Chapter 2 The Rival

Nicolas gazed intently at the woman lying on the bed before him, his fists clenched and the veins on his forearms pulsing, showing his anger. After being separated for nearly seven years, he never expected to see Natalie again in such a miserable state.

Natalie was an exceptionally beautiful woman, with an oval face, smooth porcelain-like skin, round clear eyes the deep green of emeralds, and a near-perfect nose and lips. Her long, wavy golden-brown hair cascaded down her back. When they were still in the same school, she was undoubtedly the campus star.

But now, the sight before him was starkingly different. She was still beautiful, but her face was gaunt, with dark hollows under her sunken eyes that made one uneasy, and her body was emaciated.

Nicolas took out his phone from his coat pocket and sent a message to his personal assistant George, who was handling some matters.

As he saw Natalie's fingers move slowly, he lifted his gaze from the phone screen.

"My baby..." Natalie said in a low voice.

She slowly opened her eyes, staring at the ceiling, then suddenly sat up on the bed, screaming in panic, "Help! Save my child!"

Nicolas grabbed Natalie's shoulders, gently saying, "Nate, shh... Don't move too much."

Natalie looked up at the man who had pulled her close to his strong chest, her eyes widening. "Nicolas? You are... Nicolas Grandy?"

"Yes," Nicolas nodded solemnly. "It's me."

Natalie blinked again. Why was Nicolas here? He was her husband's enemy and also the CEO of the world's largest medical group. How did he end up here?

"What happened?" Natalie swallowed the bitterness in her mouth.

"Nate, you were in a car accident. I was on my way to a date when I saw a car trapped in the bushes. When I got out, I found it was you," Nicolas said calmly.

A car accident? Suddenly, Natalie grabbed Nicolas's muscular arm, her nails digging deep into his skin, making him flinch.

"My baby," Natalie said in panic, touching her belly as tears streamed down her cheeks.

Nicolas held Natalie tighter, saying in a deep voice, "I'm sorry, Natalie, the doctors couldn't save him."

"No, please tell me it's a lie, Nicolas."

"I'm sorry, Nate, but the doctors said—"

"Why do I have to go through this, Nicolas? I've waited for years to have him. I don't care about Charles and that bitch, but I care about my child... Oh God, my baby, please tell me he's still in my belly!"

Natalie covered her belly with trembling hands, weeping bitterly.

Why did she have to go through all this?

Just when she thought the most hopeful day had arrived, it suddenly turned into hell.

For five years, she and Charles had countless physical examinations, and the doctors said there was nothing wrong, just wait. But unfortunately, fate was not on their side.

This led to Charles's infidelity, which she tried hard to endure. When she finally became pregnant, her child was killed by Charles.

Why? What had she done to deserve such treatment? Tears streamed down her face even harder.

"Charles is a bastard! He killed my child! I won't let them get away with it!" Natalie cried out in anguish.

"Nate, shh..." Nicolas pulled Natalie into an embrace, his large hand rubbing her back to help her calm down. "Nate, calm down, your health is the most important thing."

Nicolas's deep, powerful voice soothed Natalie. She looked up at this man, who seemed more mature and composed than eight years ago. His features were more chiseled, with a prominent nose and determined chin. Even when silent, he exuded a regal aura.

Natalie swallowed hard, unsure of Nicolas's motives. She couldn't owe him too much. She immediately pulled away from his embrace, knowing she must have incurred substantial medical expenses.

"Nicolas, thank you for helping me. I will repay you for the medical expenses when Charles gives me alimony," Natalie said calmly, biting her lip.

After saying that, Natalie was about to get out of bed as she needed to see her father. But Nicolas frowned and stopped her directly.

"Nicolas! I must go see my father!" Natalie said loudly.

Nicolas immediately cut her off, gazing at her again with those signature blue eyes. "Nate, I've paid for all the necessary treatment costs for your father. He's received the best care, and his condition is now stable."

What?

Natalie's pupils dilated again. She didn't understand why Nicolas was being so helpful to her.

Seeing Natalie's confusion, Nicolas explained, "Listen, Nate, I'm a businessman. I won't do anything that doesn't benefit me."

"What do you want..." Natalie said nervously.

Nicolas was wealthier and more powerful than Charles. She wasn't sure what she could give him. Perhaps the large sum of money she would get after divorcing Charles. But she believed money was the last thing he needed.

Nicolas reassured her with a smile, "Don't worry, Natalie, I haven't decided what I want yet. But I won't make you do anything illegal."

His phone rang. He looked at Natalie and said, "Nate, rest up. I'll see you again."

Not long after Nicolas left, there was a knock on the door, and a nurse came in.

The nurse handed her a document. When she opened it, she saw it was divorce papers stating she had to give up all her shares in the company.

How dare Charles do this? After killing her child, he was kicking her out of the company!

Charles didn't know about Natalie's pregnancy, but it was still his fault for being unwilling to listen to explanations and cruelly kicking Natalie out of his life.

That man must have severely underestimated Natalie to plot such a despicable action.

She wouldn't allow it. She would strike back at Charles. Suddenly, her phone rang - it was Charles calling.