Chapter: 143

Their eyes locked, filling the space between them with tension.

Ashley's expression had lost its earlier vulnerability.

“Your belly's getting quite large," Ashley remarked, her lips twisting into a cold smile that made her eyes seem even chillier.

Kaitlin raised an eyebrow, taken aback by Ashley's sudden change in facade. "Yes, I had a check-up today."

Ashley chuckled darkly. "But those results don't promise anything. You know, the baby might still have complications. It's all uncertain."

Kaitlin's expression darkened at once. “What are you implying?"

"I'm saying exactly what you think. If I were carrying Alan's child, I'd keep a low profile instead of flaunting it. Your bond with Alan isn't as solid as you think. If something goes wrong with the baby, he won't stick around."

Smugness washed over Ashley's face, prompting Kaitlin to rise to her feet in anger.

"Are you cursing my baby?"

"Do you honestly believe Alan cares for you because he loves you? Kaitlin, you're fooling yourself."

In a fury, Kaitlin advanced and slapped her.

Ashley didn't move to avoid it; instead, a spark of thrill flashed in her eyes.

Ashley burst into tears, her vulnerability resurfacing instantly.

“Kaitlin, have I done something to offend you? How could you slap me like that?"

“I slapped you because you deserved it!" Kaitlin retorted, her hand poised to strike again, her anger seething so intensely she wished she could strangle the woman before her.

She chastised herself for being too lenient in the past. She regretted allowing Alan to bring such trouble to Osewood.

At that moment, Alan walked in, his expression darkening at the scene.

He quickly intervened, seizing Kaitlin's wrist. "Kaitlin, stop this now."

Kaitlin, shaking with rage, felt her fury boil over at Alan's interference. “Alan, release me! You're just like her. I should never have trusted you!"

With a sharp tug, she freed her hand and snatched up her bag, determined to leave.

“Kaitlin, what's the matter? Didn't you promise you wouldn't lose your temper?" Alan asked, baffled.

Kaitlin, too aggravated to respond, merely scoffed and stormed off.

Alan watched helplessly as she left. Behind him, Ashley continued her tearful plea.

"Alan, I don't understand why Kaitlin struck me. Perhaps she's always harbored resentment because of our past..."