Chapter 5

5

I saw the golden retriever standing upright by the bed like a human. Grace Lopez lay on the edge of the bed, her bare shoulder exposed.

The indescribable scene sobered me instantly.

I never imagined a human and a dog could do something so absurd.

As I covered my mouth in shock, the golden retriever spoke human words.

"We need to get rid of that meddling old hag. She's interfering with our plans!"

Grace replied in a soft, delicate voice. "But that old witch is still the company CEO. We should make her step down first."

The dog hesitated. "With Leo in that condition, transferring shares is impossible."

Grace thought for a moment, then turned and gently touched her stomach. Her eyes shone with determination.

"This child will be our bargaining chip!"

...

Their conversation echoed in my ears, leaving my mind in chaos.

Suppressing my shock and confusion, I held my breath and quietly closed the door.

Back in my room, I finally exhaled. My heart raced uncontrollably.

I closed my eyes, carefully piecing everything together. Soon, I understood the golden retriever's hostility toward me.

They coveted my family fortune. My son's accident was likely their doing.

I had touched that golden retriever myself. It was undeniably a real dog.

Therefore, only one explanation remained - a human consciousness trapped in a dog's body.

Though it sounded fantastical, having witnessed its behavior made it chillingly plausible.

I stayed awake all night and hired a reliable private investigator.

The next morning, the sight of them at breakfast turned my stomach.

As I stood to leave, Grace grabbed my hand.

Her eyes sparkled with hope as she gazed at me.

"Mom, I'm pregnant! The doctor confirmed it yesterday - one month along. It must have happened during that hot springs trip with Leo."

Under normal circumstances, I would have been overjoyed.

But remembering last night's events, I fought back nausea and forced a smile.

"How wonderful! Thank you, Grace, for carrying on our family line."

"The company will have an heir now."

I even took off my jade bracelet and gave it to her.

Seeing my apparent sincerity and happiness, Grace believed her plan was flawless.

"Oh, you're too kind! I'll give you a healthy grandson for sure."

She smiled until her eyes became slits, shooting a meaningful glance at the golden retriever eating dog food.

My stomach churned violently. I couldn't hold back and vomited on the spot.

Grace looked alarmed.

"Mom, are you okay?"

"Just tired from last night's business dinner. I need to rest."

Back in my room, I emptied my stomach completely.

A healthy grandson? Who knew what monstrosity she carried.

Tossing in bed, unable to sleep, I couldn't bear staying in this house.

I rented a new villa. My plan was to move there with my son under some pretext.

But when Grace heard Leo might leave, she became fiercely resistant.

"Mom, those caretakers are too rough. Only I can properly care for Leo."

I tried reasoning with her. "But you're pregnant, you shouldn't overexert..."

Before I could finish, she interrupted urgently.

"I'm Leo's wife. Caring for him is my duty. I'm not afraid of hardship. Besides, with our child here, maybe Leo will sense it and wake up sooner!"

"Mom, focus on your business trip. Leave the household matters to me!"

To avoid raising her suspicions, I left my son behind. He would have to endure this situation a while longer.

Shortly after arriving at the new house, the private investigator knocked with a document folder.

"Mrs. Sullivan, what you asked me to investigate is both bizarre and unnatural!"

I opened the folder. With each page I read, a cold dread crept down my spine.