Empire 22

Chapter 22 

“He’s right,” someone else chimed in. “You’re a ladies‘ man, Mr. Robertson. You couldn’t possibly settle for some lady so soon.” 

Liam’s eyes narrowed. He glanced at the group of friends around him. Suddenly, he found this situation rather disappointing. 

He grabbed his jacket and headed for the door. He did not want to stay around in this place any longer. 

At the Stinson residence, Penelope, who was about to turn in for the night, received a call from Eugene. She answered the phone and said grumpily, “Don’t worry. I’ll rest at home and refrain from going out and causing any trouble.” 

Eugene paid no mind to her sarcastic tone. He went straight to the point. “The Roza Hotel, Room 312.” 

Penelope wondered what he was planning, asking her to meet him at a hotel in the middle of the night. Could it be that he wanted to pass the necklace to her? 

At the thought of that, she immediately got up and dressed up nicely. After she got ready, she headed over to the hotel. 

Eugene opened the door, pulled Penelope into his embrace, and shut the door. 

“Gene, you…” Penelope had a puzzled look on her face. She was trying to speak, but she felt Eugene pressing his lips on hers the next instant. 

Then, he lowered her onto the bed. Eugene managed to undress Penelope in just a few swift moves and proceeded to force himself on her. 

Penelope felt an ache in her heart as she could sense Eugene’s anger and frustration through his movements. She could not help wondering if he had completely forgotten the fact that she was pregnant with his child. 

Eventually, Penelope decided to just bear with it as she thought about the gemstone necklace. 

Around ten minutes later, Eugene had finally finished. He lay on the bed and panted heavily. 

As Penelope put her clothes back on, she asked, “Gene, where’s the gemstone necklace?” 

Eugene replied in a low voice, “I can’t give you the necklace Jackie said she would check it from time to time.” 

Even though the child Penelope was carrying was very important, Eugene could not risk losing Jacklyn. 

The smile on Penelope’s face vanished instantly. In the end. Eugene had asked her to meet just so he could use her to satisfy his sexual urges. He was not planning on giving her the necklace. 

Penelope shot to her feet and snapped, “You don’t care about me or the baby at all! The only person you care about is Jacklyn! Mr. Collier has already warned us that we won’t be able to keep our son without the gemstone necklace! 

11 

Eugene’s eyes lit up. He sat up and asked excitedly, “What did you say? Our son? It’s a boy? How did you know that it’s a boy?” 

Penelope was an expert at lying. She lied smoothly, “I’ve asked through my connections and found out from a doctor that the child I’m carrying is a boy.” 

Eugene fell for her lies completely. He was beaming from ear to ear. “That’s wonderful.” 

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Chapter 22 

+25 BONUS 

That meant they had also secured an heir for the Lloyd family. 

Penelope could see how happy and excited he was. She quickly added, “It’s no use even if it’s a boy. I won’t be able to keep the child until I safely deliver him anyway.” 

Although she did not point it out directly, Eugene could still tell what Penelope was trying to imply. In the end, it was still about the gemstone necklace. 

If it were before, Eugene imight hesitate because of Jacklyn However, the situation was different now. Penelope’s baby was a boy. Eugene could not allow anything bad to happen to the child. 

He made up his mind right away. “We’ll wait for a few days. Once Jackie has forgotten about the necklace, I’ll pass it to you. Don’t worry. I won’t lie to you about this.” 

Penelope’s face broke into a smile after she received Eugene’s promise. 

The necklace would soon be hers. 

After he woke up the next day, Eugene grabbed his phone and started replying to a few messages relating to work, which was part of his daily routine.. 

Soon enough, he sensed this hollow feeling in his chest. 

In the past, Jacklyn would always be concerned whenever he reached home later than the usual time. However, she had not sent him a single text message even when he had stayed out for an entire night this time. 

It made Eugene wonder why Jacklyn was acting this way now. 

“Gene.” 

Penelope woke up after picking up on the noise. She clung to Eugene and said sweetly, “Let’s sleep for a bit longer, hm?” 

Eugene could no longer go back to sleep since all he could think about now was Jacklyn. 

“I have some matters to take care of, so I’ll leave first.” 

Without waiting for Penelope’s response, he quickly got up and washed himself. 

Eugene drove back to Lloyd Manor, only to find that Jacklyn was not home. He was about to shout furiously when a maid came up to him. 

“Mr. Lloyd, Mrs. Lloyd has headed out.” 

During a yoga class designed specifically for pregnant women, Jacklyn watched the instructor demonstrate different poses and tried her best to replicate them. 

After she had completed a certain pose, her gaze drifted toward those around her. The room was filled with couples who came to attend the class together. 

Most of them showed good teamwork as they completed the poses perfectly. In the meantime, this activity also helped improve each couple’s relationship. 

Jacklyn tried to suppress the bitter feelings in her heart. She gently caressed her tummy and said in a subdued voice, “It’s alright, baby. I’m sure we’ll be just fine even without your father around.” 

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Chapter 22 

+25 BONUS 

Meanwhile, Eugene received a call from Penelope. 

“Gene, I applied for a yoga class designed specifically for pregnant women.” 

Eugene responded half–heartedly, “Practicing yoga in your free time can help calm your thoughts and emotions. You’ll be a lot more mature and tolerant when dealing with different situations.” 

What he feared the most was Penelope getting herself in trouble again. Moreover, she would not bug him as often if she were to find herself a new hobby. 

“Can you attend the classes with me?” 

There was a long silence. 

Penelope hurriedly explained, “The other couples attend the classes and learn the poses together. Won’t you come and keep me company?” 

Eugene refused without the slightest hint of hesitation, “No.” 

What would people think of it if word were to get out that he and Penelope were attending these classes together? 

Penelope knew how much Eugene cared about the baby. She said, “During one of my prenatal checkups, the doctor advised me to practice yoga since the exercise could aid in the delivery process. The baby would grow up healthier, too. 

“I’m afraid it’ll affect the child negatively if I keep staying in bed at home.” 

There was another uncomfortable silence. 

However, Eugene broke the silence first this time. He clenched his jaw briefly. “Send me the location.”