Pregnant With CEO's Baby Chapter 3

The Lawrence family’s estate ranked among the most ancient residences in South Hampton City. Positioned squarely in the city’s center, every bit of land there fetched an enormous price.

Man-made hills and streams bordered the manor’s entrance, while a dense little woodland full of vibrant greenery stretched further inward. The architecture clung to South Hampton’s timeless style—understated and graceful—transforming it into a tranquil retreat within the surrounding urban chaos.

Following a serene trail, the manor’s central structure loomed ahead of them.

The towering gate, boasting majestic craftsmanship, drew zero interest from Jeanne. She pressed on inside alongside George, unflinching.

A few sophisticated women lounged on the sofas, engaged in lively chatter within the living room.

Jeanne’s entrance brought instant silence to the group.

One woman sneered. “Oh look, what do we have here? Isn’t this the princess of the Lawrence family? Oh, excuse me, ex-princess.”

Ex?

Jeanne flashed a grin, utterly unfazed by the jabs.

“Look at that. She even has a kid of her own. I thought it was just the rumors but it seems like she had a son while drifting abroad and she’s not even married. I feel ashamed for her,” the other woman giggled.

The women unleashed their mockery on Jeanne just as the central figure stood up. Clad in classic attire, she retained a flawless figure well into her fifties.

She approached Jeanne with a kindly, inviting smile. “Jeanne, you’re finally back. Your father is waiting for your return.”

This was Jeanne’s so-called stepmother—the woman Alexander cheated with back when he was married.

Jenifer projected an image of innocence and gentleness to everyone else, but behind closed doors, she plotted endlessly to injure others.

Jeanne smirked. “Jenifer, you don’t have to do this now. I clearly remember you’re also one of them who threw me out of the house back then.”

Jenifer flushed with brief embarrassment.

She had always known Jeanne as a spitfire from the start, figuring time abroad would have softened her. Instead, that bold spirit persisted, hinting she returned ready for battle.

Regaining composure, she smiled steadily. “It was your father’s decision. But, you know what they say, blood is thicker than water. It’s great to have you back.”

“Yeah, whatever you say.” Jeanne grinned.

Jenifer masterfully hid tensions behind her easygoing facade, brushing aside any issue with ease. She swiftly beckoned a servant.

“Maria, bring Jeanne’s luggage to her room. Master Lawrence is waiting for her. Bring her to the master’s room after you’ve settled her down.”

Her voice stayed gentle, but the command carried a bite.

Maria hurried forward. “Yes, madam.”

Maria then escorted Jeanne up the staircase.

Ascending the steps, Jeanne still caught the women’s taunts echoing from below.

“Jenifer, you shouldn’t be this nice to that girl. She’s rude, shameless, and ridiculous. You shouldn’t let her set foot into this manor anymore.”

“I feel bad for Master Lawrence for having such a rude daughter.”

“I know she’s been a rude and feisty girl since young. She’s jealous of people’s achievements. When she learned that your daughter has gotten together with Eden, she even said that she’ll marry the fourth master of the Swans, so that Eden must call her aunt when they meet. Why would Fourth Master Swan marry someone like her?”

“Come on, ladies. She was just a child back then.” Jenifer cut off her friends’ chatter about Jeanne, crafting an image of her own generosity and mercy.

At that moment, a crisp voice echoed from the doorway.

“Mom, Eden and I are back.”

Eden?

Jeanne’s steps faltered momentarily, and George picked up on his mother’s sudden halt.

Jeanne tousled her son’s curly locks and resumed her stride.

Down in the living room, the young pair entered and offered greetings to the ladies.

It was Jasmine and her fiancé, Eden.

They appeared the perfect match, earning fame in South Hampton’s elite circles as the celebrated sweethearts.

With Jasmine’s hand wrapped snugly around his arm, Eden glanced toward the stairs and spotted a familiar silhouette.

Jasmine saw Eden’s shift in attention and peered upward too. Her face darkened instantly upon recognizing the woman. “Is Sis back?” she called out.

Jenifer nodded. “Go say hi to your sister later.”

“Okay.” Jasmine nodded sweetly, though sinister schemes churned inside her.

She was convinced Jeanne remained oblivious to the true reason for her recall to the Lawrence family after seven long years.

…

Once Jeanne unpacked her things, she asked George to stay put while she went to Master Lawrence’s room.

Master Lawrence—Jonathan Lawrence—served as the family head and Jeanne’s grandfather.

Jonathan remained wheelchair-bound, confined mostly to his chamber. A stroke three years back had paralyzed his legs.

Jeanne wasn't certain whether it was karma at play, yet she desperately wished it was. Deep down, she felt that God was extending mercy toward her grandfather.

She stepped into the room and spotted Jonathan being wheeled in from the balcony by his personal attendant.

“You’re back.” Jonathan’s voice carried the weight of his advanced years.

Jeanne nodded.

“Come to the study. I have something to discuss with you.”

Jeanne observed as the attendant guided the man into the expansive study. Their encounter lacked any warmth of a long-lost family reunion; instead, it resembled a cold business negotiation between strangers—or even foes bargaining terms.

Jeanne took a seat across from Jonathan.

Jonathan stated, “You’ve spent many years overseas. It’s time you settled down.”

“Yes.” Jeanne nodded. Somehow, she managed to suppress her deep-seated resentment toward the man and held back from blurting out that he and his family had banished her from the manor seven years prior.

She needed to show at least minimal respect to the man, for he ruled supreme, the undisputed king over his domain. Gone were the days when she was that impulsive girl convinced she could challenge the world unscathed.

“You’re no longer young. With your sister’s wedding approaching, it’s high time you considered your own future.”

“So, you summoned me back not to bid you farewell one last time, but to push me into marriage?”

“I’m still very much alive and well. No need to fret over that.” Jonathan’s expression darkened.

Jeanne smirked.

Jonathan continued, “The Locke family’s second son, Thedus. He’s five years your senior, previously immersed in his career and ignoring family obligations. Now at 30, I’ve already negotiated the terms with them. You’ll meet him tomorrow, and you two can begin dating ahead of the wedding.”

Jeanne let out a scoff. “Career? You mean how Thedus just got out of prison after causing someone’s death a few years back, right? Plenty of wealthy heiresses in South Hampton, yet none willing to wed him.”

“What’s done is done. He doesn’t care that you have a child, and you’re fortunate to have this marriage lined up. Show some gratitude!” Jonathan declared firmly.

Grateful? He expected her to thank him for marrying her off to a criminal?

“If you’ve already settled things with the Locke family, I’ll comply,” she replied.

“Excellent that you’re on board.”

“However, Grandfather, I’ve heard the Lawrence family’s facing financial troubles recently. Curious how much the Locke family paid you?”

Jonathan’s face twisted in bitterness at her probe.

“Just curious, wondering what price you put on me.”

“You ought to be thankful I called you back for this marriage. Not to interrogate my decisions for you.”

“You’re correct, Grandfather,” Jeanne responded.

Her lips twisted into a razor-sharp grin, turning her stunning features fiercely intimidating.