Chapter: 177

Realization dawned on Alan. He had been duped.

He shoved Ashley aside and made for the door.

Ashley, biting her lip, hurried after him. If she lost him now, another opportunity might never come.

Determined, she wrapped herself around him, dropping any facade of dignity, her voice sultry in his ear. "Alan, let me help you through this. You know I've loved you for years. Can't you feel anything for me at all, Alan?"

With a grunt, Alan gathered his dwindling strength and shook off her grip.

“Leave me alone!" Alan bellowed, not turning to meet Ashley's gaze as he summoned his remaining strength to seek out Kaitlin.

When he saw Alan, the only word Dylan heard from him was "Kaitlin."

"Mr. Hewitt, are you okay? Your condition..." Dylan asked, concern evident in his tone.

Alan, visibly irritated, dismissed him swiftly. "Take me to Kaitlin's place!"

“Understood, Mr. Hewitt," Dylan complied swiftly.

The car revved up and rolled down the hill.

Sitting in the backseat, Alan shut his eyes, grappling with severe discomfort.

He fought to maintain his composure, determined not to lose it in front of Dylan and the driver.

Meanwhile, Kaitlin was at home when urgent knocking jolted her from her thoughts.

"Who is it... Alan?" she said as she opened the door.

The moment Alan entered, he embraced Kaitlin tightly, unable to restrain himself.

Startled by his intensity, she felt overwhelmed as his kisses enveloped her, carrying her from the living room to the bedroom. It was there that Kaitlin finally pulled away.

"The baby... Alan, we might hurt the baby," she cautioned, mindful of her stable but delicate pregnancy.

Alan took several deep breaths, his face a mask of self-control.

"Alan, you don't look well. What happened?" Kaitlin said, filled with worry.

Realizing he couldn't continue in this state, Alan stood up and retreated to the bathroom, where he turned on the cold shower, clothes and all.

Feeling somewhat revived after the cold water, Alan emerged from the bathroom just as Kaitlin, having fetched some dry clothes, queried Dylan about the day's events.

Dylan, puzzled, replied that Alan had been uncomfortable since they left Eden Manor.

Kaitlin nodded, grasping the situation. “Understood. You're off the clock now. Alan will stay here, so there's no need for concern."