Chapter 10 Abortion Is the Only Way

• Then, he reasoned that her peculiar quirk must have something to do with the report.
• As he exerted even more pressure on her, her brows knitted as she explained softly, "I didn't tear it on purpose. The report was soaked in water due to the rain, and I could no longer read the words. That's why I threw it away."
• "Why did you have to tear it before you threw it away, then?" Alaric was still dwelling on it. Obviously, he would keep pestering Victoria if she couldn't convince him with a reasonable excuse.
• Then, when she looked into his eyes, she noticed how dark and gloomy they were. After a sigh, she said, "Have you ever considered that I might not have torn it?"
• "What?"
• "It was raining heavily that day, and when I took the report out, it was already in a soggy state, and some pieces of paper even got stuck on my clothes. I could only take them off one by one."
• Alaric was taken aback by Victoria's statement as he imagined the possible scene.
• The downpour was so intense that it drenched her completely. Hence, it was only natural that the paper had become soggy. She had no choice but to toss it in the laundry basket with the rest of her dirty clothes, but by the time the maids came to clean it up, the paper had dried out and appeared to be torn.
• After careful consideration, he decided that her words did not sound suspicious.
• Feeling the force on her shoulders loosen, Victoria assumed Alaric was convinced by her statement. Despite her relief, she decided to put everything on the line to dispel any remaining doubts he had about her pregnancy. At that thought, she looked at him and uttered tentatively, "Why are you panicking? Are you worried that it might have been a pregnancy report?"
• At first, he had planned to deny it, but hearing her last question, he felt his chest tighten. When he glanced at her, he tried to suppress his emotions.
• His glance prompted her to raise her brows. "What's with that expression? Are you afraid that my pregnancy might affect you and Claudia's relationship?"
• "Are you pregnant?" Alaric squinted his eyes in skepticism.
• Victoria shrugged. "No, or I would have shown you the report. As childhood friends, I suppose you'll compensate me a fair amount if I go for an abortion, won't you?"
• However, her nonchalant tone and indifferent attitude made his expression change slightly.
• "What did you say? Are you going for an abortion?"
• On the other hand, his last sentence made her heart skip a beat.
• "I'm speaking hypothetically only."
• Then, he narrowed his eyes as he looked at her, obsidian orbs carrying incomprehensible emotions. "Suppose you are pregnant; would you undergo an abortion?"
• She nodded subconsciously and lowered her head. "Yeah, maybe."
• Nonetheless, she didn't notice how his expression turned dark when she blurted her answer.
• Alaric was annoyed by Victoria's indifference, and he felt something churning in his chest as anxiety surrounded him densely.
• Then, Victoria continued, "What will happen to you and Claudia if I don't abort the child?"
• What will happen to Claudia and me? Her question was like having a bucket of ice water dumped on him, causing him to snap out of his stupor and get his bearings.
• The woman before him had fair skin and bright red lips; her features were dimensional and delicate, even without makeup. She had such a captivating appearance that it was hard to take one's eyes off her for even a moment.
• After a moment of observing Victoria, Alaric withdrew the emotion from his eyes, stood up, and had since calmed down. He suggested, with a cold voice that sounded entirely different from before, "You don't have to go to the company today. Take a good rest."
• Soon, he turned and left the bedroom with a cold expression.
• Yes, she's right. Even if she ever gets pregnant, she will be forced to abort the child. Back then, Claudia had risked her life to save him. He couldn't let her down, and he would never betray her!
• After Alaric left, Victoria sat on the couch in a daze before continuing her work. This is the path I have chosen, so I am on my own.
• Suddenly, her phone rang, and she glanced at it to see it was from Noel Javier. He knew she was sick and wanted to take over her work.
• He used to be her father's right-hand man at Selwyn Corporation before the Selwyn Family went bankrupt. However, the company's sudden bankruptcy derailed what should have been a prosperous future for him.
• After the incident, Victoria thought he would look for a position more fitting to his talents, but he joined Cadogan Group. It came as a shock to her after she learned about it.
• Victoria certainly knew Noel’s feelings for her. However, her heart had long belonged to someone else.
• Few people in this world would have their feelings reciprocated.
• Thinking of that, Victoria snapped out of her daze and declined Noel's offer. "Don't worry about it, Noel. It's only a cold. I'm all good now."
• Meanwhile, on the other line, he said nothing and sighed heavily, "Are you drawing a line between us now, Victoria?"
• When she heard that, she paused in silence.
• "Let's put aside Mr. Selwyn being my savior. We're now colleagues in the Cadogan Group. Shouldn't we help each other out during hard times?"
• "Noel—"
• "Do you think I'm incapable of taking over your responsibilities? Or are you starting to dislike me?"
• "Not at all," Victoria hurriedly denied it. "You've treated me very well. Why would I dislike you?"
• She did not have a brother, and Noel, a few years older than her, was always considerate toward her. Moreover, she had always regarded him as an older brother. So, why would she hate him?
• Hence, when she denied his statements, she sounded anxious.
• Perhaps, her attitude had pleased him, eliciting a chuckle from the other end of the line. His laughter was deep yet sweet.
• "If you don't hate me, transfer your tasks over."
• Victoria bit her red lips and nodded eventually.
• "Okay, then. Thanks for helping out, Noel. I'll treat you to a meal later."
• "I will remember your promise."
• "Sure."
• After the call ended, Victoria emailed Noel about the task, but she was so concerned about forgetting something that she took her time writing a detailed message.
• Meanwhile, it took him a while to text her. 'Okay. I got it. Stop worrying about it and get some rest.'
• Finally, she felt a huge weight lifted off her shoulders that she could delegate her duties to someone she trusted when she was sick. Initially, she had planned to return to the company, but she could now rest at home for another day.
• At that moment, she realized another pressing matter that required her attention. Victoria looked down and glanced at her belly before reaching down and gently stroking it with her hand.
• Within my body, a new life is beginning to take shape. What am I supposed to do with the child? Should I go ahead with the abortion?
• When she thought about it, she felt utterly helpless.
• Then, she fished out her phone and dialed her best friend's number.