Chapter 276

Dominic had spoken those words. At that moment, Vanessa felt their relationship crumbling before her eyes.

"Fine! If you're so sorry for her, then I'll go!" She rose abruptly, wiping away her tears with the back of her hand. "From now on, you don’t have to worry about the baby or me. I’m leaving!"

She deliberately brought up the child, testing his reaction, hoping to pressure him. But to her shock, her trump card failed.

Dominic’s gaze was icy as he stared at her. "Do you really intend to keep this child, Vanessa?"

Guilt twisted inside her. She had no intention of keeping the baby—she’d already scheduled the abortion in two days. Between her health and her affair with Lucien, she knew this would forever be a wound in Dominic’s heart. She couldn’t let a child chain her down.

The baby was supposed to be her leverage, her bargaining chip—but what if it no longer worked? She couldn’t afford to panic. Swallowing her guilt, she lifted her chin defiantly. "What are you implying? That I faked this pregnancy? Do you have any idea how hard it’s been? I can barely eat or sleep! And yet I’ve still been working for you, for DR Holdings! Who do you think I’m doing all this for?"

Her voice cracked. "I know you still blame me. You hate me. Even though everything I did was for you and the company, you can’t forgive me. Isn’t that right?" Tears spilled over as she glared at him. "Fine. I get it. If you can’t move past this, then we’re done. I won’t hold you back. Go back to your precious ex. But don’t come crying to me later!"

With that, she spun on her heel and marched toward the door.

She took slow, deliberate steps, waiting—praying—for him to stop her.

And then, just before she reached the threshold, his voice cut through the silence.

"Vanessa."

She froze. A small, triumphant smile curled her lips—until his next words shattered it.

"I’m sorry."

Her breath hitched. She whirled around, eyes wide with disbelief. "What did you just say? What do you mean you’re sorry?" She had expected him to cave, to pull her into his arms and whisper reassurances like he always did. She knew him better than anyone—knew exactly how to manipulate his heart.

But this? This wasn’t part of the script.

Panic surged through her. She rushed back to his bedside, grabbing his hand desperately. "No, no—don’t say that, Dominic! You have nothing to apologize for. I didn’t mean to push you. I’d do anything for you. I don’t want to lose you." Her voice trembled. "I know I hurt you, and I regret it more than anything. Can’t we just forget it ever happened? I swear it won’t again!"

She pressed his palm against her stomach, her eyes pleading. "We have a future. We have this baby. We’ll be happy, won’t we?"