Chapter 407

"Honestly, I was terrified too." Vivian Ashcroft bit her straw, fingers absently tapping the table. "That person was clearly targeting your belly."

Sophia Lowell traced the rim of her cup, a cold glint flashing in her eyes. "How did Isabella Valentine find out about my pregnancy? Zachary handled all the prenatal records."

She suddenly looked up. "Could it be the medicine?"

Vivian frowned. "What medicine?"

"At the mall two days ago, a woman bumped into me while asking for directions." Sophia recalled. "When I got home, my prenatal vitamins were missing."

Vivian straightened abruptly. "You think... she sent someone?"

"Most likely." Sophia pressed her lips together. "I ran into her at the OB-GYN department before. She must have gotten suspicious."

"So she took your pills for testing!" Vivian slammed the table. "That woman has a bloodhound's nose!"

Sophia gave a bitter smile. "My mistake for being careless."

"How is this your fault?" Vivian grasped her hand. "No one expected her to be this relentless."

Sunlight filtered through the leaves outside, casting dappled shadows on the ground. Sophia watched quietly. "I might have to leave Seattle."

Vivian's heart skipped. "You're going into hiding?"

"Ethan won't let go, and Isabella is watching like a hawk." Sophia caressed her abdomen. "For the baby's sake, I have to go."

"But Ethan's methods..." Vivian trailed off.

"There's always a way." Sophia's gaze hardened with determination. "Even if it costs me my life, I'll protect this child."

Vivian gently tapped Sophia's belly. "Be good, little one. Come safely into this world."

She hesitated before asking cautiously, "Tomorrow's wedding... Are you sure you don't want me there with you?"

Sophia forced a smile. "Don't worry, I'm not that fragile. This is just the beginning. If I hide and cry every time they flaunt their love or have children, what kind of life is that?"

"Call me anytime." Vivian mimed a phone with her fingers. "It's just an hour's drive from the studio."

"Okay." Sophia lifted her teacup. Steam curled between them, her eyes unusually clear.