Chapter 18 The Real Father of Martha’s Baby
Martha flinched and instinctively covered her phone screen with her palm. “What are you looking at? Quit staring already!!”
However, Stella had already caught the brief flicker of panic in her eyes.
Martha had been furious just moments ago, yet one phone call had flipped her mood entirely? Though Martha was always guarded, Stella had still caught Frank’s caller ID, which sounded like a man’s name.
Martha didn’t bother explaining. She yanked the door open and stepped into the hallway to take the call
Stella’s gaze lingered on her retreating figure, thoughtful.
Anyone who could make Martha panic like that had to hold real power over her. Pushing the thought further, Stella considered the most dangerous possibility.
Could that man be the father of Martha’s baby?
At the far end of the hall, Martha dashed into her bedroom and answered just before the call disconnected.
“Ms. Nord, are you ready? I’ll come pick you up.” Frank’s voice was calm, but his words carried a veiled threat.
He actually dared come to the Parker residence to pick her up? Was he that desperate to expose their connection together?
Martha’s voice was low and sharp. “If I’m not mistaken, our meeting isn’t for another two hours.”
They were supposed to have lunch. She still had time before the rendezvous.
Frank chuckled, unbothered. “I’m not a patient man. And the sooner we meet, the sooner our little date begins. I’ve been dying to see you.”
His casual tone made her sick. The Livingston family wasn’t even on the radar in Cindervale. If he didn’t have something over her, he’d never get a meeting in this lifetime.
But if Frank actually showed up at the Parker residence and got seen by the staff, there’d be no way to explain it.
Martha’s voice turned urgent. “Don’t come here! I’ll change and meet you somewhere else.”
Frank’s voice dropped into something deceptively tender. “I’ll be waiting, Martha.”
She hung up fast, then tossed the phone away.
Frank actually thought he had a shot with her? Keep dreaming.
Taking a deep breath, she called Bernice. “Mom, Frank took the bait. You make sure the guy’s in place.”
Bernice responded lazily, “Don’t worry. You just get him out in the open. I’ll handle the rest.”
The upscale district in Cindervale wasn’t exactly huge. If anyone she knew spotted her, word could easily get back to Jeremy.
“The Livingston are nobody. If he wants to climb, he’ll behave. Just play your part,” Bernice added.
After hanging up, Martha changed into a sleek black cocktail dress, threw on a hat, and slipped out. She didn’t notice that Stella followed her, staying just out of sight
Martha’s car sped down the road. Stella, masked up and discreet, flagged down a cab. “Follow that car. Don’t let them notice. I’ll pay
double.”
She needed to know what Martha was up to..
Martha’s car finally stopped in an underground parking garage beneath a mall. She took the elevator up with her bag in hand.
Stella trailed behind, blending into the crowd.
Brank was already waiting by the restaurant entrance, dressed in a suit, trying to look refined.
Märtha approached, pulling her hat lower. “Why didn’t you wait inside?“”
Frank grabbed her arm. “You seem nervous. Afraid someone will see us?”
Nervous? She was downright repulsed.
She yanked her arm away. “Don’t touch me. We’re in public.”
Frank had thought he could push her around. He didn’t expect such obvious disdain.
Her reaction hit a nerve, and he sneered. “You were pretty into it the night we slept together. What’s with the cold act now?”
The baby in her belly was his. Once it was born, a DNA test would confirm everything. And then, marrying into the Parker family? Easy
money.
Martha knew exactly what he was thinking. She glared at him. “Keep your voice down! If anyone hears, you’re dead.”
“You scared? Then, cooperate.” He leaned in close. “Do as I say, and that little secret of ours will stay between us.”
Her face turned pale. She regretted that night more than anything. If not for greed, she would’ve never tangled with this bottom–feeder.
Frank smiled. “Relax. We’re just on a date. Stop looking like you’re being held hostage.”
He reached up and casually pulled off her hat, then held her hand with mock affection. “Let’s go.”
Martha tried to pull away, but Frank had her in a firm grip. Together, they walked awkwardly into the restaurant.
Stella lowered her phone from a nearby corner and reviewed the photos she’d just taken.
She had timed it perfectly, snapping the exact moment Frank removed Martha’s hat. Both their faces were clearly visible. She backed up the photo and headed back downstairs.
Frank’s behavior was telling, but Martha’s expression said even more. She wasn’t happy about being there.
That made sense. Why would she ever look at Frank if she could marry Jeremy Parker?
Stella’s guess was spot–on. Martha was carrying Frank’s baby. Now, she had proof and leverage.
She didn’t linger. She called another cab and returned to the Parker residence.
Stella stared out the window on the ride back, her heart heavy. She felt like a bird trapped in a cage, wings clipped, with nowhere to fly. But before she could get lost in that thought, her phone rang
The caller ID made her chest tighten. It was a call from Concord Hospital. Her fingers trembled as she answered.
A voice came through the call. “Ms. Irwin, your mother is in critical condition. She’s in the emergency room now. Please come immediately.”
She opened her mouth to respond, but the call had already ended.
She choked on her next breath. “Driver, please change the destination. Concord Hospital. Hurry.”
“Got it.” The driver glanced at her through the mirror, noticed her pale face, and floored it.
The car skidded to a stop outside the hospital, Stella barely made it through the front doors. The red emergency light over the surgery room burned into her vision.
She stumbled forward. “Doctor, how is she?”
The doctor looked uncomfortable. “She’s still in surgery. We can’t give a definite answer yo surgery fee hasn’t been fully paid. You’ll need to cover the remainder.”
yet. We’ll know more afterward. And the
Stella’s lips trembled. “She was stable after the last operation. How did things go south so fast?”
The doctor looked away. “Yesterday.. her medication was stopped for a day.”
Stella felt like ice water had been poured down her spine, and her lips went white. “She wasn’t stable! Why would you stop her treatment?”
The doctor didn’t answer, but Stella already knew. Such retaliation had Martha’s fingerprints all over it.
