Chapter 2

It was too late!

Amelia ducked into the nearby staff lounge and locked the door behind her.

The next second, footsteps echoed in the corridor.

Then a man's icy, commanding voice rang out. "Who is the woman carrying my child?"

The doctor's voice shook, but he still refused to give Amelia up. "Mr. Hayes, I'm terribly sorry. A hacker attack a few days ago wiped out many records. We can't provide any details about this IVF cycle."

"Wiped out?" Kellan Hayes gave a cold laugh. "I suggest you think carefully before you speak again, or you'll lose that hand."

A strangled scream followed.

Amelia stood frozen behind the door, her face pale from the brutality in his tone.

She had tangled with a ruthless man. If he found her, he would never let her keep the baby.

The doctor wouldn't hold out long. She had to get away now.

Swallowing her panic, Amelia scanned the room. Her eyes locked on the window.

Second floor. The drainpipe outside would be easy enough to climb.

Without hesitation, she swung a leg over the sill and clambered out.

However, her dress caught on a protruding wire with a sharp rip.

The faint sound still reached Kellan outside.

His gaze snapped to the lounge door. "Open it," he ordered.

Amelia's heart hammered so hard she thought it might burst. The instant her feet touched ground she sprinted toward the street.

At the same moment, the lounge door crashed open under a powerful kick.

Kellan swept his eyes around the empty room, stepped to the window, and saw nothing but bustling traffic below.

His eyes narrowed at the few threads snagged on the wire. A low, chilling laugh escaped his throat.

"Pretty bold," he murmured.

Amelia burst through the hospital gates, so frantic she almost missed the car that shot out from the side.

She skidded to a stop just in time, but momentum sent her sprawling.

Her palms and arms scraped raw against pavement, pain searing through her skin.

She gritted her teeth, about to push herself up, when a deep voice sounded beside her. "Miss, do you need help?

Amelia's heart stopped. Her hands shook.

She looked up into the strikingly handsome face of Kellan Hayes.

He appeared calm, almost polite, nothing like the terrifying man from moments ago.

For a second, she couldn't tell if he recognized her as the woman who had used his sample.

She forced her voice steady. "Thank you, I'm fine on my own."

She struggled to her feet and hastily gathered her scattered things.

Just as she turned to leave, he spoke again, nodding at her torn hem. "Your dress is ripped. Do you need-"

"No, thank you. I fell earlier," she cut in.

She winced inwardly, aware she sounded defensive.

Better not to linger. She muttered another quick "Thanks" and hurried away.

She never noticed Kellan watching her retreating figure with unreadable eyes.

Back at the villa, Amelia finally exhaled.

The house was empty. She remembered Eduardo had an important business gala that night.

Even though the thought of him now made her sick, the investment leads at that gala were vital for her future plans.

She bandaged her scrapes, slipped into an evening gown, and drove to the hotel.

The ballroom overflowed with the city's elite.

The moment Amelia entered, she spotted Eduardo with Josie on his arm, both laughing with guests like the perfect couple.

Josie's eyes met hers and flashed with triumph. "Amelia, on such an important night for the Wayne family, how could the lady of the house arrive so late? Oh my God, you're hurt!"

Josie reached for Amelia's scraped arm as if to show everyone.

"I tripped on my way back from the hospital," Amelia said coolly, stepping neatly aside.

Josie's fake concern made her want to roll her eyes.

She acted like the lady of Wayne family.

"Why were you at the hospital? Feeling unwell? Oh, silly me. Eduardo mentioned you two were trying IVF again because you still can't conceive naturally. That must be exhausting!"

Her voice carried just far enough for nearby guests to hear.

Whispers rippled outward. "They say Mrs. Wayne is an orphan with no family backing. Guess it's true-she's desperate for a child to secure her place."

"Mr. Wayne and Miss Spencer look far better together. Amelia can't compare."

"But I heard she stood by him through his hardest years. That counts for something."

Eduardo glanced at Amelia's disheveled state and scowled with open irritation. "Amelia! You're embarrassing me in front of everyone. You knew how critical tonight is. If you're injured, you should have stayed home instead of showing up like this."

Amelia laughed coldly inside.

She had planned to wait until after the gala to demand a divorce. No need now.

"Eduardo, you still know the meaning of shame? I think using me as a womb for you and your mistress is a thousand times more humiliating than a few scratches. And Josie, I didn't know you liked the ripped-look trend. Take this trash off my hands. You're welcome. Remember, the title of Mrs. Wayne is my gift to you. Don't ever act like you earned it in front of me again. Eduardo, we're done. I want a divorce."