Chapter 145 A Family of Four

Chapter 145 A Family of Four

Jessica's mood shifted in a heartbeat.

Her emotions were all over the place during her pregnancy.

She was naturally gentle but not naive; she knew Benedict had something important to discuss.

Benedict's heart skipped a beat, understanding her reaction.

He spoke softly, "Jessica, Susie's been kidnapped. The kidnappers want five million dollars. I've got the money ready. Bella didn't want to upset you, so she went back to the old neighborhood. I had to come and tell you. Please, don't worry. I promise I'll bring Susie back safe."

"What?!"

Jessica's face went pale as she thought of poor Susie. Her breathing quickened, her chest heaving, and her blood pressure rising.

Benedict quickly added, "Jessica, calm down! Think of the baby! Don't get worked up! It's just five million dollars. I have it! I will definitely bring Susie back safely. I know you care for Susie like your own."

His eyes were resolute, his tone firm.

It took a lot of convincing, but Jessica finally calmed down a bit.

"Benedict, let me tell you, you owe our family, especially Susie. She endured so much from you, so many beatings and scoldings. Now that she's forgiven you, as her father, you must save her. If she loses even a hair, I'll be furious! With my pregnancy hormones, I don't know what I'll do. If anything happens to our son, Eugene will come back and fight you to the death!"

Jessica's face was icy, her tone severe.

Benedict nodded, "Jessica, don't worry. I will do it. Even if it costs me my life, I'll ensure Susie's safety!"

"Don't talk nonsense! What do you mean, your life? You idiot, you need to stay alive. This family depends on you!"

"Yes! I promise to complete the mission!"

Benedict, serious and determined, pounded his chest.

Jessica's expression softened a bit. "Where did you get the money? How can you be so sure?"

Benedict repeated the story he had told Bella, a well-intentioned fib.

Women are always sensitive and worried; it's better not to let them stress.

Men should bear the burden.

Jessica felt reassured, "Good thing you're not stupid and thought of using fake money. And with Sean's support, I feel more at ease. I'll call Bella and ask her to come over for dinner."

"I'll go pick her up."

"Alright, I'll wait for you both. I'll just reheat the food when you get back."

"Jessica, you should eat first. Don't wait for us."

"No way, we eat together as a family. Bella says it's called... what is it?"

Benedict smiled, "A sense of ritual."

"Yes, that's it."

"But if you don't eat, your son won't eat either. He can't go hungry. For your son's sake, you should eat first, or I won't leave..."

"Ugh, you're so annoying, chatterbox!"

Jessica reluctantly picked up her fork.

But after Benedict left, satisfied, she stopped eating again.

She decided to wait for Bella so they could eat together as a family.

Oh, it should be a family of four, right?

After all, there was a son in her belly.

Benedict sped off.

Twenty minutes later, he was back with Bella.

On the way, he told Bella that he had calmed Jessica down.

Bella was pleased.

Benedict reheated the food.

Outside, Jessica comforted Bella, assuring her to trust Benedict and Sean.

With Jessica's support, Bella felt much better and started asking about the pregnancy, showing concern.

Bella also mentioned she hoped Susie would come back soon, so their family could have both a son and a daughter.

Jessica smiled, though she felt uncertain inside.

She wondered if this son would stay with them.

She hoped everything would turn out well.

That night, Bella and Jessica slept in the master bedroom.

Bella, with her experience, could help out.

Jessica's condition had improved, though she still had a bout of morning sickness before bed.

Fortunately, Benedict noticed and massaged her to relieve it.

Bella didn't think much of it, just felt secretly pleased and a bit proud.

Her husband had changed so much; he was quite capable now.

Jessica's pregnancy was all thanks to him.

Jessica had mentioned that her morning sickness could be so severe that she might vomit blood, which was terrifying.

Late at night, Benedict left the house.

He went to the hospital to help Kelly with her medication and chat.

Dr. Milton was there too, showing great respect to Benedict.

He was still interested in Benedict's remedies.

He was genuinely impressed; Kelly's broken bones were almost fully healed in just a few days.

It was miraculous!

The entire orthopedics department was abuzz.

Kelly mentioned that Nurse Zoey was helping her with her studies, arranged by Milton.

Benedict was pleased and thanked both Milton and Zoey.

Milton praised Kelly's intelligence, saying that even while injured, she shouldn't fall behind in her studies.

Benedict understood Milton's intentions but didn't mention it, just expressed his gratitude again.

Before leaving the hospital, Benedict gave Milton a pack of Camel cigarettes.

Milton was flattered and a bit embarrassed, but accepted them.

He thought Benedict was very sociable.

Moreover, he and Benedict had exchanged medical knowledge, and Milton was amazed, saying Benedict's skills were at a professor's level, suitable for teaching at Newport Medical School.

Benedict left the hospital after midnight.

He sent a message to Sean's private phone.

Sean had mentioned that this was his private number, always on, known to very few, only close people.

"Mr. Howard, sorry to disturb you late at night. I need to see you urgently. Can we meet at your office?"

Unexpectedly, Laura called.

Benedict frowned but answered.

"Laura, you're back from your trip?"

"Yes, I'm back. Benedict, why do you need to see my dad at the office so late? What's so urgent?"

Benedict was momentarily stunned, then said, "Mr. Howard's phone is with you?"

"He just got back from a meeting and is taking a shower. His private phone is in the living room."

"Oh, please let him know after his shower. Thanks."

"Alright! But if there's anything I can help with, just say the word. Don't be shy!"

"Thanks for the offer, but Mr. Howard is enough."

"Come on, don't look down on me. Are we running tomorrow morning?"

"Of course! Do you still think you can beat me?"

"Absolutely! I can't lose to a jerk."

Benedict fell silent.

Laura chuckled and hung up.

In her heart, the jerk was no longer a jerk but a talented person!

Half an hour later, Benedict was waiting outside Sean's office.

Sean arrived, walking with authority.

Laura was with him.

Benedict looked puzzled.

Laura, dressed in a sharp black trench coat, smirked.

Her eyes seemed to say: I'm here to see if I can help. Surprised?