Reborn, Reawakened, Rekindled

Chapter 499
Upon hearing my words, Russel’s expression finally shifted, his gaze filled with unfamiliar emotions.
At that moment, his phone began to ring. I instantly recognized the name ‘Karina’ flashing on the screen. She probably couldn’t
find him and was calling to hurry him up.
The phone kept ringing, and I scoffed, “Aren’t you going to answer that? What if she gets impatient and your plans get derailed?”
Russel bluntly hung up the call, stowing the phone away before beginning to explain, “I don’t have any dealings with her.”
“You’re still lying to me even now. If you’ve truly gone against Whitmore Co. because of me, then I can tell you right now, no
matter what, I won’t be with you. I can’t stand being toyed with like this!” My anger was reaching a boiling point and my tone grew
increasingly irate.
“I’ve never lied to you. Everything I’ve done is for our future, don’t you understand?” Russel noticed my agitation and tried to
reach for my hand, but I brushed him off.
“Don’t touch me!” I snapped, “Is this your way of saying you love me? Is this how you treat someone you care about?”
“Calm down first, hear me out.” Russel was always the composed one, even now he was trying to cool my temper. I was no
match for him.
I tried to calm myself down because I hadn’t heard Russel’s explanation yet. I wanted to know how he would continue to deceive
me.
Once the atmosphere in the car had somewhat subsided, Russel’s voice broke the silence, “I admit, I’ve been in contact with
Karina recently, but it’s about the Whitmore family, not to deceive you, understand?”
“So for the sake of the Whitmore family, you and Karina plotted to ruin Whitmore Co.?” + felt like I was hearing a colossal joke.
Karina can’t wait to marry Neil and join the Whitmore family, how could she help Russel destroy the Whitmore family?
If the Whitmore family went under, what benefit would she get?
Russel saw the cold smirk on my face and knew I didn’t believe him, so he continued explaining, “Given Karina’s status,
marrying into the Whitmore family isn’t easy. She wants Neil, not his family. If Whitmore Co. were to face problems, it would
benefit her more.”

“Enough.” I didn’t want to hear any more. If I believed a single word Russel said, it was because I was insane.
“You don’t believe me?” Russel frowned slightly.
“If that’s your explanation, then you should leave.” My voice was colder than ever, my disappointment in Russel was at its peak.
He didn’t move, “You should know I love you.”
He’s told me he liked me before, but he’s never used the word “love”. To bring it up now. was laughable.
I gave Russel a cold look, not wanting to waste more words, “If you say you love me, then stop everything. If you continue to
target Neil, I’ll remarry him immediately, I’ll even tell him about Serena and Brandon’s real identities, got it?”
As soon as I finished speaking, Russel’s composure finally shattered. He gritted his teeth, “Irene, why are you doing this?!”
“Because that’s the only leverage I have over you, isn’t it?” I asked quietly.
“Yes, you’re right!” Russel was clearly angered by my threat, “I’m a damn fool, I just can’t let it go!”
I closed my mouth and remained silent.
After a few minutes, Russel stepped out of the car, slamming the door shut in a fit of. anger.
I didn’t know if my words would have any effect, but it was my last resort. I drove back to Bailey’s place, mentally and physically
exhausted. Seeing my pale face, both he and Hannah were concerned.
They had somehow procured a play mat and Serena and Brandon were playing on it. I sat down quietly, joining the kids. Hannah
joined us, asking softly, “Ms. Finch, did you find Russel?” I nodded.
“And he...” Hannah glanced at Bailey before continuing, “What did he say?”
“Nothing much. We’ll know his decision in a few days.” I forced a smile, “Thank you for watching the kids today, were they good?”
Speaking of the kids, Hannah’s eyes softened, They were very good, not fussy at all. As long as someone is with them, they’re
content. I hope my kid will be the same, I don’t want it to be too temperamental, that would be exhausting.”
Once I registered what she said, I looked at Hannah’s stomach in surprise, “You’re pregnant?”
At this, Bailey scratched his head, grinning awkwardly, “Yeah, about three months along now, but you can’t really tell yet.’

Hannah nodded, a mix of shyness and delight on her face.
Hearing the good news lifted my spirits. I quickly told Bailey, “Then you’d better help her sit down. Why didn’t you tell me sooner?
I had Hannah cooking and taking care of the kids. You should’ve said something!”
Hannah quickly defended Bailey, “Ms. Finch, don’t blame him. I’m actually in pretty good shape. I haven’t had any pregnancy
sickness, and all my check-ups have been fine. Moving around a bit is good for my health.”
“Even so, you need to rest and cat nutritious food, okay?” I advised her, momentarily thinking of Oscar Morse, that optimistic,
cheerful boy. If he knew this news, he would be so happy.
Each time I thought of him, it hurt.
Now, having rescued his sister from domestic violence, with his parents living comfortably in a rented house nearby, I felt like I
had done everything I could for him.
In the midst of our chat, I suddenly felt a sharp twinge in my chest, followed by a faint throbbing pain. When I finally realized what
was happening, it sent a shiver down my spine. This pain was eerily familiar.
Gently, I pressed my hand against the aching spot on my chest. Hannah, noticing my discomfort, asked, “What’s wrong? Are you
not feeling well?”
“A bit,” I admitted, frowning. Whenever I was emotionally distressed, I would feel this discomfort in my chest. The memory of my
past life’s battle with breast cancer still haunted me, so any discomfort in that area would immediately set me on edge.
Upon hearing this, Hannah immediately turned to Bailey and said, “Bailey, you need to take Ms. Finch to the hospital right away.
We can’t ignore any health issues!”
“Alright, Ms. Finch, let’s head to the hospital now!” Bailey, too, was concerned about me.
“But will you be okay alone with the kids?” I asked, shaking my head.
“Oh, don’t you worry about that,” Hannah reassured me. “These two are the most well-behaved kids ever. You should go get
checked out, otherwise I won’t be at ease!