Chapter 170 Won't Let Go
"There's nothing wrong between us!" Tristan said urgently. "I apologize for upsetting you before, but I can promise you, I never had feelings for Lark. I protected her just to spite you and Griffin."
"But that won't happen anymore. I won't use Griffin as an excuse. As long as you're happy, I won't make things difficult for him. Harriet, as long as you're happy, I'm willing to do anything."
Harriet frowned slightly. "Is it worth it, just for a child?"
"Of course it's not just for the child." Tristan held her tightly in his arms. "It's for you, for our family. Harriet, even without a child, I wouldn't let go."
That night, Tristan stayed at Lakeside Gardens, though he slept in the guest room.
Harriet hadn't agreed to keep the child. He knew very well that the current Harriet might not choose to stay with him just because of a baby.
For the next two days, Tristan stayed home to take care of Harriet.
Harriet rarely spoke to him, but she didn't refuse his care either.
After breakfast, Harriet spoke up for once. "Go to work. Don't let it affect your job."
"I can work from home."
"I'm lying in bed most of the time. I don't need you to take care of me. Rhea alone is enough."
"Alright then. Call me if you need anything."
"I know."
After Tristan left, Harriet got up and went to the floor-to-ceiling window to get some sun.
"Mrs. Lancaster, have some fruit." Rhea came in with a fruit platter. "These are all organic fruits that Mr. Lancaster arranged to have flown in daily from their source. Please eat more."
While eating, Harriet asked, "Hasn't Grandma called?"
"I called Mrs. Haven Lancaster. She was so happy to hear about your pregnancy," Rhea reported. "But Mrs. Haven Lancaster just asked me to take good care of you. She said she won't come to see you for now."
"Why?"
"Mrs. Haven Lancaster said if she came, showing her excitement about the baby would put pressure on you."
"Mrs. Haven Lancaster also said that if you still want to divorce or don't want this child, she'll respect your decision. After all, you have a long life ahead of you and shouldn't compromise just because of a child."
Harriet's eyes welled up.
She knew how much Haven looked forward to a great-grandchild.
But despite Haven's anticipation, she didn't come to persuade them to reconcile or say things like "don't divorce because of the child," all to spare her feelings.
Her phone suddenly rang. It was Griffin calling.
Rhea quickly nodded and left.
Harriet collected herself and answered. "Griffin."
"Harriet, how are you feeling?"
"Much better. Are you still in Luminara City?"
"I'm back already. I didn't want to disturb your rest, so I haven't visited these past two days."
"I'm much better. Don't worry."
"Harriet, congratulations on becoming a mother."
Harriet gently touched her belly. "This child was unexpected."
"Don't you want it?"
"I don't know." Harriet sighed silently. "I'm not sure if this child is good or bad for this marriage."
"Harriet, I know once you make a decision, you don't change it easily." Griffin suggested, "If you really want a divorce, why not tell Tristan the child is mine?"
"How could I do that?" Harriet refused without thinking. "That kind of lie would hurt him. I would never do that."
"So you see, you still care about his feelings." Griffin chuckled. "I just wanted to see your attitude. I wasn't really asking you to lie to him."
"Harriet, you're a very emotional person. Because of the child, you're already hesitating about the divorce."
"If that's the case, I think you can give Tristan another chance, if only for the child's sake."
"Whether Lark is dead or alive, that's in the past. Don't let such an unimportant person affect your judgment."
Harriet's hand clutched at her clothes. "I understand. I need to think about it carefully."
"Okay, call me anytime if you need anything."
"Okay."
Griffin's phone suddenly vibrated. He glanced at the screen—it was Tristan's number.
"Harriet, I have something to do. I'll hang up now."
"Okay."
Griffin switched calls. "Mr. Lancaster, what can I do for you?"
"I'm waiting for you at Opulence Club."
"Can't you say it over the phone?"
"No."
Before Griffin could respond, Tristan hung up.
Griffin smiled, picked up his jacket, and left.
When Griffin arrived at Opulence Club, Tristan was sitting alone at a card table, smoking.
Griffin sat down across from him. "Mr. Lancaster is so busy, yet you have time to invite me for cards in broad daylight?"
Tristan picked up a diary from beside him and threw it in front of Griffin. "Is this yours?"
Griffin smiled. "Looks like you've already read what's inside."
Tristan said coldly, "Name your terms."
Griffin frowned. "What?"
"Name your terms. What will it take for you to stay away from Harriet?"
"Mr. Lancaster is really direct." Griffin looked down at the diary in front of him. "But what do you think could be worth trading for this?"
"I'm the one asking you, and I'm giving you a chance." Tristan's deep, sharp eyes locked onto his face. "You know very well that if I wanted you to die without a trace, it wouldn't be difficult."
"Of course I know." Griffin showed no fear. "But do you think Harriet could accept that? Even if you did it perfectly, she's stubborn. If I suddenly died, she would investigate to the end, just like how she never gave up searching for me these past five years."
Tristan smiled. "I've never failed to get what I want."
"You already have it." Griffin chuckled. "She had clearly decided on divorce, but at this moment, she's pregnant with your child. Even heaven is helping you, isn't it?"
Tristan took a drag of his cigarette. "Good that you know."
This child was actually unexpected for Tristan too.
But he was incredibly grateful.
Because given Harriet's determination, he had been completely helpless.
This child undoubtedly gave their crumbling marriage a chance and time to recover.
"As for terms, I really don't have any." Griffin looked up at Tristan. "I only have one request—treat her well."
"She's my wife. Of course I'll treat her well." The coldness in Tristan's eyes deepened. "But you have no right to make such a request. Since you won't name your terms, I'll do it for you."
"The Lancaster Group has been trying to expand overseas, and Apex Global Group's focus is abroad. I can help you expand your business territory and make the Lancaster Group unbeatable. The condition is that you must go abroad and never come back!"