Chapter 242

Before Vanessa could catch her breath, strong arms lifted her onto the polished mahogany table behind her.

Her pulse spiked as she recalled the obstetrician's stern warning. She pressed both palms against Lucien's chest in protest. "Lucien, stop! We can't do this!"

His charming smile vanished instantly. "Can't?" His voice turned icy. "Vanessa, you can't just discard me after everything. Remember who holds the key to your career now."

"It's not rejection," she whispered, biting her lower lip. The truth spilled out in a rush. "I'm pregnant. The doctor says it's a high-risk pregnancy."

Surprise flickered in Lucien's cerulean eyes before comprehension dawned. "Dominic's child?" At her hesitant nod, he stepped back with a scoff. "The legendary Vanessa Blake, choosing diapers over Dior."

Vanessa slid off the table, smoothing her wrinkled blouse. "That's unfair. Vivian Dubois built her empire after motherhood."

"Ah, but Vivian sacrificed everything else," Lucien countered, circling her like a predator. "Divorced, sole custody, working eighteen-hour days." His gaze turned pitying. "Tell me, darling - what makes you think you're the next Vivian?"

The question struck like a slap.

"Your mediocre sense of smell? Your two-year industry experience? Or perhaps your famous last name?" Lucien's laugh held no warmth. "Be honest - without Dominic's connections, would Phoenix Labs even know your name?"

Tears pricked Vanessa's eyes. "You're cruel."

"Realistic," he corrected. "Perfume or parenthood - choose now before life chooses for you." His finger traced her jawline. "We both know which path leads to oblivion."

The office walls seemed to close in as his words sank in. After a long silence, Vanessa whispered her decision into the heavy air between them.