Chapter 351 Honeymoon

Chapter 355 Notarization

But Rachel didn't take it to heart. She even comforted Brandon, who was still a bit angry: "Why get upset over someone like that? She quit, so she quit. We'll just find another one. You're a councilman now, you need to watch your image."

Her tone was relaxed, with that special gentleness of a pregnant woman. She truly didn't take Julie's dirty thoughts seriously. She trusted Brandon just as she trusted herself.

However, Brandon couldn't let it go so easily.

That night, he sat alone in his study.

Moonlight streamed through the window, outlining his silent figure like a statue.

Julie's words belittling Rachel and accusing her of social climbing stuck in his heart like a thorn.

He thought about how Rachel was going through the hardships of pregnancy right now, thought about how he had actually let someone with such bad intentions get close to her, even insult her.

Self-blame, fear, and an urgent impulse to give her the most absolute security surged violently in his heart.

He sat there all night, until the sky turned pale.

At breakfast, Brandon's eyes showed fine bloodshot lines, but his spirit was unusually clear and determined.

He held Rachel's hand and said solemnly: "Rachel, come with me somewhere this morning."

"Where? Don't you have a meeting today?" Rachel asked, puzzled.

"I canceled it. There's something more important." Brandon's tone left no room for argument.

They went to City A's most authoritative notary office.

When the notary placed the property agreement—drafted overnight by top lawyers with crystal-clear terms—in front of Rachel, she was completely stunned.

The core content of the agreement had only one clause: All of Brandon's personal assets would automatically become jointly held with Rachel from the moment the agreement took effect. And if Brandon committed any act of infidelity during the marriage (including emotional or physical cheating), or showed any behavior that belittled, insulted, or abused Rachel in any setting, he would voluntarily leave with nothing, give up all property rights, and pay substantial additional compensation.

This wasn't just a property agreement. It was Brandon putting himself in an absolutely vulnerable position, staking all his wealth and dignity just to give her an unshakeable sense of security.

"Brandon, you..." Rachel's voice choked up, her hand holding the agreement trembling slightly.

She had never doubted his loyalty, never coveted his wealth, but what he was doing now went far beyond any sweet words or vows. He was completely laying himself bare, offering up his weaknesses and vulnerabilities with the ultimate honesty and protection.

Brandon picked up the pen and signed his name on the agreement first, his strokes strong and unhesitating.

Then he handed the pen to Rachel, his gaze burning, his voice low and powerful: "Rachel, sign it. This isn't to bind you, it's to bind me. I want you to never have to worry that I'll change, never worry that I'll hurt you. I want you to understand that you and our child are the most precious, most inviolable treasures of my life. Anyone or anything that tries to destroy this, I will crush with my own hands. And if I myself step out of line even slightly, I will never forgive myself."

The overwhelming emotion mixed with the sensitive hormones of pregnancy hit Rachel's emotional defenses like a tsunami.

Looking at Brandon's determined, loving eyes, looking at that weighty agreement, tears broke through without warning—not gentle sobbing, but almost hysterical crying, as if she wanted to release through tears all the insecurity and restraint she'd ever felt, along with the overflowing happiness and security of this moment.

Brandon immediately pulled her into his arms, his heart aching beyond measure. He gently patted her back, kissed away her continuous tears, his voice full of regret and tenderness: "Don't cry, Rachel, don't cry. It's my fault for making you cry. Pregnancy is already so hard on you, you can't get too emotional."

The more he comforted her, the harder Rachel cried, but these tears were sweet.

Finally, with Brandon's gentle coaxing and the notary's patient waiting, Rachel signed her name on the agreement through her sobs.

When the notary seal came down, this document carrying ultimate love and commitment officially took effect.

Walking out of the notary office, the sunshine was bright.

Rachel's eyes were red and swollen, but she held Brandon's arm tightly, resting her head on his shoulder, feeling more settled and peaceful than ever before.

She knew that Brandon, in his most practical and thorough way, had built her an indestructible fortress of love.

Ten months of pregnancy, one day of delivery.

Under the care of a top medical team and Brandon's constant, unwavering presence, Rachel's delivery had some complications but was ultimately safe.

When a loud baby's cry rang through the delivery room, Brandon's tense nerves finally relaxed. His first reaction was to rush to Rachel's bedside, tightly gripping her hand, kissing her sweaty forehead, choking up as he repeated: "You worked so hard, Rachel, thank you."

They welcomed a healthy, beautiful baby girl, named Marlowe Saunders.

When the good news spread, friends and family came to congratulate them.

What surprised Rachel most was Amy's return.

Learning of Rachel's delivery, Amy immediately flew back from Seraphim, travel-worn but beaming.

Three years abroad had stripped away her former naivety and timidity, adding an independent and capable air, her eyes bright and determined.

She brought handmade baby clothes and toys for little Marlowe, and even better news that Anna's condition was stable and she was receiving professional rehabilitation.

"Rachel, congratulations!" Amy held the soft Marlowe, tears in her eyes, genuinely happy for Rachel.

Arthur also crowded around, looking at the delicate Marlowe in the blanket, absolutely delighted, saying like a little adult that he would be the best big brother and protect Rachel and Marlowe.

The family reunion was warm and happy.

However, an unexpected visitor came to congratulate them—Rose.

Her arrival made the atmosphere awkward for a moment.

Brandon received her calmly, Elodie's gaze was complicated, Rachel was somewhat surprised but remained polite.

The most uncomfortable was Amy. The moment she saw Rose, her body stiffened almost imperceptibly, her ears turned slightly red, her eyes evasive, yet she couldn't help sneaking glances.

Rose seemed particularly composed, and in fact, her gaze stayed mostly on Amy.

After brief pleasantries with everyone, Rose walked straight to Amy.

"Want to take a walk?" Rose said to Amy.

Amy bit her lip, glanced at Rachel, and only responded quietly "Okay" after seeing Rachel nod slightly.

Amy and Rose walked one after the other toward the hospital's garden.

Rose stopped and turned to face Amy, who was nervously keeping her head slightly lowered.

"How have you been in Seraphim?" Rose spoke first, her voice not as lazy as usual, carrying a rare seriousness.