He Let His Secretary Move In, Then Regretted It

Chapter 3 One Call, Ten Million

The mastiff's bloody jaws snapped open right in front of me. I threw my arm up to block it, and its sharp teeth sank straight through my flesh.

Pain and fear crashed over me at the same time. Then a heavy, pulling ache hit my lower abdomen.

Getting pregnant through IVF had already been hard enough. My pregnancy symptoms were severe, and the doctor had warned me that if I didn't take it easy, I'd likely lose the baby.

And now, in just moments, I felt warmth spreading beneath me. I was already bleeding.

Someone in the crowd got nervous and tried to stop her.

"This is going too far. Just throw her out."

Nina let out a cold snort, and someone nearby immediately tried to butter her up.

"Ms. Hall is Mr. Ford's favorite. Last time someone outbid her for a piece of jewelry at an auction, they were on their knees apologizing the very next day."

"Even if something really happens, with Mr. Ford around, what are you scared of?"

A burly man stepped forward first, grabbing me and dragging me toward the gate, cursing nonstop.

"Nina's my cousin. That makes Mr. Ford my cousin-in-law. Trash like you trying to wreck someone else's home deserves to be taught a lesson."

My scalp burned as he yanked my hair. Nina stared at my face, a flash of jealousy in her eyes.

"Even his wife couldn't beat me. And you think you stand a chance as the side chick?"

I froze. "You know he's married?"

Nina sneered. "An old, washed-up woman. Adrian got sick of her a long time ago. Why else do you think he shipped her overseas?"

So Adrian never told her the truth. That I had gone abroad to go through IVF for him.

Before I could say anything, a cruel look crossed her face.

"You really thought you could trap him with a baby? Not in your dreams."

NIna kicked me hard in the stomach. The pain dropped me to my knees instantly.

I could feel the life inside me fading, slipping away.

Panic hit me like a wave.

"The baby in my belly really is Adrian's. Take me to the hospital now. If anything happens to this child, he won't let any of you go."

Seeing the blood on the ground, the crowd started to stir. The big man turned around and shouted.

"This is the Ford family's business. Anyone who calls the cops is asking for trouble."

He pinned me to the ground, forcing my head up, trying to impress Nina.

"Nina, go ahead. Hit her as much as you want. Don't hold back."

Slap after slap landed on my face. The pain turned numb, my face swollen beyond recognition.

A twisted sense of satisfaction flashed in Nina's eyes. She turned to the crowd and warned them.

"This is what happens to homewreckers. If I catch anyone else trying to seduce Mr. Ford, you'll end up worse than her."

Then she pointed at her cousin. "Strip her and dump her out on the street. If she has no shame being a side chick, she doesn't need clothes either."

I clutched my collar tightly, using the last bit of strength I had to fight back.

"Let go of me. I'm not a mistress."

As they dragged me toward the gate, I shouted out a number to the crowd.

"Someone call this number. Tell them what's happening here. I'll pay a million."

Someone scoffed.

"Trying to call backup?"

The onlookers burst into laughter.

"Backup? Who would dare show up? In Minton, who's more powerful than the Ford family?"

Nina pinched me hard.

"You're really committed to this act, huh? Look at what you're wearing. Who do you think you can call?"

I ignored her, staring at the doubtful crowd and raising the stakes.

"Ten million. Whoever makes that call, I'll give you ten million."

Before I could finish, Nina slapped me hard several times.

My head spun, and I spat out a tooth, stained with blood.