Before Martin Riley could speak, Hazel Morgan quickly said, "I want to see Otto."
Martin's brow furrowed slightly, and his gaze held a hint of scrutiny that sent a chill down Hazel's spine. After a long pause, he finally spoke, his tone no longer as familiar as before, now somewhat stiff.
"Otto's asleep. You should head back."
Hazel felt a pang of anxiety and tried to explain again, "I really didn't mean to. I didn't know..."
"I know it wasn't intentional. Just go back for now." Martin sounded weary, and Hazel, carefully watching his expression, didn't dare to make assumptions. Reluctantly, she left.
Meanwhile, Crystal Foster stood in line with a payment slip, her mind occupied with thoughts of Hazel.
That woman seemed to have a good relationship with Martin, and the butler treated her with respect. Surely, she must have known about Otto's condition.
Was that liquor-filled chocolate really an accident?
Crystal had her doubts, but seeing Martin's expression earlier, she figured he wouldn't blame Hazel. So, she decided not to bring it up and cause unnecessary trouble.
"Sweetheart, slow down."
The familiar voice from behind was so sickly sweet that it made Crystal Foster feel physically nauseous. But when she turned around and saw the woman nestled in Hyland Riley's arms, a surge of anger shot up from her feet to the top of her head.
"Stella."
Crystal spat out the name through gritted teeth.
So, Hyland had betrayed her because he had been secretly involved with her "best friend" all along.
Stella's belly didn't show any signs of a bump yet, but she wore maternity clothes as if flaunting her pregnancy, her hands protectively cradling her stomach.
Crystal's face grew darker. They had been conspiring together for a while, and now there was even a child involved. No wonder they were in such a hurry to get rid of her—they were eager to take her place.
Infidelity, greed, and attempted murder—she would make sure to settle these scores with them, one by one.
She pulled out her phone and aimed it at the cozy couple, quickly switching to the camera.
Recording and taking photos in one swift motion.
Hyland Riley loved to play the devoted partner in front of the media, didn't he? She was curious to see how he would explain himself when the video of him with his pregnant new lover hit the headlines.
With evidence secured, Crystal walked toward the treacherous pair with her head held high."Well, if it isn't Hyland Riley! Bringing your new flame for a check-up right after your wife's passing. You're quite the modern-day scoundrel, aren't you?" Crystal Foster's mocking tone hit Hyland Riley right where it hurt. He turned around, glaring at her with fierce eyes.
"Sylvia Byrne, it's you again, you witch!"
"Who are you calling a witch? If we're talking about shamelessness, who can beat you? Bringing your pregnant mistress for a check-up while your wife's grave is still fresh. Did you get rid of your wife to make room for this homewrecker?"
Crystal feigned shock, covering her mouth as if she'd uncovered a huge secret. Stella's face turned pale, and she nervously withdrew her hand from Hyland's arm.
"Sylvia Byrne, stop spouting nonsense. Do you think you're any better? Aren't you just climbing the ladder using a child?"
"That's still better than you," Crystal smirked, unfazed by Stella's words. "At least Martin Riley is single, while you're with a married man, your best friend's husband at that."
She clapped her hands, watching as Stella wobbled with anger, her smile growing even brighter.
"Seems like you're really worried about the baby. Let me guess why. Maybe it's because you've done something wrong and you're scared it'll come back to haunt your child. Don't worry, karma is real, and what's meant for you won't miss you."
Crystal Foster knew this wasn't the best time to confront these two, but just seeing them made her blood boil, and she couldn't hold back her words.
"You..." Stella was fuming, her teeth clenched in anger. She didn't know Sylvia Byrne well, only that she had a reputation for being brainless. But today, she realized Sylvia was sharp-tongued, and the rumors were clearly wrong.
Stella's eyes welled up with tears as she clung to Hyland Riley's arm, her pitiful look instantly triggering his protective instincts.
"Sylvia Byrne, you witch, I'm warning you, watch your mouth. Don't think you're untouchable just because Martin Riley has your back. If anything happens to Stella, I won't let you off!"
Crystal watched Hyland defend Stella and couldn't help but remember all the sweet lies he'd told her. She felt disgusted and cursed herself for being blind.
Why hadn't she seen Hyland's true colors sooner? She had given him the chance to hurt both her and her father.
Thankfully, fate had given her a new identity, one that would allow her to seek revenge.
This time, she wouldn't show any mercy.
"Try touching her, I dare you."
The cold voice came from behind, belonging to Martin Riley.
He had been standing nearby for a while, watching her fierce demeanor. Instead of being put off, he felt a sense of satisfaction because the person she was confronting was Hyland Riley.So, when Hyland made his threat, Martin stepped in, positioning himself beside Crystal Foster. Seeing that she remained composed, he felt a wave of relief.
Hyland's face was dark with anger, as if a storm was brewing. He had been humiliated by Martin not long ago, and now they were face-to-face again.
Crystal was a bit surprised by Martin's arrival, but having someone to back her up felt pretty good, and her confidence soared.
"Martin Riley, control your wife. She's embarrassing the Riley Family!"
Hyland, with Stella by his side, shot Martin a sideways glance, his words dripping with sarcasm.
"Even if there's embarrassment, it's mine to bear. When did it become your place to comment?" Martin Riley said coldly, glaring at Hyland Riley.
Crystal Foster chimed in, "Someone like you, cheating while married, deserves all the disdain you get!"
"There's no point in wasting words on someone like him. Let's go," Martin said, giving Hyland, who was fuming with anger, a sharp look. He grabbed Crystal's sleeve and led her away.
Stella stomped her foot, whining, "Honey, they're so mean! Are you just going to let them bully me like that?"
"Sweetheart, getting upset over people like that isn't worth it. We still need to go for the check-up," her partner replied soothingly.
Back at the hospital room entrance, Martin released Crystal's hand and stared at her for a long moment before speaking.
"Sorry, I was wrong about you regarding Otto."
Crystal was taken aback but waved it off. "It's okay, as long as you realize it. I know I've made a lot of mistakes in the past, but Otto is still my child."
Given the original owner's past actions, Martin was clearly skeptical of her words. It took him a while before he spoke again, "Is there anything you want?"
"What?"
"As compensation, what do you want?"
"Anything I want? Then I want you to have a meal with me."