Chapter 121 Seemingly Close Yet Distant

Chapter 121 Seemingly Close Yet Distant

The call was answered instantly, and a cheerful female voice came through. "Well, well, Miss Busy-Body, what made you think of calling me?"

Ruth chuckled softly. "When are you getting back to New York?"

"Perfect timing, I just got off the plane." Patricia's tone turned teasing. "What, did you miss me?"

"I'd be lying if I said I didn't. But I also need a favor. Can we meet up?" Ruth asked thoughtfully.

Without hesitation, Patricia replied, "Of course. Just tell me where. I'll be right there."

Ruth gave her the address.

About an hour later, the two met at an extremely discreet café in Manhattan.

Patricia took her seat. After some small talk, she got straight to the point. "Alright, enough chitchat. What do you need help with?"

Ruth didn't beat around the bush and told her about Shawn's affair.

After hearing everything, Patricia cursed. "That bastard Shawn! He used to act so devoted to you. I actually thought he genuinely cared. Turns out he's been pulling this disgusting crap behind your back!"

Ruth picked up the glass of warm water in front of her and took a sip, her tone flat. "It's in the past now."

"In the past? Are you kidding me?" Patricia glared at her. "You've got some nerve staying this calm. If it were me, I'd have leaked all his dirty laundry to the press by now and watched him crash and burn!"

Ruth set down her glass and looked at her. "That's exactly why I came to you for help."

Patricia took a deep breath, forcing down her anger, and sat up straighter.

"Alright. What do you want me to do?"

Ruth didn't answer right away. Instead, she placed her hand on her lower abdomen.

Patricia followed the gesture, freezing for two seconds. "You... you're not..."

"Pregnant." Ruth nodded. "Almost four months along."

Patricia's hand flew to her mouth, her eyes instantly welling up. "That animal... Does Shawn know?"

"No." Ruth shook her head. "And I don't plan on telling him."

Patricia's eyes reddened, her voice hoarse. "Then what are you going to do?"

Ruth laid out the plan she'd already prepared. "Vivian's birthday party is coming up, right? All the city's elite will be there. I have evidence of Shawn and Vivian's affair, plus records of all the money he spent on her. I want you to find a way to expose everything that night."

After finishing, she added, "You might run into some trouble because of this..."

But Patricia brushed it off. "So what? Don't forget. You saved my life. Without you, I wouldn't be where I am today. Just leave this to me."

Ruth sincerely thanked her.

Patricia looked at her with heartache. "Ruth, these past few months must have been hell for you. I can tell you really loved him once..."

Ruth smiled without answering.

The two discussed the specifics for a while longer. After Patricia made notes, she had to leave for another appointment.

Ruth stayed in the café, gazing out at the street. After a moment, she picked up her phone and dialed William's number.

He answered after one ring, his magnetic voice coming through.

"Ruth, what's up?"

"I need to see you. There's something I need to tell you."

Without asking questions, William told Ruth to come to his office.

Half an hour later, they met.

William poured Ruth a glass of warm water before asking, "What happened?"

Ruth traced the rim of the glass, her gaze lowered. "The night of Vivian's birthday party. That's when I'm making my move."

William paused slightly. "You mean that fake-death plan you mentioned?"

"Yes." Ruth nodded. "The evidence of Shawn and Vivian's affair will be exposed that night. Things will be chaotic. That's the perfect time to execute the plan. After that, William, I'll need you to help cover my tracks."

At this point, she smiled faintly.

William looked up, then asked after a few seconds, "Are you sure about this?"

"I decided a long time ago. I've wanted to leave for a long time." Ruth spoke earnestly.

William could see the sincerity in Ruth's eyes.

"Alright. I'll arrange everything. Shawn will never find you."

Ruth thanked him genuinely.

Hearing her thanks, he simply said, "Ruth, you and I don't need to be so formal."

Ruth's eyes curved with warmth. "I know, William."

Afterward, Ruth left. William stood by the floor-to-ceiling window, watching her figure. It seemed his own plan would need to be moved up as well.

After waiting all these years, the opportunity was finally within reach. This time, he wouldn't let his guard down so easily.

That evening, Ruth and Shawn were both summoned back to the family home by Elsie.

Several beautifully wrapped gifts sat on the living room coffee table—oil paintings, antique ornaments, all looking quite valuable.

Elsie sat in the main seat. When she saw them arrive, she gestured toward the items. "Take a look. What do you think about giving these to Vivian for her birthday?"

Ruth glanced at the gifts, her gaze lingering briefly on the antique pieces.

These weren't Vivian's taste at all... Clearly, Mrs. Grey wanted to use her as a middleman to send these to Mrs. Crompton.

Seeing Ruth's silence, Elsie pressed, "Do you think Vivian would like them?"

Ruth withdrew her gaze, her tone calm. "Mom, these gifts would be more suitable for my godmother. Vivian's young. She'd prefer jewelry and accessories."

At her words, displeasure flashed in Elsie's eyes, her tone turning cool. "You've got a sharp eye. Saw right through it."

Ruth's expression remained composed. "Mrs. Crompton's love of antiques is common knowledge in our circle."

Elsie didn't respond to that, instead changing the subject. "Now that Mrs. Crompton is your godmother, you need to pay more attention to collaborations between the Grey family and the Crompton family. After all, you're a Grey now. Supporting your husband's family is part of your duty."

Ruth didn't argue, going along with her. "Don't worry, Mom. I'll do what needs to be done."

Only then did Elsie nod with satisfaction. After a few more instructions, she dismissed them.

Outside, Shawn, remembering Elsie's attitude earlier, took Ruth's hand. "Baby, Mom's just looking out for us. After all, when the Grey family does well, we do well..."

"Don't worry, I know my place." Ruth cut him off.

Moonlight fell across Ruth's face, making her look as beautiful as a muse.

But the more beautiful she looked, the more inexplicably anxious Shawn felt—as if she were slipping away from him.

These past few days, it seemed Ruth hadn't lost her temper with him in a long while...