Chapter 23 Chapter 23 85 % +5 Peyton noticed the storm brewing on Jimmys face and quickly handed him a glass of water , hoping to ease the tension .
Dad .
Morn , please dont argue anymore , Claudia interjected .
The house was fully paid for by the Reed family .
We didnt contribute a single cent , so I dont want to push for anything .
As long as I can marry Rupert and he treats me well , Ill be completely content .
Her voice was laced with sincerity and composure , and the way she gazed at Rupert , her eyes brimming with gentle affection , made her words seem all the more heartfelt Rupert , catching the tender look in Claudias glistening eyes , felt his heart melt like butter on a warm summer day .
Dad , Mom , he began , Claudia is entrusting her entire life to me by marrying me .
She has faith in me , and I should give her the security she deserves .
If you want grandchildren , then the least we can do is add her name to the house deed .
His loyalty towards Claudia was unwavering , and his words carried a subtle but firm challenge to his parents .
To Rupert , there was nothing in the world he wouldnt give Claudia if she asked for it , let alone adding her name on the deed .
But to Jimmy and Peyton , the Robinsons were beginning to seem a bit too demanding and greedy .
Jimmy , despite his unwavering love for Rupert since he was a boy , couldnt ignore the gravity of marriage .
It wasnt something to rush into without careful consideration .
Seeing his fathers hesitation , Rupert leaned forward , his voice pressing but steady .
Dad , youve always told me that everything you have will eventually be mine .
If thats the case , then whats mine is Claudias too .
Adding her name to the deed is only fair .
Please , Dad , just agree to it .
Either way , Im not marrying anyone but Claudia .
Rupert , dont speak to your parents like that , Claudia quickly cut in , her voice soft .
They have their reasons , and I understand .
If theyre against it , then lets not push them .
Before she could finish her sentence , Claudias face turned pale , and she covered her mouth as she gagged slightly .
Everyones expressions immediately shifted , the atmosphere growing tense with alarm .
Maisie , however , broke into a wide grin .
Claudia , could it be … are you pregnant ? L … Claudia hesitated , her cheeks flushing crimson with embarrassment .
My period is late this month … Thats a clear sign , Maisie declared with delight , her eyes darting toward Peyton .

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Youve had children , Peyton .
You know what I mean , right ? Peyton nodded thoughtfully , also thinking it was true .
If Claudias pregnant , thats wonderful news .
Rupert seized the moment , his tone carrying a subtle urgency as he turned to his parents .
Dad , Mom , Claudia is carrying my child a Reed family child .
Whats there to worry about now ? Jimmy exhaled heavily , the weight of his earlier reservations beginning to lift .
Finally , with a begrudging nod , he said , If shes really pregnant , then well add her name .
Hearing this , Claudia couldnt contain her joy .
A bright smile lit up her face as she said warmly , Thank you , Mr.
and Mrs.
Reed .
I promise to take good care of Rupert and you both .
All we ask is that you live happily together and have plenty of children , Jimmy replied , his thoughts clearly more focused on ensuring the Reed familys legacy .
1/4 13:19 Wed , 26 Feb Chapter 23 85 % Rupert and Claudia exchanged a look , their eyes sparkling with shared happiness .
With Claudia looking so radiant , she must be carrying a strong , healthy baby , Rupert said , his grin stretching from car to ear .
Later that evening , the Robinsons relatives and friends gathered for dinner at the hotel , indulging in a celebratory feast .
The group even decided to extend their stay another night , planning to leave the following day .
For Jimmy , however , the growing expenses were beginning to wear on him , making him annoyed .
He hadnt anticipated the Robinsons showing up with so many freeloaders who seemed determined to eat and drink to their hearts content at his expense .
As he calculated the costs in his mind , his irritation simmered quietly beneath the surface .
Rupert then whispered something in Jimmys car , his words soft but firm .
Whatever he said seemed to work , as the stern lines on Jimmys face finally eased .
Alright , well do it your way , Jimmy said with a faint smile , the tension dissipating from his features at last .
After dinner , as they left the hotel , Jimmy stopped Laura and reminded her again , Laura , dont forget the wedding gift .
If you cant come up with the money , youll ruin your brothers happiness for the rest of his life .
And if that happens , Ill never forgive you .
Laura stood under the dark , endlesssky , holding her daughter Arianna close .
The vibrant , flickering city lights blurred before her eyes , mirroring the storm brewing in her heart .
Before her marriage , Laura had handed over half her salary to her father without complaint .
After marrying Matteo , her mother in law had insisted she quit her job to focus on family life .
With no income of her own and her days tethered to the household , she had nowhere to turn for help .
Laura pulled out her phone , scrolling through her contact list , searching for someone she could confide in .
