Mrs. Collins let out a laugh laden with disdain. “Never fought with anyone before”? Edward, watch that video again! From the way she attacked, it doesn't look like it's her first time in the ring. You can't judge her just by that angelic face she makes for you. As long as she wants to put on a show of innocence, she'll be able to fool you. Are you really sure you know her?
Edward looked at his mother, his eyebrows furrowed in defense. “Mom, Claire and I have known each other for years. I know very well what kind of person she is. Your son isn't that blind.”
“Ha.” Mrs. Collins smiled pityingly. “I really think you're foolish and have no sense when it comes to women.” You don't even realize when you're being manipulated. How could I have given birth to such a naive son?
“Mom, please...”
“You say she's not lying?” Mrs. Collins interrupted him, her eyes flashing with sharp insight. “Then let me ask you the obvious question: didn't she say she was pregnant? And that she was still in her first trimester?” What pregnant woman throws herself on the floor to fight and risks her own child's life because of an insult?
Edward was stunned for a moment. Silence hung heavy in the luxurious living room.
He himself had already suspected this the previous morning at the hospital when he met Caroline and heard her taunts. The doubt had planted a dark seed in his mind.
But... when he dragged Claire to the hospital's obstetrics ward for a thorough examination... the official medical report, stamped by the chief physician, showed that Claire was, in fact, a few weeks pregnant.
After holding that piece of paper, Edward's doubts had evaporated. (Little did he know how far Claire's manipulation could go within that hospital).
Edward walked slowly to the leather sofa and sat down, shoulders slumped, looking at his mother. “I took her to the hospital myself for an ultrasound yesterday, after an argument. She really is pregnant.”
He looked up, pleadingly. “Mom, the child Claire is expecting is my heir. Your grandchild.” Even if you don't like her background or her attitude, couldn't you at least agree to let her into our family for the sake of the child? Wouldn't the baby suffer too much if it were born into a broken family, being called a bastard?
Mrs. Collins was genuinely shocked. Her posture faltered. “You forced her to take a test yesterday?”
“Yes.” “Edward decided to come clean.” “Actually, I had my doubts too. I thought she might be using the pregnancy to trap me. That's why I demanded the blood test and ultrasound. But she didn't lie to me, Mom. She really is pregnant with my child.”
Edward clenched his fists on his knees. “I can't deny her the status of legitimate wife now.”
Claire is willing to bear my child at the height of her career, risking losing contracts and fans. That shows absolute loyalty. How many up-and-coming actresses would make that sacrifice? She has already given up so much for me. I refuse to disappoint her. He stood up and walked over to his mother, his voice lowering to an almost pleading tone.
“Please understand, I'm begging you: let me marry her in peace. If you really dislike her so much, I promise I'll bring her to the main mansion as little as possible. We'll live our lives and you won't have to deal with her.”
Mrs. Collins looked at her son's desperate and determined face for a long minute. The anger in her eyes slowly gave way to an exhausted sigh.
She walked to the window, looking out at the mansion's gardens, before turning slightly. “Edward... let your mother ask you one question. And I demand that you look me in the eye and answer me with all the sincerity of your heart.”
Edward nodded, straightening his posture. “Go ahead, Mother.”
Mrs. Collins stared at him with piercing intensity, capable of reading her son's soul: “Are you absolutely sure you no longer feel anything for Caroline?
Edward froze.
”Did you break up with her because you stopped loving her?" Mrs. Collins pressed, her voice relentless. “Or was it simply because you were caught in bed with Claire, got her pregnant, and had no choice but to ‘take responsibility’ and discard Caroline?”
Edward's expression darkened. Guilt and resentment hit him hard. He looked away and said nothing more.