After a moment, the doctor added, “However, with the advancements in medical techniques in recent years, there's a pathway for safer pregnancies under our care. Early fetal protection and delivering the baby here at Mercy Hospital could offer a reasonable chance for success."

Seeing Holden lost in thought, the doctor asked, “Are you considering going ahead with the pregnancy?"

It was then that Holden, still processing the information, asked, “How long has she been pregnant?"

The doctor lifted the medical diagnosis form with practiced ease, his eyes briefly scanning the document before he spoke. "It's been almost a whole month now."

After a brief pause, he continued, the clinical tone of his voice softening slightly. "Given that the fetus is still quite small, an abortion can be performed without endangering the mother."

Holden's brow furrowed in response, his mind racing.

The timing was uncanny-it had been almost a month since that fateful, drunken night. Was it possible that the child Sadie was carrying belonged to him?

In the quiet of the hospital room, Sadie awakened, her eyes darting around the empty space. Not finding Holden, her frustration mounted rapidly, and she began to furiously press the nurse call button, her face contorted with anger. "Where's Holden? Where did he go?"

The door swung open moments later, but it was Shawn who entered, his demeanor unwaveringly professional, devoid of any unnecessary emotion.

"Mr. Fredrick had an urgent meeting to attend and has already left.

You can turn to me if you need anything."

"And what meeting could possibly be more important than being here when I wake up?" Sadie retorted, her voice thick with emotion.

Despite her outburst, Shawn remained composed, responding, “The doctor has emphasized the importance of rest and managing your temper for your health."

Sadie's anger reached its boiling point. Clutching the bedsheet in a tight grip, she fixed Shawn with a piercing gaze, her voice sharp with accusation. “Holden didn't return all day yesterday. Where was he? Was he with that bitch, Ariana?"

"I don't know." Shawn's response was calm, his expression unaltered as he spoke. “This concerns Mr. Fredrick's private affairs, which I make it a point not to meddle in."

Sadie met his stoicism with a chuckle of disbelief, her frustration peeling away any pretense. With a scoff, she retorted coldly, “You don't know? You really expect me to believe that? Being Holden's lapdog, you're saying you'd be in the dark about his whereabouts?"

Despite the barbs in Sadie's words, Shawn's patience was unshaken, his demeanor undisturbed by her sarcasm. He understood the tremendous stress Sadie had been enduring lately.

Ignoring her provocation, Shawn smoothly transitioned to a matter of grave importance, presenting a medical consent form. "The doctor has informed us of your congenital heart condition and the risks post-heart transplant. Bearing a child under these circumstances could lead to serious complications during pregnancy and childbirth, with potentially enduring repercussions. An abortion is advised. Mr. Fredrick has consented to this course of action. Should you have no reservations, we would need your signature."

Sadie's gaze fell upon the consent form extended towards her, but with a surge of anger, she swatted it away to the floor, her voice strained through clenched teeth. "Back when times were hard, I endured everything to bring Adele into this world. Am I supposed to be afraid now? Let me make this clear: this child is Holden's flesh and blood. I will never consent to end this pregnancy!"

The intensity of Sadie's emotions only heightened as she spoke, her features oscillating between mocking laughter and deep-seated hatred.