Chapter 235
Elle's POV
Several days had passed since the Hamilton estate incident, and I'd become something of a hermit. I declined every invitation that came my way, claiming pregnancy fatigue whenever anyone asked. In truth, I just needed space to process everything that had happened.
Later that morning, I stood in my walk-in closet, staring at my rapidly expanding belly in the mirror. None of my old clothes fit anymore, and Martha had been busy ordering new maternity wear.
"Martha, this is really unnecessary," I protested as she hung up yet another batch of custom-made dresses. "I'm growing so fast that most of these will only fit for a week or two. It seems like such a waste to wear something only once."
Martha looked at me with gentle amusement. "Mrs. Rayne, given your status, even if you weren't pregnant, most clothes would only be worn once or twice anyway. Mr. Rayne's suits are typically worn just once before being donated or stored."
I stared at her in disbelief. "That's insane."
"That's wealth, dear," she said matter-of-factly, smoothing out a soft blue maternity dress. "Different world, different rules."
I shook my head, still unable to wrap my mind around such casual extravagance. Sometimes I wondered if I'd ever truly adjust to this lifestyle.
My phone rang, interrupting my thoughts. The caller ID showed Susan's number, and I answered immediately.
"Mom? Is everything okay?"
"Elle!" Susan's voice was so bright and excited that it practically burst through the speaker. "I have the most amazing news! I'm pregnant!"
The words hit me like a lightning bolt. I literally felt my knees wobble. "Mom, please don't joke about something like this. You're in your forties!"
"I'm not joking, sweetheart! I'm two months along. Elle, I'm finally going to be a mother!" Her voice broke with emotion. "After all these years, it's finally happening!"
The phone slipped in my trembling hand as the news sank in. Susan – my Susan, who had endured so much pain and disappointment – was finally getting her dream.
"Mom," I whispered, tears streaming down my face. "Oh my God, congratulations! You're finally getting everything you deserve! I'm coming right now! Don't move, just wait for me!"
I hung up and immediately started pacing the room, my mind racing with everything that needed to be done.
"Alex!" I called out, my voice cracking with emotion. "We need to pack! Now! And call the medical center – I want doctors and equipment ready. I need to see the test results myself!"
Alex appeared instantly, already reaching for his phone. "Right away, Mrs. Rayne. What do you need packed?"
"Everything! All the supplements we have, cash – lots of cash. And get the helicopter ready, I can't wait for a car!"
Martha appeared, drawn by my excited shouting. "Mrs. Rayne, this is wonderful news! But perhaps you should call Mr. Rayne first? Let him know about the situation and see how he wants to arrange things?"
Her words cut through my emotional fog. She was right – I needed to call Brad.
I dialed his number with shaking fingers.
"Brad," I said the moment he picked up, laughing and crying at the same time. "I have incredible news! Susan's pregnant! She's finally pregnant! After all these years, she's finally going to be a mother!"
There was a brief pause, then Brad's warm voice came through. "That's wonderful news, Elle. I can hear how happy you are."
"Can you come home? I want to go see her right away, but I want to make sure everything's arranged properly."
"I'm already heading out," he said. "Don't do anything until I get there. We'll handle this together."
Less than an hour later, I heard Brad's car in the driveway. I was standing by the front door, bundled in my coat and practically vibrating with excitement.
Brad walked in, took one look at the luggage scattered across the foyer and my anxious face, and made an executive decision.
After a quick call to Elizabeth to let the family know where we were going, we boarded the helicopter. As Moonshade Bay grew smaller below us, I couldn't stop thinking about Susan's joy. Finally, something good was happening for her.
Ten minutes later, we landed at the small medical facility near Susan's neighborhood. She was waiting for us, looking bewildered by the helicopter and the small army of medical staff Brad had assembled.
"Elle, sweetheart, this is quite an operation," Susan said, hugging me carefully. "I already had my tests done at the local clinic."
"I know, but I want to be absolutely sure," I said, not letting go of her. "I brought the best equipment and doctors. Please, just let them check everything again."
Susan looked embarrassed by the attention, but she agreed. Alex had even installed portable heating units to ensure the examination room was perfectly temperature-controlled.
An hour later, the lead physician emerged with a comprehensive report. "Mrs. West is indeed pregnant, approximately ten weeks along," he confirmed.
I felt all the tension leave my body. It was real. Susan was really going to have her baby.
The doctor, who had been organizing his notes, hesitated. Something in his expression made my stomach clench.
"What is it?" Brad's voice carried a subtle threat. "Is there something else?"
The doctor glanced between us nervously. "Well, there are some... complications we need to discuss."
My blood turned to ice. "What kind of complications?"
"Mrs. West's overall health is quite poor due to years of physical strain and inadequate nutrition. She's severely deficient in both qi and blood, which makes the pregnancy unstable." He paused, clearly reluctant to continue. "Additionally, there's a blood type incompatibility issue. Mrs. West has AB blood type, and the father has type O. There's a significant risk of hemolytic disease."
I felt the color drain from my face. "Hemolytic disease?"
Brad's hand found my elbow as I swayed slightly. His voice was deadly quiet when he addressed the doctor. "Explain. All of it."
The doctor swallowed hard under Brad's intimidating stare. "Based on our advanced analysis, there's an 80% probability of hemolytic disease occurring. This condition can be managed with medication, but given Mrs. West's poor health and advanced maternal age..."
"What's the worst-case scenario?" I whispered, my voice barely audible. "Tell me the worst thing that could happen."
The doctor's face was grave. "Death. Both maternal and fetal mortality are possible. Mrs. West's body is already compromised, and the additional stress of treating hemolytic disease could trigger complications that... could result in death."
The word hit me like a physical blow. I grabbed the doctor's arm, my fingers digging into his sleeve.
"What are you saying?" My voice cracked. "How can this happen? She finally found her happiness, she finally gets to be a mother, and now you're telling me she could die? No. Absolutely not! I won't accept this!"
The room started spinning, and I felt Brad's strong arms wrap around me as my legs gave out.