Chapter 180

"...Yeah." Vanessa answered hesitantly. Her expression showed no trace of joy at Dominic's news.

Though she wasn't considering ending their relationship, marriage was the last thing on her mind.

Becoming a full-time homemaker after childbirth—tending to domestic duties and raising their child—wasn't part of her vision.

Dominic's current standing and DR Holdings' modest success fell far short of her ambitions. A baby now would derail her plans to climb the industry ladder. How could she amass real wealth?

"Aren't you happy about this?" Dominic had expected Vanessa to leap into his arms, showering him with kisses. Instead, her reaction was disturbingly subdued.

"It's not that. Have you told your mother I'm pregnant?" she deflected.

"No, I wanted it to be a surprise. Why?"

Relief flickered across her face. "Nothing. I just think we should wait before telling her. Early pregnancies can be... delicate. If something went wrong, it would devastate us both."

"Enough!" His face darkened instantly. "Our child will be perfectly healthy. Don't even entertain such thoughts! Your only focus should be taking care of yourself and our baby. Everything else can wait."

"Mom's never said it outright, but I know she wants grandchildren. Remember, she only had a daughter after remarrying. As her only son, this news would mean everything to her."

"You're overthinking this. I'm just being realistic—"

"Stop." His grip tightened on her shoulders. "Vanessa, no more of this nonsense. No negative thoughts, no outside influences. You and our child will be fine. That's non-negotiable. Understood?"

Vanessa fell silent. Slowly, she nodded, her expression growing heavier.

Truthfully, she'd contemplated termination but remained undecided. Testing Dominic's reaction had backfired spectacularly. His intensity made her dread his response if she went through with it.

Yet the pregnancy defied odds—after everything, the stubborn life persisted.

Her initial hesitation about abortion deepened after this conversation. For now... she'd let fate decide.

After settling Vanessa in bed, Dominic slipped out and dialed a familiar number.

"Mom."

A refined voice answered. "Dominic."

"I'm bringing Vanessa to The Canopy tomorrow. I'll arrive early—take your time."

"I've told you I have no interest in meeting her." After a pause, Genevieve added, "You could do better."

Dominic glanced at the closed bedroom door, lowering his voice. "You promised me one meeting. Just give her a chance. You'll see what I see."