Chapter_86
Chapter 86
“Abel.”
Alana had learned from the nanny that Abel had returned to Levan Mansion the night before.
Rosaline had allowed her to stay at the mansion since her pregnancy, but the night before, she had been with Adam. That made her miss the chance to be alone with Abel. So, Alana went to Levan Mansion first thing that morning, hoping to catch him.
“Mm.” Abel barely acknowledged her, his voice cold as he walked past without sparing her a glance.
Alana watched him go, a knot forming in her stomach. “Mrs. Ryker, where is Abel going? He looks like he’s in a hurry.”
Rosaline sighed heavily, her face etched with concern. She briefly told Alana about Hesperus and his blood disorder.
“It looks like only Adrien can save Hesperus now. Abel is on his way to find Adrien.”
Alana’s heart skipped a beat. “Hesperus needs a bone marrow donor?”
The shock hit her hard. If Adrien’s bone marrow wasn’t compatible, they would learn that Adrien wasn’t the father of the triplets. If that happened, Abel would surely demand a DNA test—and that couldn’t happen.
Suddenly, Alana grabbed her stomach, wincing in pain.
“What’s wrong?” Rosaline asked, her voice filled with concern.
“My stomach hurts,” Alana replied, rubbing her belly. “I think I’m just nervous. Maybe I should get a checkup.”
“I’ll go with you,” Rosaline said, moving to fetch the driver.
“No, you should stay home. Timothy will be looking for you when he wakes up.”
“That’s true,” Rosaline said, nodding. “He’s always so clingy with me.”
“I’m just worried. What if Abel won’t have time for me after the baby is born?” Alana said shyly, her voice almost a whisper.
“Don’t worry about that. Abel’s grandfather has already ordered him to marry you. Once the baby arrives, Timothy will be able to live with his mother.”
Alana pretended to nod shyly. “Thank you for your concern, Mrs. Ryker. I’ll go to the hospital on my own then.”
“Be careful, Alana. I want another grandchild soon.”
“I won’t disappoint you,” Alana said, smiling with a sweetness that masked her anxiety. “We’ll have more children than Meriwether Mansion in no time.”
Rosaline chuckled, content. She couldn’t help but feel a bit jealous of Julianna and her three new grandsons. Seeing Julianna’s smugness only fueled her bitterness.
Once Alana left Levan Mansion, she drove a short distance before pulling over to make a call to Adam.
“Didn’t I tell you not to contact me?” Adam’s voice crackled with irritation.
“This is urgent, Adam. I need to meet you.”
“You’ve got a death wish, don’t you?” he snapped.
“Please, Adam! This is about your brother Adrien. If you don’t help me, it’ll be too late!”
Adam’s tone shifted slightly, but he still sounded frustrated. “Fine. Come over. I’m on the highest floor of the Imperial Palace.”
“The Imperial Palace?” Alana was taken aback. “Isn’t that where the owner lives?”
“Enough talk. My time is valuable. You’ve got half an hour,” Adam growled.
Half an hour. Alana glanced at her wristwatch and cursed silently. If she didn’t hit any traffic, she’d barely make it in time.
Fortunately, it was early enough to avoid the morning rush.
“Okay. I’ll be there, Adam,” Alana said, hanging up.
Twenty-three minutes later, Alana arrived at the Imperial Palace, her breath coming in ragged gasps.
A dozen bodyguards lined the corridor, their watchful eyes giving her an eerie sense of being hunted. If they hadn’t been told in advance about her visit, she’d have been torn apart. Their presence made it clear: this place operated on a law of predator and prey.
The Imperial Palace wasn’t just a high-end entertainment venue; it was also involved in criminal activities like drug and firearms trafficking. Although the Struyria Police Department had long been after it, they never managed to infiltrate the palace or find any concrete evidence. No one knew who ran the place or how it functioned behind closed doors.
“I’m here to see Mr. Ryker,” Alana said, her voice trembling slightly. “I have an appointment.”
