However, since the incident at the hospital, their patience had worn thin, and they probably even harbored a mutual disgust towards each other. If it weren't for the baby, they wouldn't have even considered marriage.

Thus, a heavy silence hung between them for a long time.

Raphael rose from his seat, preparing to leave.

Suddenly, Elissa interjected, "I can help you sort things out, but under one condition."

Raphael was stunned when he heard Elissa's words.

Without meeting his gaze, she continued, “Raphael, I don't care how many illegitimate children you sire with other women or how many secret affairs you embark upon in the future. But when it comes to the Pryor Technology, my child must be its sole heir. To be more specific, he should possess a minimum of fifty-one percent of the company's shares."

A slight frown creased Raphael's forehead as he asked, “Isn't that a bit excessive?"

Elissa smiled softly and responded, “Well, if you find it too demanding, I won't force you."

After saying that, she rose from her seat and was about to head downstairs for dinner.

However, Raphael stopped her.

Elissa attempted to wriggle free from his grasp, but his hold remained firm. Reluctantly, she turned around to meet his gaze.

With a subtle exertion of force, Raphael drew her closer, enveloping her in his embrace. He guided her until she leaned against him, his touch gentle against her cheek as he said softly, “Elissa, you are not the same person I once knew."

Elissa lifted her gaze, a scornful curve tugging at her lips as she looked at him.

“Raphael, it seems you are even more ruthless than I gave you credit for."

“Is that so? If that's the case, why do you still have feelings for me?"

With a smirk, Raphael's hand slid beneath Elissa's clothing, a move he considered entirely normal for two people in a relationship.

Yet, Elissa hesitated, her reluctance palpable.

Apart from her pregnancy, she despised the relationship between Raphael and Sandra. The mere thought of their rapport made her stomach churn with sickness.

But when Raphael persisted, she found it hard to resist. Fear gripped her, worrying that any protest might endanger her unborn child.

Eventually, they found themselves entangled by the French window, succumbing to desire. Raphael, mindful of Elissa's condition, cautiously avoided putting pressure on her belly.

Instead, he sat her on his lap and held her close, finding a comfortable position for them.

As they intertwined, beads of sweat trickled down Raphael's forehead.

Eventually, Elissa's restraint shattered like glass, and she sunk her teeth into Raphael's shoulder with a ferocity fueled by pure embarrassment.

“I hate you, Raphael..."