Chapter 512

A notification pinged on Serena's phone from an unlisted number. "Vivian is expecting."

Her fingers danced across the screen in rapid response. "Who is this? Why share this with me?"

The reply came instantly, veiled in secrecy. "Names don't matter. We share the same goal - seeing Vivian destroyed."

"Playing cloak and dagger games," Serena hissed, stabbing at her phone to return the call. A robotic voice chilled her: "The number you have dialed is no longer in service."

She froze, the realization hitting her like ice water. This informant wanted complete anonymity. Racking her memory, she couldn't place anyone in Vivian's orbit who'd betray her this way.

Looking up at Miranda, Serena murmured, "You might be onto something. This could change everything."

"What?" Miranda asked distractedly, still mopping up spilled coffee.

With calculated calm, Serena ordered, "Verify Vivian's pregnancy."

Miranda straightened, drying her hands on a towel. "Why the sudden interest?" Her voice carried a note of curiosity.

A venomous smile curled Serena's lips. "If she's pregnant, we'll make sure she loses it. And we'll pin it all on Adrian. That kind of wound never heals."

"No woman forgives the man who takes her child," Miranda agreed with a knowing nod.

Meanwhile, in the hospital waiting area, Vivian twisted her hands nervously. A nurse approached with an apologetic smile. "Miss, our equipment is malfunctioning today. We can't process your test. Please return home - we'll call when it's fixed."

This being her first pregnancy check-up, Vivian felt adrift. As she spoke with the nurse, the woman who'd been sitting beside her earlier collected her paperwork and left.

Vivian's brow furrowed. "Everyone else got their results. Why am I still waiting?"

The nurse's smile tightened. "Different tests, different processing times. This isn't my first rodeo - do you think I'm lying to you?"

A memory surfaced - the woman beside her had mentioned being a regular at this hospital. Vivian stood abruptly. "My apologies. First-time jitters. Please notify me when my results are ready?"

"Of course," the nurse said briskly before turning away. Unseen by Vivian, the woman exhaled sharply as she retreated down the corridor.

Emberglow County.

The recording session wrapped, and the crew invited Adrian to join them for dinner.