Released from prison: My billionaire ex begs me back

An early autumn chill had settled over River City.

"I'm pregnant. Eight weeks. It's Ethan's."

"Mrs. Blackwood, Ethan loves me. Not you. The only thing you have is that title-nothing else."

"You've been married to him for three years with no child. Aren't you ashamed to still call yourself Mrs. Ethan Blackwood?"

.

The woman speaking was dressed head-to-toe in designer labels-flowy dress, flat shoes, impeccable makeup, flanked by two nannies and three bodyguards. She stood like a queen, looking down at Clara Walton with pure contempt.

Clara remained seated calmly on the sofa, watching her. Then she sighed softly and lifted her gaze-her expression peaceful, her voice even softer.

"And you are?" Clara asked with a polite smile.

Olivia Sterling froze.

Clearly, she hadn't expected anyone in River City not to know her. A-list actress, constantly in the media-Olivia assumed Clara was feigning ignorance.

"Olivia Sterling," she replied, irritation creeping into her tone. "Mrs. Blackwood, do us both a favor and sign the divorce papers. Stop clinging to Ethan."

She stared straight at Clara, taken aback by how unshaken this supposedly gentle woman seemed-completely unmoved by the threat. As if Olivia were beneath her notice.

It threw Olivia off balance. Before she could gather her thoughts, Clara stood up and offered a smile that didn't reach her eyes.

Clara walked closer. "Miss Sterling, do you know how many women have claimed to be carrying Ethan's child in the past year? More than thirty."

Olivia's expression tightened.

"You're not the first," Clara continued, her smile unchanged. "And I doubt you'll be the last."

That smile sent a chill down Olivia's spine. Then Clara lightly rested a hand on Olivia's stomach. Olivia flinched and jerked backward.

"What are you doing?! Don't touch me! I know what you're trying to do-stay away from my baby!" she cried, shielding her belly in a panic.

Clara tilted her head, still smiling. "Are you absolutely certain it's Ethan's?"

"Of course I am!" Olivia snapped, a little too forcefully.

"Alright then," Clara said pleasantly. "But here's something you should know-Ethan had a vasectomy. He didn't want any. complications."

She let the words hang in the air before continuing, "So if you're sure it's his, by all means, have the child. The Blackwoods would be delighted to have a grandchild. They'll take good care of you."

Olivia's face went pale.

"But-" Clara's voice turned cold, "-if this story of yours isn't entirely true, you understand how serious the consequences could be, don't you?"

All the earlier casualness vanished from Clara's demeanor. Her eyes locked onto Olivia's, sharp and penetrating, as if she could see right through her. Olivia took an involuntary step back, visibly shaken.

"You know what Ethan hates most?" Clara added softly. "Being lied to. Especially by someone trying to pass off another man's child as his."

She didn't need to say more.

Olivia's earlier arrogance and false confidence crumbled. She turned and fled as if her life depended on it.

Just like that, it