Chapter 410


    ter porcin isn’t as broken as the one we’re working on,” Caleb sald. “Why’d you say it couldn’t be


    fixed after one look? Is there a reason?”


    Alexander’s curiosity piqued. “What’s wrong with that porcin?”


    Skr saw no reason to withhold the truth. “There’s definitely something off about that porcin. It’s


    not meant for decoration; it houses a negative Item for some dark purpose.”


    She’d also noticed something suspicious about the bracelet Annabelle wore. Her intentions weren’t


    pure. Alexander was taken aback. “Negative items?”


    He wasn’t familiar with such things, but Vi was, and Skr was her protégé. That was enough for


    him to trust her.


    “No wonder I felt on edge when she came in, Caleb admitted btedly. “I couldn’t exin it, but the


    feeling vanished the moment she left.”


    The same for me,” echoed Alexander. “I thought it was just my age catching up with me, but I never


    imagined someone would resort to such dark magic.”


    He sighed. It reflected the darker side of humanity–maniptive and opportunistic.


    “Did either of you touch the fragments? Wash your hands if you did. We should also air out the


    room by opening the windows,” Skr advised. The unpleasant odor still lingered for her.


    Suddenly, she thought of Jeremy. Annabelle was Jeremy’s secretary, and they spent nearly every


    day together. Their constant interaction might influence him.


    However, thepany wasrge. Even with daily interactions, as long as Annabelle’s actions didn’t


    directly involve Jeremy, the impact would be minimal.


    Furious after leaving Alexander’s office, Annabelle contacted several renowned restorers through a


    friend.


    However, after sending photos of the shattered porcin, all she received were messages of


    helplessness. The porcin was too badly broken, and even her high–price offers couldn’t tempt


    anyone to take on the job.


    “Why is my luck so badtely? Everything’s going wrong. Everything seems to be falling apart just


    as I’m about to be Mrs. Hughes!” she cried in frustration.


    That morning, she shouldn’t have messed around with Jeremy in the living room. In a moment of


    recklessness, she’d identally knocked over the porcin.


    As the porcin shattered, she tried to hide her nervousness, fearing Jeremy might suspect


    something.


    Annabelle gently touched her still t abdomen. The baby inside was remarkably calm. Despite all


    the passionate encounters with Jeremy, it seemed unaffected. She might have forgotten she was


    pregnant if


    not for the asional fatigue,


    Just a little longer,” she whispered. “Soon, we’ll both be part of the Hughes family. No one will stop


    us. That Natalie can’tpete with me. Your father will eventually see how amazing I am, and we’ll


    all be a family.”


    Gazing at the shattered porcin, a deep unease settled over Annabelle. On some level, she


    sensed it signified something.


    Natalie had nned to stay upte with Austin, but his evening shoot was abruptly canceled. The


    female lead sustained an injury and was rushed to the hospital.


    Austin decided to rest, and so did Natalie. She passed by Jeremy’spany on her way back and


    decided to stop by. Instructing the cab driver to pull over, she dialed Jeremy’s number.


    N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.


    It was nearing the end of his workday, so he shouldn’t be too busy. As she expected, Jeremy


    answered promptly. “Nath.”


    Natalia murmare, may be heading home tree Arn your busy today?


    There was a twn–encond allence before Jeremy repliest. I’m heading to the airport now. I meant to


    call you from there, but things got hectic. Take care of yourself these next few days. I’ll make it up to


    you when 1 retum from this business tip


    “Another trip? If I had known earlier, I would havee to the airport to see you off. We could have


    at least seen each other. Even though she was somewhat mentally prepared, Jeremy’s response


    still left Natalie feeling unsettled


    “111 be back in just a couple of days, Nath. I’ll miss you.” Jeremy reassured Natalie in a gentle,


    soothing


    tone


    Natalie, mollified by his tone, simply said, “Alright.”


    The driver saw Natalie end the call. “Ready to go?”


    Natalie nced longingly at the Hughes Group building. She’d hoped to surprise Jeremy.


    Just as she was about to instruct the driver, she spotted Jeremy walking out. Her expression


    changed abruptly. Wasn’t he supposed to be rushing to the airport for his business trip?