Madelyn said, "Nathan, you're going to be a father! Don't tell me you still don't know that Michelle is pregnant!"

As she spoke, her eyes never left Nathan's face, carefully watching for the slightest change in expression. She wanted to know whether Nathan knew about this.

Michelle's pregnancy was already common knowledge in both the Landon and Lynch families. The benefits tied to this high-society marriage had caused an uproar, and Michelle had openly gone to war with them. The situation was already at a fever pitch.

And yet, just now, Madelyn suddenly sensed something was off. Nathan seemed...

unaware.

Nathan's mind was blown, sending him into a momentary daze.

He knew absolutely nothing.

He didn't know Michelle was pregnant. In fact, he and Michelle had never planned on having a child, at least not for now.

Every time, he had insisted on using protection, but Michelle had always said she was in her safe period, that she wouldn't get pregnant.

And now... she was pregnant?

After catching the probing look in Madelyn's eyes, Nathan quickly collected himself. His expression remained calm as ever as he asked indifferently, "Are you really that interested in whether I know or not?"

With that, he turned and walked inside, clearly uninterested in continuing the conversation.

Madelyn still couldn't tell whether Nathan knew the truth. But if she could drive a wedge between Michelle and Nathan-better yet, make Nathan despise Michelle— then it would be perfect.

She quickly followed after him. "Nathan, do you think Michelle really likes you?"

His lips curved faintly, his smile neither warm nor cold. "Are you saying my wife doesn't like me?"

Madelyn fell silent.

A man like Nathan was born to rule, as though he was favored by fate itself. Every word he spoke was flawless, revealing nothing of his true thoughts and giving no one leverage. He was distant and unfathomable.

Madelyn steadied herself and

pressed on Nathan, you and Michelle were brought together through high-society marriage. How much genuine feeling can there really be th something like that? Aren't you curious? Don't you want to know whether Michelle truly likes you or not?"

She glanced at him again before adding, "I'll go ask her myself. I'll ask Michelle whether she likes you. If you want to know the answer, you can listen outside the door."

Without waiting for his response, Madelyn turned and walked straight inside to find Michelle.

At the moment, Michelle was still in her office, focused on her design work. She had been ready to leave, but since Nathan had said he would pick her up, she continued working while she waited.

Soon, the office door was pushed open.

Michelle looked up. "Nathan-"

Her voice stopped short. "Madelyn? Why are you here?"

She hadn't expected Madelyn to show up. More accurately, she had known Madelyn

would come eventually. She just hadn't expected her to come here.

Madelyn walked in as if she owned the place. "Michelle, I came to see you. I haven't seen you in days."

Michelle's expression turned icy. "You're not welcome here. Either leave on your own, or I'll have security escort you out."

Madelyn hated that cool, aloof air about Michelle more than anything.

In the past, whenever they appeared together, the socialites could tell at a glance that. Michelle was the

legitimate eldest daughter of the net'

Landon family. In contrast Madelyn was the illegitimate child who could never truly stand on the same stage.

Wherever Michelle stood, Madelyn was nothing more than a background prop meant to highlight someone else's brilliance.

Madelyn forced a smile. "Michelle, don't chase me away. I know you're pregnant. I came especially to congratulate you."

Michelle curled her lips slightly. "I've received your congratulations. You can leave now."

Madelyn's smile deepened, her tone sharpening. "Michelle, honestly, I really didn't expect you to get pregnant for real. I had people look into it.

"Over the past three years, you and Nathan have never consummated the marriage. He has no feelings for you, and you don't like him either. You've only been husband and wife in name."