But the names on the screen felt distant , none of them close enough to lean on in her time of need .
Just as despair began to take hold , her phone buzzed with an incoming call from Doris .
Laura took a deep breath , trying to steady her chaotic emotions before answering .
Laura , I heard from Lewis that you tried to call me earlier , Doris said warmly , her voice carrying a hint of concern .
I was resting and missed it .
Im fine , really .
But are you alright ? Im fine , Laura replied , though the tremor in her voice betrayed her .
She sniffled softly , trying to hold it together .
Laura , have you been crying ? Doriss perceptive tone immediately picked up on the faint quiver in her words .
No , Im just about to head home .
Lets talk later , okay ? Laura cut in quickly , afraid that any more kindness from Doris would shatter the fragile dam holding back her emotions .
She came up with an excuse and hung up the phone .
Doris wanted to say something else , but when she looked at her phone , she saw the call had already ended .
A lingering unease settled in her chest .
She couldnt shake the feeling that something was off with Lauras mood .
Meanwhile , Lewis emerged from the bedroom , freshly showered , and found Doris lost in thought by the kitchen island .
He called her name twice but she didnt respond , her gaze distant .
Whats wrong ? Lewis asked , his brow furrowed as he approached .
Doris blinked , pulling herself back from her worries .
Its nothing .
Dinners ready .
Lets eat .
Tonights meal was a simple yet comforting spread steaks , steamed broccoli , and clam chowder .
As Lewis helped plate the food , Doriss eyes caught something unusual .
There , on the back of his hand , was a faint bite 2/4 13:19 Wed , 26 Feb Ella • Chapter 23 mark .
Though the color had faded , it was still noticeable .
What happened to your hand ? Doris asked , setting down her bowl as she reached out to inspect it more closely .
Lewis withdrew his hand smoothly , a wry smile tugging at his lips .
Someone bit me when she was drunk .
Her jaw dropped as realization dawned .
Wait … was that me ? 85 % +5 Doris blinked , utterly dumbfounded .
She had no memory of the incident , and after spending the afternoon sleeping off her hangover , she had barely pieced herself back together .
Next time , no more drinking , Lewis warned , his tone somewhere between stern and teasing .
Are you serious ? I bit you ? That doesnt sound like me I dont just go around biting people , Doris protested , completely puzzled , her eyes narrowing suspiciously as she studied him .
Then , a mischievous thought crossed her mind .
Or maybe … you had some ulterior motive ? Lewis felt a sharp sting of humiliation coursing through him .
Doris , you really have some nerve playing the victim , he said , leaning back against the chair , his arms crossed over his chest .
His gaze grew cold, the sharp edge of his words cutting through the air .
Sure , youre somewhat decent looking , but lets not get ahead of ourselves .
Dont flatter yourself into thinking Id have any ulterior motives .
It was just a joke .
No need to get so serious .
Doris , sensing the tension , quickly grabbed the bowl of clam chowder she had just ladled out .
She held it up to him with an apologetic smile , her tone softening as she offered , Alright , I admit I went too far .
I shouldnt have acted like a drunken fool or bitten you out of nowhere .
Im sorry , Mr.
Hartman .
Please forgive me .
Her attempt at making amends was as endearing as it was clumsy .
With her big , pleading eyes and the soup held up like a -peace offering , she looked utterly harmless .
Lewis gave her a long , measured look before letting out a resigned sigh .
Not worth the effort to argue with you , he muttered , taking the bowl from her hands and sipping from it .
I knew youve got a big heart , Doris said , her face lighting up with relief as she broke into a grin .
Dinner ended without further incident , and while Doris busied herself cleaning the table and washing the dishes , her mind was still stuck on Laura .
The nagging feeling that something was wrong wouldnt leave her alone .
Once the dishes were done , she joined Lewis in the living room , her expression clouded with concern as she sat down .
Mr.
Hartman , I cant shake the feeling that somethings off with Laura .
Im worried about her .
I think Ill stop by her place after work tomorrow to check on her , so dont wait for me for dinner .
Lewis glanced up from his book , a flicker of thought crossing his mind .
The bond between these two sisters is something else .
Always putting each other first , he pondered .
Closing the book with a quiet thud , he said , Alright .
Then Ill come with you after work to visit her .
Doris waved off the suggestion almost immediately .
Theres no need for that .
Its just some girl talk , you know ? You being there would make it different .
Fine .
But if you need anything , call me .
I will .
3/4 13:19 Wed , 26 Feb A Chapter 23 Doris lingered on the couch for a moment , absently flipping through the channels , but her heart wasnt in it .
The worry over Laura had stolen all her focus .
Eventually , she gave up on the TV and headed to her bedroom , crawling into bed early ,