There were those who had already established their reputations, their careers sailing smoothly on calm waters.

Aware that Lawton was on the brink of revealing Thompson’s transgressions, they feared the potential backlash and had begun to distance themselves. Thus, Lawton’s plans did not unfold as smoothly as he had hoped. Yet, he could empathize with their plight. They had labored to achieve their success, and the prospect of having their reputations tarnished due to Thompson’s actions was daunting. Despite being victims, they had reaped some benefits from their association with Thompson. If their reputations were to be sullied once more, they would be left with no place in the entertainment industry.

Lawton had no desire to exacerbate their difficulties, so he chose to focus on the root of the problem. His investigation revealed that the hotel’s illicit activities extended beyond merely catering to the rich and powerful. He feared that a deeper probe might unearth a multitude of issues and stir up a hornet’s nest.Phoebe, oblivious to Lawton’s discoveries, was recuperating in the hospital. Her youth had aided her recovery, and most of the injuries on her face had healed. A layer of foundation was all it took to conceal any remaining traces. However, the rash that had spread across her body persisted, a clear sign of an allergic reaction.

She recalled a similar outbreak following her miscarriage. Concerned, she consulted her physician, inquiring if the rash could be a result of a drug allergy. The doctor confirmed her suspicions, “Yes, Mrs. Reynolds, I have discussed this with Theodore. Your allergic symptoms are similar to those you experienced after your miscarriage three years ago. We suspect that you are allergic to the ingredients in the medicine.”Phoebe stared at the doctor, her face a mask of confusion. “What do you mean?”

The doctor elaborated, “Your miscarriage three years ago may have been triggered by inadvertently consuming the medicine. Try to recall, did you accept a drink from a stranger before your miscarriage?” Phoebe recoiled, stumbling backward.

The doctor quickly extended a hand to steady her. “Mrs. Reynolds, are you alright?”

Phoebe regained her balance and shook her head, “I’m fine. I’m just struggling to accept this.”She refrained from revealing that the day before her miscarriage, she had attended a class reunion. She had been mindful of her pregnancy and had abstained from alcohol. Edward had arranged for a special drink for her, which she alone consumed. Later, she fell asleep, only to awaken in the hotel’s bed with Edward. Theodore had walked in on them, and his arrival had been so sudden that she hadn’t had time to react. Theodore had pointed at her thrice before departing without uttering a word. She had chased after him, and then she had miscarried. She had overlooked any anomalies that day, perhaps because she was subconsciously unwilling to confront them.

Today, she was forced to face the harsh reality that Edward had likely orchestrated the entire incident. She closed her eyes briefly, “Thank you, doctor. I need some time alone.”

The doctor, noting her pallor, offered words of comfort, “Mrs. Reynolds, the past is behind you. Try to be more open-minded; you will bear children again.”Phoebe forced a bitter smile, “I won’t bear children again.”She would never bear children again.

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