Chapter 78
Sarah's reckless words showed just how panicked she was inside.
Her reaction made Ava feel unexpectedly pleased. After all, she didn't have to do anything now—Sarah was already about to explode with anger.
It was Sarah who first sent the ultrasound to provoke her, yet now, seeing Ava with a growing belly, her jealousy was beyond words.
"You seem very interested in our married life? Sorry, but I'm not used to sharing private matters between my husband and me with others."
Sarah was in no mood for yoga anymore. Ava's pregnancy hit her like a bolt from the blue. After all her scheming, it had all been for nothing.
The position of Mrs. Morgan that was almost within her grasp was now firmly occupied by another woman. How could she accept this?
"Being pregnant means nothing. Being able to give birth is what counts."
Sarah's words were both a curse and a threat.
Given her past behavior, a chill ran down Ava's spine. This crazy woman was capable of anything. She needed to find a way to ensure her own safety now.
"My baby will naturally come into this world safely. You should worry about becoming infertile from taking too many pills. If you walk by the river often enough, your shoes will get wet eventually. Aren't you afraid he'll find out about your other men?"
Sarah's expression changed slightly.
"I have someone as outstanding as William. Why would I need to look for anyone else?"
Ava laughed at this woman's shamelessness. Given how William had been treating her lately, she still had the nerve to boast.
"You say he's your man, but he has to acknowledge it, too. You've known each other for over ten years, and in the end, didn't he marry someone else?"
"You!"
Sarah was fuming with rage. In her agitation, she even pointed her index finger at Ava.
Just then, the prenatal class was about to start, and the instructor called people into the classroom.
Ava ignored her and went inside to find her spot. She was here for yoga, not to argue with Sarah. Running into her was unlucky enough—she couldn't let it affect her mood.
Sarah stood outside the door fuming for a long time. When Ava finished her meditation and looked outside, Sarah was already gone.
After the yoga class, thinking about Sarah's threatening words made Ava's spine go cold. She sat in her car for a long time without moving, then finally called Michael.
"Michael, do you have any reliable bodyguards you could recommend? I feel like someone might be out to harm me."
On the other end, Michael paused his meeting and quickly stepped outside, his voice full of concern and worry.
"Ava, has something happened?"
"No, just being cautious."
Michael relaxed a bit hearing this. "Yes, I'll contact someone for you right away."
"Michael, I need them now."
Ava was truly scared. She had no choice but to turn to Michael. She couldn't think of anyone else who could help her—someone capable who also knew about her pregnancy. Only Michael fit that description.
She didn't know if Sarah had arranged for someone to harm her the moment she left the yoga studio, like last time. She didn't dare take that chance, so she locked herself in the car and waited.
The two bodyguards Michael arranged arrived quickly at the location she provided—two burly men. The lead man came forward first to introduce himself.
"Hello, Ms. Davis. My name is Sam." Then he pointed to the other man and introduced him.
"This is Aiden. From now on, the two of us will be responsible for your safety. We won't normally appear in your line of sight, but if you're in danger, we'll immediately protect you."
Ava didn't catch a single word of that last long explanation. She only heard him say, "My name is Sam."
Could Sam be the mysterious Sam in her phone contacts?
Ava looked puzzled.
"Let's talk about fees first. This is my first time hiring bodyguards, so I don't know the going rate. What's your usual salary?"
"Mr. Morgan has already prepaid our salary for a year. Mr. Morgan instructed us that you don't need to worry about this."
Ava fell silent. She owed Michael another big favor. She wondered how many meals she'd have to treat him to in order to pay him back.
"Then let me get your phone number so I can reach you if needed."
The man named Sam took out his phone and dialed a number. Ava's phone rang.
"Ms. Davis, this is my number. I'm at your service twenty-four hours a day."
Ava looked at the caller ID on her screen—"Mysterious Sam"—the very person who had secretly helped her some time ago.
So she had guessed right. The person behind Sam really was Michael.
"Twenty-four hours isn't necessary. I generally won't need you at night."
"We're on call at all times—that's our duty. If you need anything, call this number anytime. I guarantee I'll answer immediately."
"Alright then."
Ava was won over by this dedicated man. Who would have thought the most reassuring words she'd hear in this lifetime would come from a stranger? If these words could come from William's mouth, she'd be moved to tears.
She smiled bitterly. What a nice dream.
"I'm heading home now. Follow me discreetly and watch the vehicles on the road. If any suspicious cars are following me, take action immediately."
"Rest assured, Ms. Davis. We're professionals. We'll definitely ensure your safety."
Only then did Ava's anxious heart settle back down. She slowly started her car and merged into traffic. The black Volkswagen blended into the background behind her car.
When she got home, William wasn't back yet.
Lily had made dinner. Ava had already eaten at the office and told her on the phone to just make some porridge for dinner.
The kitchen was filled with a delicious aroma—the smell of Ava's favorite porridge.
Lily brought a bowl of porridge to the dining room.
"Mrs. Ava Morgan, what else should I make for dinner for Mr. Morgan?"
This question stumped Ava. How would she know what William wanted to eat?
In the past, she would indeed ask him in advance what he wanted to eat and give Lily detailed instructions about every meal.
She hadn't done such thankless work in quite a while.
"Just give him whatever's available."
She answered casually. Lily looked troubled. The most difficult cooking request in the world was "whatever."
William, with all his rich young master's quirks, wouldn't even touch his utensils if the food wasn't to his taste.
"Mrs. Ava Morgan, why don't you call and ask?"
Ava picked up her phone and swiped the screen a few times before putting it down. As she hesitated, the sound of a car engine came from outside. There was no need to call anymore.
William entered the house, glanced at the dining room, and went straight upstairs to change clothes and freshen up briefly.
By the time he came down, Ava had already finished her bowl of porridge.
He stared at the empty bowl on the table for a long time, unable to tell what she had eaten.
"What did you have for dinner?"
Lily had only made porridge and asked guiltily, "Mrs. Ava Morgan had porridge. What else would you like to eat, sir?"
William sat down next to Ava.
"Get me a bowl."
Lily hurried to serve him a bowl and placed it on the table, then went back to the kitchen to get utensils. When she came out, William had already picked up Ava's used spoon and started eating.
"What kept you so busy today that you didn't even eat lunch?"
Ava didn't tell him about running into Sarah at the yoga studio.
"I'm busy with the Design Department's annual competition."
William understood. The Design Department held a competition once a year. The winner got a raise, while the person in last place faced a one-month probation period. If they didn't pass probation, they'd be fired directly.
This rule was set by William himself to motivate the Design Department employees. After all, the Design Department was the core of the Morgan Group.
"How's your preparation going?"
This was the first time since Ava joined the company that he'd asked about her work.
"Not great."
She answered honestly. She was always overly critical of herself. The design she'd rushed out in one day had too many areas that needed revision in her view. It was just good enough to submit and to keep a low profile in the Design Department. But it really couldn't be called an outstanding work.