Aldrich felt an unprecedented fury coursing through him, his mind on fire, overwhelmed by a mixture of surprise and anger that threatened to consume him. He struggled to maintain his composure, his usual stoicism slipping away.
He narrowed his eyes, focusing intently on Maggie. Primitive instincts within him yearned to roar and release the turmoil of emotions. If not for his iron-willed self-control, he could have easily shattered the table in front of Maggie with a single punch!
“Maggie, you are quite the cunning woman!” Aldrich sneered, his eyes emitting a domineering glint, as if he had already captured his prey.
“Aldrich, back off! How dare you label me with baseless assumptions!” Maggie said defiantly, her back pushed against the wall.
Aldrich advanced mercilessly, cornering Maggie.
Aldrich interrogated her harshly, “So tell me, how can you afford in vitro fertilization when you’re struggling to make ends meet? I know you’re scraping by to pay the damn rent!”
Aldrich’s probing shattered Maggie’s fragile facade, making her capitulate. She lifted her head, her face showing a hint of anger, yet their proximity and awkward stance made them appear like a sweet couple secretly stealing a kiss.
Maggie fought a tough battle against Aldrich’s overwhelming presence. His breath brushed against her forehead and cheeks, making her skin tingle.
“It’s my business; I don’t need to explain myself to you!” Maggie struggled to push Aldrich’s arms away, but he held her firmly, like an impenetrable wall.
“Then…” Aldrich came closer to Maggie and detected a familiar scent, one similar to his but subtly different. He stared at Maggie in shock, trusting his keen sense of smell, confirming his bold assumption that Maggie was carrying his child. “We need a reputable institution to verify it. I won’t be fooled by you.”
Maggie was puzzled by Aldrich’s intentions. “Verify what?” Suddenly, she realized. “But my doctor, Alisa, advised me to wait at least ten days before taking a pregnancy test. It’s not time yet,” she explained, her voice laced with anxiety and resistance.
Aldrich intoned, “Then schedule the test sooner.”
His tone and demeanor trapped Maggie between his chest and the wall, giving her no room to escape. She reluctantly admitted, “I can go to the hospital for the test, but, Aldrich, I want you to understand that this has nothing to do with you.”
Being resolutely refused aroused Aldrich’s primal instincts, but he was an excellent hunter. He found this seemingly fragile prey intriguing, yet she was proving to be a troublesome little target.
He pursed his lips and said quietly, “Maggie, you have quite the temper.”
Aldrich stopped working and had the driver take them to the hospital. The atmosphere in the car was heavy, filled with silence. Their recent confrontation made them feel like strangers, more distant than ever before.
The car came to a slow stop at the hospital entrance. Maggie hastily unbuckled her seatbelt, and a hand effortlessly entered her field of vision to help her. Maggie looked at Aldrich in surprise.
Inside the dean’s office, Aldrich’s presence drew attention. When he requested Maggie to undergo an examination, the atmosphere in the room tensed up. The dean was taken aback by this sudden request, raising an eyebrow as he exchanged a puzzled look with his assistant. “Is there something unexpected?” he murmured, his tone laced with surprise and concern.
The assistant shook his head, scanning the room. “No, Dean. I assure you, I have no idea what’s going on.”
The dean remained perplexed by the situation in front of him. He straightened up and faced Aldrich. “Mr. Barrett, if there’s anything I can do to assist you, please let me know. Our hospital is at your service,” he said, his tone tinged with curiosity and willingness to cooperate.
Aldrich’s expression was inscrutable as he locked eyes with Dean Walliams with iron determination. “Walliams, I need you to arrange for Maggie to have a pregnancy test immediately. Time is of the essence,” he ordered, his voice carrying an unwavering authority.
The dean nodded in acknowledgment. He signaled for Maggie’s attending physician, Dr. Alisa, to come to his office. Alisa entered cautiously, her gaze shifting back and forth between the dean and Aldrich, sensing an underlying tension.
The dean’s voice exuded both authority and concern as he addressed Alisa. “Dr. Alisa, I hope you’ll personally oversee Maggie’s examination.”
Alisa furrowed her brow. “Maggie underwent surgery less than ten days ago. Why are they requesting results so soon?”
The dean continued his instructions, emphasizing the importance of the task at hand. “This is Mr. Barrett’s request. You need to ensure that every necessary test is conducted, and you will report the results back to me.”
Alisa nodded. “Of course, Dean. I’ll handle it personally.”
Alisa and Maggie exchanged a brief look, then left the office and made their way through the hospital corridors to the examination room. The atmosphere was filled with anticipation and uncertainty. Alisa guided Maggie, her presence offering comfort and reassurance amidst the turmoil.
Alisa was somewhat puzzled. “Maggie, why are you here with Mr. Barrett?”
Maggie appeared disappointed and weary. She didn’t want to discuss her miserable experience in the restaurant with Alisa or delve into her argument with Aldrich. “Alisa, it’s a long story, but I don’t understand why Mr. Barrett asked me to come for an examination.”
Alisa nodded. “I understand. Mr. Barrett has always been quite determined, and we’re aware of that. Rest assured, we will conduct the examination to see what he needs to know.”
Thinking of how Aldrich had trapped her in the corner with his intense and resolute gaze, Maggie let out a sigh. Why was this man suddenly so concerned about her pregnancy?