Chapter 238 William’s illegitimate Child 
Emelie set down the phone and took a sip of her mocha. The bitter coffee clashed with the creamy sweetness, creating a disjointed taste. 
She swallowed the coffee and took a deep breath before saying sincerely, “Mrs. Middleton, my friend didn’t intend to pry into that young lady’s affairs. 
“She was just being curious and wanted to gossip around. She hasn’t been spreading any rumors. She’s not the type to be indiscreet.” 
“If she offended you or the young lady in any way, I sincerely apologize on her behalf. Please don’t make things difficult for her.” 
Vanessa chuckled. “What are you saying, Emelie? I would never make things difficult for her. After all, she’s your friend. It’s just that we really don’t want to publicize Xenia’s pregnancy right now.. 
Emebe caught on quickly. “Tunderstand I won’t say a word about it 
Vanessa’s smile broadened. “Of course. You’re so busy with your mother in the hospital and your father soon to be released for recovery. 
“Thear you’re also starting a new job at the Swanson Corporation. With so much on your plate, you wouldn’t have the time to spread gossip.” 

Emelle remained silent. She couldn’t help but feel slightly unnerved by how well Vanessa knew her current situation. It was both a subtle threat and a warning. 
For the first time, Emelie saw beyond Vanessa’s refined and gentle demeanor. She realized there was more to her. 
Vanessa glanced out the window. “The rain is getting heavier. I should be going. Emelie, you should head home soon, too. If you get caught in the rain, make sure to drink some ginger tea to avoid catching a cold.” 
“Okay, Mrs. Middleton. Take care,” Emelie stood up to see her off, but Vanessa waved her back into her seat and left on her own. 
Emelle’s expression tightened into a frown. She immediately took out her phone to call Mona and check on her. She only remembered that she broke her phone when she saw the cracks on the screen. 

She tried to turn it on, but it wouldn’t start. She couldn’t tell if it was out of battery or if the fall had permanently damaged the phone. 
Worry and frustration gnawed at her, deepening her frown. 
A few days ago, Mona had shared her findings with Emelie. The pregnant woman, whom Vanessa referred to as “Xenia,” called Vanessa “Mom.“/ 
This meant Xenia was either Vanessa’s daughter or her daughter–in–law. It was widely known that William was the only son of the Middletons. If it was the latter, it meant that the woman must be his partner, and the child she was carrying was his. 
This would be explosive news. It was enough to shock the entire city. If it was the former, it was still quite significant news. 
Vanessa married into the Middletons. To demonstrate her genuine love for Henry and show that she wasn’t after the family fortune or aiming to compete with William, she willingly underwent sterilization. She couldn’t have children anymore. 
So, her daughter’s origins were dubious at best. It could potentially become a scandal for the Middletons. 
Emelie had considered many possibilities but had never intended to spread the information. Yet Vanessa had still sought her out because ofil 
This indicated that Xenia, or rather, the baby she was carrying, was extremely sensitive information 
Vanessa had also implied that they wanted to wait until after the baby was born to make the news public. 
Emelie wondered if this child was William’s illegitimate child. Vanessa’s plan might be to wait until the baby was born and make it a done deal. Then, William would have no choice hut to accept both the woman and the child. 
Lanelle’s thoughts were in turmoil, and her phone refused to turn on despite her efforts. As she grew increasingly agitated, someone suddenly sat down across from her. 
She looked up instinctively She thought she was hallucinating for a moment. She had just been thinking about William, and now here he was