Chapter 69

Ronaldo was a guy who enjoyed being in charge. He meticulously considered every aspect of his life, every conversation, and every choice. He so observed right away when Roseline's behaviour started to shift subtly.

While eating, she seemed aloof and preoccupied, her gaze fixed on nothing in particular. She had started taking walks in the evening, something she had never done before, and now she hesitated before speaking. To Ronaldo, these developments were major warning lights, even if they may have appeared insignificant to others.

He folded his newspaper and leaned forward for breakfast one morning, staring at her intently as she absently stirred her coffee.

His tone was light but tinged with suspicion when he remarked, "You've been silent lately."

Startled, Roseline attempted a grin as she glanced up. "I'm just exhausted. I'm usually lethargic in the cold.

After giving her a long look, Ronaldo mustered a grin that stopped short of his eyes. Maybe you should take a vacation. Something to cheer you up."

She forced a grin as she agreed, but her stomach churned. Ronaldo's good deeds were never as genuine as they seemed.

Ronaldo called Vincent to his studies later that day. Silently, the enforcer entered, his customary stoicism showing no signs of weakness.

Ronaldo swirled a tumbler of brandy in his palm and said, "There's something wrong with Roseline." "She's keeping something from me."

Vincent tilted his head sideways. "What are your expectations of me?"

"Observe her. Nearly. I'd want to know where she goes, who she talks to, and why she appears so distracted all of a sudden.

Just enough time passed for Ronaldo to observe Vincent's hesitation.

"Are you withholding anything from me?" Ronaldo's voice fell into a perilous tone as he inquired.

"No, sir," Vincent said with ease. "I'll take care of it."

With jangled nerves, Roseline was preparing for her nightly stroll. She was certain that Vincent's persistent presence around the estate was sufficient evidence that she was being watched. She felt as if she was walking a tightrope over a pit of vipers with each step.

Her heart was thumping in the chilly evening air. She couldn't risk seeing Sam tonight, which wasn't her plan. In an attempt to maintain the appearance of normality, she just strolled about the garden.

She wasn't alone, however.

Vincent's sharp eyes followed her every step, watching her from the shadows. He had previously followed her and saw her meeting with Sam. However, he hadn't yet told Ronaldo about it. Loyalty was something Vincent took great pleasure in, yet something about Roseline's circumstances caused him to pause.

He saw her pause at the fountains, her hand inadvertently landing on her tummy. He squinted his eyes.

Ronaldo stood in front of the fireplace in the mansion, staring into the flames. His senses told him something wasn't quite right, but he wasn't sure what it was yet.

He was expecting Vincent when the door opened, but the housekeeper came in with a tray instead.

She stumbled, "Sir, there is something you should know," her words.

Ronaldo's face became serious. "Talk."

She anxiously fidgeted and set down the tray. A few days ago, I discovered something in Mrs. DuCiel's chamber. A test for pregnancy. It was a good thing.

Ronaldo remained silent for a while, allowing his remarks to linger in the atmosphere like a tempest cloud. Then, slowly, he grinned. His grin was sharp, not friendly, with a calculated menace in it.

With a silky tone, he murmured, "Thank you." "You've been very beneficial."

The housekeeper bowed her head and quickly turned away, attempting to escape the stressful environment.

Exhausted from the stress of maintaining this façade, Roseline limped back to her room that evening. She remained still as soon as she shut the door behind her. There was a little velvet box on her bedside table.

As she arrived, her heart thumping, her breath seized. When she opened it, she found a nicely folded letter inside.

*My dear, congratulations. Our family will be amazing. Collectively.

She felt a chill when she heard the words. Ronaldo was aware. He believed he did, anyhow. How much did he know, though? And if he discovered the kid wasn't his, how would he respond?

Ronaldo poured himself another drink in his study as his mind raced. He wasn't a moron. The timetable hardly made sense, but Roseline's behaviour betrayed her dishonesty. What, and more crucially, who she had secrets to conceal was the issue, not whether she had any.

Glancing at his phone, he called Vincent.

"Has she been dating other people?"

Following a little period of quiet, Vincent said, "Not recently, sir. She is restless, however.

Ronaldo tightened his jaw. "Continue to follow her. Additionally, compare her motions over the previous two weeks. I want everything.

"Yes, sir." Ronaldo's eyes flared dangerously as he hung up. He would find out whatever Roseline was hiding from him. And there would be repercussions if he did. --- Roseline lay in bed that night, gazing up at the ceiling. Fear and despair swirled through her consciousness. With a tight grip around her tummy, she vowed to safeguard her child in silence. When the quiet step outside her door caused her to sit up in bed, she had already started to fall asleep.

The door creaked open as the doorknob twisted slowly. Her voice was shaking as she muttered, "Who's there?" Roseline gasped as she recognized Vincent's form as a shadow entered the room. He murmured, "We need to speak," and shut the door.