Chapter 777
Vanessa’s knuckles turned white as she gripped her purse, forcing a brittle smile while surrounded by staff. “Thank you for your concern, but we’re not in any
hurry p>
“Oh, really?” Joy shot back with a sly grin. “Well, even if you’re desperate for a baby, you might want to get legally married first p>
The color drained further from Vanessa’s face.
Satisfied, Joy picked up her gift from the attendant. “Well, I’ll head off now, Miss Shannon. Take your time choosing. And by the way, you really ought to keep Mr. Goodwin on a tighter leash-he keeps sniffing around his ex-wife, and honestly, it’s not helping anyone’s peace of mind p>
After Joy left, Vanessa’s chest rose and fell with barely contained anger.
Just then, an attendant approached with her wrapped package. Vanessa swallowed her feelings, took it, and hurried out.
Meanwhile, Joy slid into her car and couldn’t resist texting Eleanor: Ellie, just ran into Vanessa at the mall. Still as self-important as ever.
Eleanor was in her office, sifting through spreadsheets, and instantly replied with concern: You’re six months pregnant, Joy. Please be careful when you’re out and about.
Relax! You’ve been pregnant before; you know we aren’t made of glass.
Eleanor paused, breath catching-she’d said those exact words once herself.
Back when she was pregnant, lan had insisted she stay home, avoid crowds, and skip shopping trips. She remembered pushing back against him, just like Joy was doing now.
Suddenly, Eleanor wondered if her last run-in with Vanessa had made things worse-had she said something that set her off? Without hesitating, she called Joy directly.
Joy answered right away. “Hey, superstar. What’s up p>
Eleanor’s voice was tight with worry. “Joy, did Vanessa say anything out of line to you p>
“She didn’t say anything to me, but she sure had a lot to say about you through me. She said she was buying lan a belt, told me someone needs to keep his urges in check. Like you’d ever care what lan gets up to p>
Eleanor rolled her eyes. “The man she acts like she won the lottery with? He’s ancient history to me p>
Joy’s laughter bubbled over the line. “Exactly! Anyway, you should’ve seen her face-I got under her skin big time. Guess what I told her p>
Eleanor shook her head, half fond, half exasperated. “You’re unbelievable. Pregnant and still stirring up trouble p>
“She mocked me for waddling around the mall alone, so I told her at least I could get pregnant. You’ve been divorced for two years and she still hasn’t managed to marry lan, so I suggested she see a fertility specialist at Ashford General Hospital p>
Eleanor couldn’t help but laugh. “Thanks for having my back p>
“Of course. By the way, lan’s not pestering you again, is he p>
“Other than work, I keep it strictly business,” Eleanor said firmly.
Joy advised her to keep it that way-apart from matters about their child, she was better off with zero personal contact.
They chatted a little longer, then hung up. Eleanor rubbed her temples, wishing she could erase all memory of that miserable marriage.
Just then, a new message flashed on her phone: Miss Sutton, please keep your friend in check.
The tone and wording left no doubt-Vanessa, using someone else’s phone. Eleanor shot back: Before you warn me, maybe keep an eye on your own man. Almost immediately, the phone number lit up with an incoming call.