Chapter 40 Can It Be Done or Not
She stood there in silence, not saying a word.
Alex said, "Mom, you seem fine. We're heading back to pray now."
With that, ignoring his mother's expression, he grabbed Emily's wrist and walked away.
The service continued.
Emily took a deep breath and focused solely on praying for the baby in her belly, hoping he would grow up healthy and safe.
No matter what, she would bring this baby safely into the world.
Alex glanced at her and saw her gentle expression, her whole being seeming to quiet down.
His lips parted slightly, words on the tip of his tongue, but he didn't know how to say them.
When the service ended, Susan helped Margaret out of the church.
Linda was already waiting outside, frowning. "Mom, all the families around here now know we're trying for an heir."
Then she changed her tone and pressed, "Emily, is there something wrong with your body? You've been married into the Baker family for three years and haven't even had a child."
If they'd chosen someone else back then, she would already have a grandchild by now.
Emily was about to speak when Margaret scolded first, "What are you talking about? Emmie's fine—it's that brat Alex who's the problem! Always buried in work, never paying attention to her. No wonder they don't have a baby yet."
"Mom!" Linda shrieked, looking at Margaret in disbelief. "How can you say that about Alex? There's no way he has a problem!"
"Why not?" Margaret stuck her neck out stubbornly. "I'm going to find you some remedies right now to help that brat get his health in order."
Alex's eyes narrowed dangerously as he looked at Emily.
He'd just helped her out—now it was this woman's turn, right?
Emily bit the bullet and clarified, "Grandma, Mom, we've really just been too busy lately and haven't had time to think about this. It's nobody's fault. When we have time, we'll consider it."
Linda let out a cold laugh. Too busy?
Did they really think she was clueless? With Emily's design skills, she wasn't some international master—what was she putting on airs for?
But with the old lady present, she couldn't say much more.
When it was time to leave, Alex went to get the car, and Margaret and Anna went to sit and wait nearby.
In the garden, only the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law remained.
Just then, Mrs. Jackson walked over with her grandson, greeting them with a smile. "Linda, heading home?"
Linda smiled gracefully. "Yes, as elders, we worry about our children's matters all day. Look at you—you're so lucky. Your grandson is growing up chubby and adorable. He'll be walking next year, right? Sigh, I can't even see a shadow of one yet."
As she spoke, she glanced at Emily's flat stomach.
Something with nothing in her belly, deliberately making her lose face in the ladies' circle.
Emily pressed her lips together and said nothing.
Her mother-in-law was doing this on purpose, just to embarrass her.
Mrs. Jackson smiled and looked over, a flash of contempt in her eyes that quickly disappeared. "Miss Johnson, you'd better step it up. If a woman can't even have children, there are plenty of people ready to take her place. Where will you be then?"
Linda deliberately cooed at the child, "Baby, tell me, is it that Auntie Emily can't have a cute baby like you? So adorable! How is it that some people can have babies right after getting married? Such good fortune."
The child babbled, looking at Emily innocently.
Linda and Mrs. Jackson laughed smugly.
Emily looked at the scene before her, her fingers gripping her skirt a bit tightly.
She endured this pressure to have a baby without saying a word.
Her baby would never become a trophy to show off between power players.
Mrs. Jackson smirked triumphantly, held the child, exchanged a few more pleasantries, then turned and got in her car.
Once again, only the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law remained.
The air fell silent for a moment.
Linda slowly turned around, looked her up and down, and said harshly, "Emily, you think the old lady protecting you means you're safe? That so-called career of yours is just playing around—you're still living off the Baker name. If the old lady hadn't pushed for this marriage, your family would never have reached our level. So wise up and have a baby. At least then you'd be useful."
Every word was full of pressure.
Emily raised her head, completely out of patience. Those clear, cold eyes no longer held their usual gentleness, only indifference. "The Johnson family earned everything we have. We don't rely on anyone. I have more design awards than you have designer bags. And about this marriage? Alex agreed to it—I didn't twist his arm. So if you hate me that much, tell him to divorce me. I'm ready whenever."
She was worried about not being able to get divorced anyway.
If they wanted a child so badly, they could have someone else give Alex one.
Grace was carrying one right now, wasn't she?
"You!" Linda was left speechless by her retort.
Just as she was about to lose her temper, Alex and the old lady came back.
Margaret could tell nothing good was happening. "Enough, stop making a scene in public. Emmie, come sit in the back with Grandma."
She then took Emily's hand and got in the car.
Inside the car, no one spoke.
Linda had a cold expression, her eyes full of disdain.
Sitting with someone from a small family like Emily made her feel like she was lowering herself.
Just then, an incoming call notification sounded.
Alex's phone was connected to the car's Bluetooth, and a name popped up on the screen: Grace.
Emily's expression didn't change, pretending not to see it.
The next second, Alex answered.
Grace's delicate voice immediately filled the car. "Alex, my stomach hurts so much... Can you come be with me? I'm so scared, I feel terrible."
Her trembling words reached everyone's ears clearly.
The car suddenly fell into dead silence.
Emily lowered her eyes, hiding the mockery in them. Grace really knew how to pick her moments.
Alex said, "I'll come right—"
"Alex, if you dare go see that homewrecker today, don't call me Grandma anymore!"
Suddenly, Margaret spoke in a serious tone she'd never used with her grandchildren before.
The person on the other end of the phone was clearly stunned.
Obviously not expecting the old lady to be there and to have heard everything.
Alex frowned. "Grandma, Grace isn't feeling well."
But the old lady ignored him, her voice suddenly turning cold. "Who told you to call Alex? My grandson has a legal wife. What does it mean for you, an outsider, to come crying to him?"
"Miss Miller, I suggest you show some self-respect!"
Margaret could usually turn a blind eye, but now that Grace was provoking right in front of Emmie, how could she just sit by?
The authority in her words immediately overpowered Grace's delicate crying.
Grace's sobbing voice froze, unable to respond for a long time.