Chapter 133: Trapped by His Own Design

The research findings weren't problematic in themselves, but now that they'd fallen into Charles's hands, they'd become a liability he couldn't shake.

He couldn't just throw them away, but he couldn't keep them either.

Charles wasn't the type to sit idle and wait for disaster to strike. Within days, he'd devised a strategy.

Late one night, when the entire city had fallen into slumber, Charles slipped out.

He drove to a remote location and met with someone.

When he emerged, his expression was noticeably more relaxed.

He'd found a solution.

At that moment, Grace had no idea she was about to face the most challenging situation since arriving in Lumaria—one that couldn't be resolved with a simple public relations battle.

She remained immersed in the joy of her father's awakening. For several days straight, Grace stayed at the hospital, keeping him company.

Her father progressed from being unable to speak to managing a few simple words.

He recognized Grace now, smiling at her constantly.

Meanwhile, back home, the Lester family had learned of Caroline's pregnancy.

Harper had always been fond of Grace, hoping she and her son could make their marriage work. But after everything that had happened, she'd come to accept that reconciliation was impossible.

Now, learning of Caroline's pregnancy, she felt a sense of relief. After all, she'd always longed for a grandchild.

Harper called Jonathan early in the morning.

"Mom, why are you calling at this hour?" Jonathan's voice was thick with exhaustion.

It was morning back home, but evening in Lumaria.

He'd been drained all day and had no energy left to deal with family matters.

"Jonathan, I heard some news. I'm not sure if it's true or not," Harper said, her voice tinged with excitement. "I heard Caroline is pregnant with your child. Is that really true? Tell me I didn't hear wrong."

"What?" Jonathan exclaimed.

He'd just walked through his front door, about to take off his clothes for a shower, when he froze like a statue.

"Mom, who told you that? How did you find out?"

"So it is true!" Harper's heart leapt with joy. "I know I didn't approve of you and Caroline before, but since she's pregnant, I won't oppose it anymore."

"When are you two coming home? When are you planning the wedding? I'll start making arrangements."

"Mom, you've got it all wrong. It's not like that," Jonathan protested helplessly. "Caroline... what's happening with Caroline has nothing to do with me. Don't misunderstand."

"What do you mean it has nothing to do with you?" Harper's tone turned cold. "Are you saying she's not pregnant?"

Jonathan was at a loss for words.

He rarely lied, especially to his family.

Caroline's pregnancy couldn't be hidden. It wasn't something he could dismiss with denial.

Besides, the fact that his mother was calling about it meant the family already knew the truth. How could he possibly deflect with a few casual words?

"Jonathan, what's going on?" Harper was thoroughly confused. "Is Caroline pregnant or not?"

"She is pregnant," Jonathan admitted with difficulty.

He quickly gathered his courage. "Mom, this is all a misunderstanding."

"I don't love Caroline. I don't want to be with her, and I certainly don't want her to have my child. I'll take care of this situation. This child shouldn't exist."

"Jonathan, what nonsense are you talking?" Harper was stunned. "You and Grace were married for years without having a child—that was a constant worry for your father and me."

"You're nearly thirty now. Don't you want a child of your own?"

"Caroline is pregnant. How can you talk about 'taking care of it'? I won't allow you to do anything to my grandchild. Come home immediately. We need to discuss your wedding plans properly."

"What damn wedding plans!" Jonathan finally lost his temper with his own mother. "When did I ever say I'd marry Caroline?"

"Yes, she's pregnant—but did anyone ask how this happened? Has anyone respected my opinion?"

"Just because she's pregnant, I have to marry her?"

Harper was completely bewildered, unable to respond for a long moment.

"But... but you were so fond of Caroline before! Wasn't it you who abandoned Grace for her? Now that we've finally accepted it, what are you doing?"

Harper was genuinely confused. Her memory wasn't failing her.

When Grace and Jonathan had married, he'd already been entangled with Caroline.

She'd scolded him endlessly over it.

Now what? He didn't love Caroline anymore?

Caroline was pregnant, and he should be happy—so why was he this furious?

It made no sense.

Jonathan was so frustrated he couldn't speak, wishing he could bash his head against a wall. His heart filled with endless regret.

He'd been such a fool!

If he'd known Caroline would cling to him like this, he never would have gotten involved with her in the first place.

Now look at the mess—just when he'd finally realized that Grace was the one he'd always loved, Caroline had latched onto him like a parasite he couldn't shake off.

"Mom, I will never marry Caroline," Jonathan said after his outburst subsided, his voice icy cold.

"The only reason she's pregnant is because she set a trap for me. From beginning to end, I never intended to marry her."

"If you think Caroline is so wonderful, then you can acknowledge this child. It has nothing to do with me. I absolutely will not."

"Jonathan, don't be like this," Harper said, unsure what to say. She'd thought this was good news.

Just moments ago, she'd been planning where to hold the wedding.

Who could have imagined there were such complications?

Now she didn't know what to think.

"Mom, I'll handle this," Jonathan sighed.

"I don't care whether you like Grace or not—I love her, and I'm going to win her back."

"She wants to divorce me? Not a chance."