"Can I really trust you to keep your promise?! I've given you money time and time again. Can you guarantee that after this million, there won't be another two million?!"

Boris's initial demands hadn't been so high, but she had given in too easily, which had only whetted his appetite. The threats came one after another, and Boris was now treating her like a personal cash cow.

And yet, even realizing this, Susan didn't dare refuse. If Boris told the Lancasters what had happened, she would be finished...

"I promise, this is the last time!" Boris said.

He then assured Susan that he hadn't told anyone else about it.

After hanging up, Susan was overcome with anxiety.

Ryan had found out about her stealing the money. Where was she going to get a million now?!

But Boris's answer brought her a sliver of relief. He was probably telling the truth. He still needed that secret to blackmail her, so he wouldn't reveal it so easily. That meant Anastasia probably didn't know yet.

But even as she tried to reassure herself, she couldn't completely relax.

Anastasia's words today couldn't have been for no reason. Even if she didn't know now, there was no guarantee she wouldn't find out if this continued...

Susan placed a hand on her flat stomach, a plan beginning to form in her mind. Her thoughts turned to Boris, and after a moment of hesitation, a ruthless glint flashed in her eyes. She had finally made her decision.

She couldn't let this go on. Every day Boris was around was another day of danger for her!

...

Anastasia was surprised to receive a call from Susan, who asked to meet and talk about Carter.

"Carter?" Anastasia raised an eyebrow. "What do we have to talk about?"

Susan's voice was pleading. "I think Carter might have some misunderstandings about me. I want to repair our relationship, but I don't know where to start Ryan told me you and Carter are very good friends,

So

Twas hoping you could help."

Anastasia's expression was strange. Suddenly, she smiled and said, "Alright, then."

She changed her clothes and went to meet her.

When she arrived, Susan was already there, still dressed in maternity clothes.

Anastasia entered the private room. "It's just the two of us, and we're not discussing any secrets. Why book a private room? The booths downstairs look perfectly fine." "A private room is more convenient. We won't be disturbed," Susan explained. Anastasia nodded, walked over, and sat down. She ordered a drink from the waiter and then said casually, "Alright, you can ask me whatever you want to know now."

"It's like this. You're good friends with Carter, and you're both the same age, so you probably have more in common with him. You must know what he's thinking and

what I need to do to earn

forgiveness."

She said with guilt, "I've reflected on my actions was wrong all these years. I nèglected Carter too much and that's why he's so cold to me now. want to make it up to him, but he refuses to accept it. At home, he won't even speak a word to me thought perhaps you might know what I should do?"

Anastasia looked up, her gaze unreadable as she studied Susan.

Was this really why Susan had asked her here?

She had just confronted Susan with what was essentially a threat, yet Susan seemed completely unfazed and was now asking her for heartfelt advice?

She wasn't buying it.