When There Is Nothing Left But Love
Chapter 474

I began to pity her. She'd become a bundle of nerves over the appearance of this kid. I scoffed,"Biological relationships are such fascinating things. No one can predict how they'll play out in thefuture, so here's a piece of advice for you—just focus on the baby in your belly and live your lifewithout worrying about every little thing.”

Jared obviously doesn't love her at all. The only bargaining chip she has is her unborn baby.

I didn't want to continue debating such meaningless topics with her, so I quickly entered therestroom.

Suddenly Stacey was calling me. I was reluctant to pick up the phone but decided to answer the callafter some thought.

"Are you busy? Can we grab a bite together tomorrow?” She worked at Fuller Corporation, and Iknew she was busy as she frequently commuted between K City and J City.

After some thought, I replied, “Tomorrow's the weekend. I may need to bring Summer to the bookstore. I can't confirm if I've any free time yet.”

"We can just grab a quick dinner. It won't take long.” She paused for a moment before continuing, “Iknow you have some misgivings about me, but Scarlett, you need to hear me out. We always haveto put ourselves first. Besides, she deserved it.”

Stacey's accusation against Nancy on the filming set—whether intentional or not—wasn't a big dealto me. But I do have the right to choose my own friends, and I'd rather spend my time with peoplewho share my values.

"Alright, see you this weekend then.” Phone calls were devoid of visual cues and could often bemisleading.

She answered, “See you!”

As I hung up, I exited the restroom and noticed that Summer wasn't at our table. Only Ashton andJared were there. I frowned as I asked, “Where's Summer?”

“She wanted to pick a dessert; she went to pick it out with Kristina,” Jared replied.

I was worried and a little angry, but I couldn't take it out on Jared. I looked at Ashton and said,"Summer's a cheeky kid, and Ms. Ludwick’s pregnant. How can you let her follow Kristina?”

Ashton sensed my panic and stood up, holding my hand. “They're just in the restaurant. Don'tworry, they'll be back soon.”

I shook off his hand and walked towards the dessert area. It's not that I don't trust Kristina. It's justthat her character is unreliable. Summers very existence is a threat to her unborn baby. There's toomuch risk involved.

The restaurant was huge, and I walked a whole round before seeing Summer. She was busychoosing desserts from the display counter.

I let out a sigh of relief when I saw that she was safe. Then I noticed that Kristina was taking a photoof Summer on her phone. I frowned and strode forward, snatching the phone from her hands todelete the photos.

“Ms. Ludwick, that is my daughter. You can't take or distribute photos of her without mypermission.”

My sudden appearance surprised her. She appeared chagrined as she looked at me. “Scarlett, don'tyou think you're overreacting? I just thought her expression was adorable when she was choosingdesserts, so I wanted to take some photos. I don’t have any ulterior motives. You can't possibly thinkthat of me.”

“I can and I will!" I replied coldly as I walked towards Summer. Pulling Summer towards me, I lookedat Kristina. “For your own safety, please stay away from my daughter!”

Her smile was chilling as she kept her phone. “If she was really your child, I'd understand the extentof your concern. She's not really yours though. And yet, you're devoted to her. Don't tell me therumors are actually true? Is Mr. Fuller barren? And that's why you're treating someone else's childlike the apple of your eye?”

My expression darkened. My tone was simmering with anger as I replied, “If you dont use yourmouth for anything else, I'd suggest sewing it up so you can't spew any more nonsense.”

"So? Are the rumors actually true? Ashton can't have any children of his own?” she sneered.

She'd come closer to me and whispered this last bit into my ear. No one else around us would'vebeen able to hear her.

I lowered my gaze. Raising my hand, I slapped her without a hint of hesitation. It wasn't a hard slap,but it was good enough to teach her a lesson.

She held her cheek as she glared at me. “What? Is no one else allowed to mention it?”

“Try again if you dare,” I said calmly.

Slapping someone in a restaurant would inevitably invite attention. Ashton and Jared soon showedup.

At the sight of the two men, Kristina immediately switched on the waterworks.

“Jared, I only brought Summer here to pick out desserts, but Ms. Stovall didn’t want me to touch herchild. She even slapped me! That's too much!”

I pursed my lips and stared at her coldly. My anger hadn't subsided. “Kristina, if you're going to bethis pretentious, I won't mind sending another slap your way. Don't think you're untouchable justbecause you're pregnant. If you like to act the victim, I can play along and be the villain.”

Jared frowned as he looked at me. “We can talk things out calmly. There's no need to get physical.”He'd uttered these words nonchalantly before turning towards Summer. “Summer, is there anythingelse you'd like to eat?”

Summer lifted her head to look at me before she turned to stare at a weeping Kristina. Sheapparently knew what was going on. “She made mommy angry. That's why mommy hit her.”

Jared was stunned by her answer. He smiled meekly and nodded. “I know. I'm not blaming yourmommy.”