Chapter 347
At the same time, Harold saw the news online and called to inquire.
Wallace barely managed to compose himself. "Nothing's wrong. Those online rumors are just speculation. You know a company as large as the Lancaster Group couldn't possibly have so many problems in such a short time."
Harold remained suspicious. "Then what's behind all those reports?"
Wallace said, "It must be Ster. He's trying to force me out so he can come back. Don't worry, I'll handle it."
As he spoke, Wallace's eyes turned ice-cold.
That's right—all of this was Sterling's doing.
Whether the online commentary or that shell company that ran off with his money, it was all part of Sterling's plan!
His dear brother certainly knew how to manipulate people!
But he understood Harold just as well.
As long as it involved internal power struggles within the Lancaster family, Harold would be lenient.
He'd always liked ambitious children, enjoyed watching his offspring fight for the power he dangled before them. That way, he could select the most capable one.
Sure enough, after hearing this, Harold didn't pursue the matter further, only instructing him to deal with the online commentary quickly.
After hanging up, Wallace's eyes promised a coming storm.
He turned and called Max.
The line connected quickly. "Mr. Lancaster."
Wallace's voice was cold. "How's that task I gave you coming along?"
Max replied, "I've been watching near her residence, but she rarely goes out lately. I haven't found an opportunity to make a move."
Wallace was displeased. "I don't care about that! Whatever methods you use, bring her to me as soon as possible!"
Max agreed respectfully. "Yes."
Wallace hung up directly, thought for a moment, then sent Adeline a message.
Meanwhile.
At the Lancaster Manor.
Harold had just hung up when the butler entered with one of his subordinates.
Harold took them to his study. "What did you find?"
The subordinate reported, "We confirmed it—Ms. Spencer is indeed pregnant."
Harold's expression tightened. "How far along?"
"Nearly three months," the subordinate said.
Three months...
Right around when Willow had been married to Charles.
Harold didn't believe Sterling would be foolish enough to claim another man's child.
The baby Willow carried was his.
Conceived during her marriage to Charles.
What did that mean?
Harold recalled Charles coming to him with complaints that time.
Most likely, his grandson had simply wanted an excuse to frame Sterling. He hadn't known his wife had truly been with Sterling.
His grandson's wife cheating with his youngest son, and they'd even made a baby.
Harold considered himself worldly, but even he needed a moment to accept this reality.
This was more shocking than when Willow had shown him that video of Charles cheating.
At least Charles had cheated with an outsider, but they...
"Mr. Lancaster?" Seeing his expression, the subordinate stepped forward with concern.
Harold came back to himself, gathered his thoughts, and said gravely, "Watch her. Once she has the baby, bring the child back."
This matter absolutely could not get out.
But Harold wanted that child.
Though he didn't like Willow, he'd acknowledge she was a clever woman.
A clever woman, with his youngest son's child, Harold could already envision his future heir.
His grandson and youngest son both willing to die for a woman, but this grandchild, he wouldn't let anyone interfere with. He'd raise the child to be the perfect Lancaster family successor.
Late at night, at the Majestic City University residential compound.
Willow had already gone to sleep when she suddenly felt a chill.
Molly was talking to her when she noticed her tension. "Willow, what's wrong? Don't feel well?"
Willow shook her head. "It's nothing. Just felt cold for a moment."
At this, Molly snuggled closer, linking arms under the blanket. "Now you won't be cold!"
Willow smiled.
Molly continued chattering in her ear. "I wonder what Mr. Brown is doing right now. Has he gone to sleep? He didn't get another girlfriend, did he? But he said I'm his girlfriend..."
Since parting ways with Henry last time, Molly had been talking about him nonstop. Willow had gotten used to it.
"If you really want to know, why not contact him yourself?" she suggested.
Molly paused, showing rare timidity, even shrinking under the covers. "I don't dare..."
Willow laughed and pinched her cheek. "Didn't you say he called you his girlfriend? What's wrong with his girlfriend sending him a message?"
As she spoke, Willow reached for Molly's phone.
The next second, she heard Molly's muffled voice from under the blanket. "But... he also said he was joking."
Her tone carried disappointment, sounding dejected.
This was the first Willow had heard of it. Thinking of Henry's usual carefree attitude, her brow furrowed slightly.
She was about to say something when Molly's phone lit up.
Both instinctively looked over.
Seeing the message on screen, Molly's eyes brightened instantly as she sat up, clutching her phone in excitement.
"Willow, he messaged me first!" She stared at Henry's message, absolutely thrilled.
Willow saw the content too.
Henry was introducing Molly to a new production, offering her the second female lead. He said Sterling had mentioned it to him, and since the Brown Group was investing in a new drama, he could slot someone in. They'd even tailored the script for Molly specifically.
"Hehe, he got me into a production!" Molly was elated. "Willow, do you think I should go?"
But Willow's attention caught on the last line of the message—
[By the way, consider this payment for being my shield that day.]
Recalling what Molly had just said, Willow became even more convinced Henry was toying with her feelings.
A playboy like Henry, and someone as innocent as Molly—how could she possibly match him?
"Don't—" She started to refuse.
Molly cut her off. "I've decided—I'm going!"
She turned, eyes sparkling as she looked at Willow. "I finally get to play second female lead, and it's a big production backed by the Brown Group! This opportunity is too rare! I have to go!"
Willow swallowed her words.
As Molly said, this opportunity was rare. In her position, Willow would go too.
"Willow, I have a feeling—after this drama wraps, I'm definitely going to be famous!" Molly hugged her excitedly. "Just wait for me to support you!"
Willow didn't know whether to laugh or cry, peeling her off. "When are you leaving? I'll come with you."
She really couldn't feel at ease—she needed to see for herself.
Molly confirmed the details with Henry, set a time. Henry said he'd pick her up personally, sending Molly into another fit of excitement.