Chu Lingzhi's face flushed with anger upon hearing this. "Are you threatening me?"
Steward Liu gave a fake smile. "Please wash up and come downstairs for breakfast, Miss Chu. During this time, we'll take good care of you and protect you. If you obediently deliver the child, the young master will give you a generous reward."
As if she cared about his money, Chu Lingzhi cursed南宫夜痕's ancestors eighteen generations in her heart. Only a fool would want his generous reward.
Two young women helped her dress and wash up. After finishing, she left the bedroom and went downstairs for breakfast.
After the meal, Chu Lingzhi used the excuse of taking a walk to observe the manor inside and out.
Steward Liu didn't stop her and let her do as she pleased.
Moreover, wherever Chu Lingzhi went, two bodyguards followed behind her.
Being followed like this put Chu Lingzhi in a bad mood, but she had no way to vent.
She was shocked to discover that this palace-style villa was quite large, four stories high, set within a manor surrounded by trees, rockeries, and a lake.
Just as Steward Liu had said, security was tight here. Escaping wouldn't be easy.
After surveying the manor's surroundings, Chu Lingzhi went to the rooftop and stood at the edge, looking into the distance. All around were endless mountain ranges.
The only road—she watched it for ten minutes without seeing a single car drive by.
In such an environment, could she escape? Chu Lingzhi pondered escape methods in her mind.
"This entire area belongs to the young master. No strangers will appear nearby," the bodyguard behind her suddenly said.
Chu Lingzhi felt as if a bucket of cold water had been poured over her head.
A month later, a female doctor with a blank expression appeared at the villa to examine her.
The result: she was pregnant with that demon's child—
Eight months later.
Chu Lingzhi lay lazily on the bed, propped up by soft pillows.
One hand rested on her belly, the other held an imported apple.
The apple was crisp and juicy, with a great texture—very delicious.
"Why is my belly so big?" she muttered to herself in confusion while chewing the apple.
She had seen pregnant women before; none of them had bellies this big. Why was hers so terrifyingly large?
A month earlier, her body had become too heavy to bear, and she needed servants to help her walk. Moving around was very inconvenient.
She had once suspected she might be carrying twins, but when she asked Steward Liu and the doctor, they wouldn't say.
Steward Liu only sternly warned her: "Just focus on resting and nurturing the baby. You don't need to know anything else!"
Chu Lingzhi was puzzled. Even though the child belonged to that demon, she had a part in it too. Why shouldn't she know anything else?
When she first learned she was pregnant, she was so depressed she wanted to punch her belly and make the child come out.
But as days passed and her belly grew bigger, her mood gradually brightened.
Especially when she felt the first kick, a surge of maternal love welled up inside her. The little life was truly miraculous.
She wanted him to grow well in her belly, to maintain a happy mood, so he could become a healthy child.
Since that night, the demon hadn't appeared, which made Chu Lingzhi's mood even better. She ate plenty of milk, soy milk, and fresh fruits and vegetables.
After finishing an apple, Chu Lingzhi patted her heavily swollen belly. "Baby, time to sleep."
Then she glanced at the door and called out, "Dongxia, Xiaocao, I need to use the bathroom."
At that moment, two young maids pushed the door open and supported Chu Lingzhi by her arms to help her stand up.
"Ouch..." As she exerted herself to stand, a sharp pain shot through her belly, making her cry out involuntarily.