Chapter 23 Chapter 23 85 % +5 Peyton noticed the storm brewing on Jimmys face and quickly handed him a glass of water , hoping to ease the tension . Morn , please dont argue anymore , Claudia interjected . The house was fully paid for by the Reed family . We didnt contribute a single cent , so I dont want to push for anything . As long as I can marry Rupert and he treats me well , Ill be completely content . Her voice was laced with sincerity and composure , and the way she gazed at Rupert , her eyes brimming with gentle affection , made her words seem all the more heartfelt Rupert , catching the tender look in Claudias glistening eyes , felt his heart melt like butter on a warm summer day . Dad , Mom , he began , Claudia is entrusting her entire life to me by marrying me . She has faith in me , and I should give her the security she deserves . If you want grandchildren , then the least we can do is add her name to the house deed . His loyalty towards Claudia was unwavering , and his words carried a subtle but firm challenge to his parents . To Rupert , there was nothing in the world he wouldnt give Claudia if she asked for it , let alone adding her name on the deed . But to Jimmy and Peyton , the Robinsons were beginning to seem a bit too demanding and greedy . Jimmy , despite his unwavering love for Rupert since he was a boy , couldnt ignore the gravity of marriage . It wasnt something to rush into without careful consideration . Seeing his fathers hesitation , Rupert leaned forward , his voice pressing but steady . Dad , youve always told me that everything you have will eventually be mine . If thats the case , then whats mine is Claudias too . Adding her name to the deed is only fair . Please , Dad , just agree to it . Either way , Im not marrying anyone but Claudia . Rupert , dont speak to your parents like that , Claudia quickly cut in , her voice soft . They have their reasons , and I understand . If theyre against it , then lets not push them . Before she could finish her sentence , Claudias face turned pale , and she covered her mouth as she gagged slightly . Everyones expressions immediately shifted , the atmosphere growing tense with alarm . Maisie , however , broke into a wide grin . Claudia , could it be … are you pregnant ? L … Claudia hesitated , her cheeks flushing crimson with embarrassment . My period is late this month … Thats a clear sign , Maisie declared with delight , her eyes darting toward Peyton . Youve had children , Peyton . You know what I mean , right ? Peyton nodded thoughtfully , also thinking it was true . If Claudias pregnant , thats wonderful news . Rupert seized the moment , his tone carrying a subtle urgency as he turned to his parents . Dad , Mom , Claudia is carrying my child a Reed family child . Whats there to worry about now ? Jimmy exhaled heavily , the weight of his earlier reservations beginning to lift . Finally , with a begrudging nod , he said , If shes really pregnant , then well add her name . Hearing this , Claudia couldnt contain her joy . A bright smile lit up her face as she said warmly , Thank you , Mr. I promise to take good care of Rupert and you both . All we ask is that you live happily together and have plenty of children , Jimmy replied , his thoughts clearly more focused on ensuring the Reed familys legacy . 1/4 13:19 Wed , 26 Feb Chapter 23 85 % Rupert and Claudia exchanged a look , their eyes sparkling with shared happiness . With Claudia looking so radiant , she must be carrying a strong , healthy baby , Rupert said , his grin stretching from car to ear . Later that evening , the Robinsons relatives and friends gathered for dinner at the hotel , indulging in a celebratory feast . The group even decided to extend their stay another night , planning to leave the following day . For Jimmy , however , the growing expenses were beginning to wear on him , making him annoyed . He hadnt anticipated the Robinsons showing up with so many freeloaders who seemed determined to eat and drink to their hearts content at his expense . As he calculated the costs in his mind , his irritation simmered quietly beneath the surface . Rupert then whispered something in Jimmys car , his words soft but firm . Whatever he said seemed to work , as the stern lines on Jimmys face finally eased . Alright , well do it your way , Jimmy said with a faint smile , the tension dissipating from his features at last . After dinner , as they left the hotel , Jimmy stopped Laura and reminded her again , Laura , dont forget the wedding gift . If you cant come up with the money , youll ruin your brothers happiness for the rest of his life . And if that happens , Ill never forgive you . Laura stood under the dark , endlesssky , holding her daughter Arianna close . The vibrant , flickering city lights blurred before her eyes , mirroring the storm brewing in her heart . Before her marriage , Laura had handed over half her salary to her father without complaint . After marrying Matteo , her mother in law had insisted she quit her job to focus on family life . With no income of her own and her days tethered to the household , she had nowhere to turn for help . Laura pulled out her phone , scrolling through her contact list , searching for someone she could confide in . But the names on the screen felt distant , none of them close enough to lean on in her time of need . Just as despair began to take hold , her phone buzzed with an incoming call from Doris . Laura took a deep breath , trying to steady her chaotic emotions before answering . Laura , I heard from Lewis that you tried to call me earlier , Doris said warmly , her voice carrying a hint of concern . I was resting and missed it . Im fine , really . But are you alright ? Im fine , Laura replied , though the tremor in her voice betrayed her . She sniffled softly , trying to hold it together . Laura , have you been crying ? Doriss perceptive tone immediately picked up on the faint quiver in her words . No , Im just about to head home . Lets talk later , okay ? Laura cut in quickly , afraid that any more kindness from Doris would shatter the fragile dam holding back her emotions . She came up with an excuse and hung up the phone . Doris wanted to say something else , but when she looked at her phone , she saw the call had already ended . A lingering unease settled in her chest . She couldnt shake the feeling that something was off with Lauras mood . Meanwhile , Lewis emerged from the bedroom , freshly showered , and found Doris lost in thought by the kitchen island . He called her name twice but she didnt respond , her gaze distant . Whats wrong ? Lewis asked , his brow furrowed as he approached . Doris blinked , pulling herself back from her worries . Its nothing . Dinners ready . Lets eat . Tonights meal was a simple yet comforting spread steaks , steamed broccoli , and clam chowder . As Lewis helped plate the food , Doriss eyes caught something unusual . There , on the back of his hand , was a faint bite 2/4 13:19 Wed , 26 Feb Ella • Chapter 23 mark . Though the color had faded , it was still noticeable . What happened to your hand ? Doris asked , setting down her bowl as she reached out to inspect it more closely . Lewis withdrew his hand smoothly , a wry smile tugging at his lips . Someone bit me when she was drunk . Her jaw dropped as realization dawned . Wait … was that me ? 85 % +5 Doris blinked , utterly dumbfounded . She had no memory of the incident , and after spending the afternoon sleeping off her hangover , she had barely pieced herself back together . Next time , no more drinking , Lewis warned , his tone somewhere between stern and teasing . Are you serious ? I bit you ? That doesnt sound like me I dont just go around biting people , Doris protested , completely puzzled , her eyes narrowing suspiciously as she studied him . Then , a mischievous thought crossed her mind . Or maybe … you had some ulterior motive ? Lewis felt a sharp sting of humiliation coursing through him . Doris , you really have some nerve playing the victim , he said , leaning back against the chair , his arms crossed over his chest . His gaze grew cold, the sharp edge of his words cutting through the air . Sure , youre somewhat decent looking , but lets not get ahead of ourselves . Dont flatter yourself into thinking Id have any ulterior motives . It was just a joke . No need to get so serious . Doris , sensing the tension , quickly grabbed the bowl of clam chowder she had just ladled out . She held it up to him with an apologetic smile , her tone softening as she offered , Alright , I admit I went too far . I shouldnt have acted like a drunken fool or bitten you out of nowhere . Im sorry , Mr. Please forgive me . Her attempt at making amends was as endearing as it was clumsy . With her big , pleading eyes and the soup held up like a -peace offering , she looked utterly harmless . Lewis gave her a long , measured look before letting out a resigned sigh . Not worth the effort to argue with you , he muttered , taking the bowl from her hands and sipping from it . I knew youve got a big heart , Doris said , her face lighting up with relief as she broke into a grin . Dinner ended without further incident , and while Doris busied herself cleaning the table and washing the dishes , her mind was still stuck on Laura . The nagging feeling that something was wrong wouldnt leave her alone . Once the dishes were done , she joined Lewis in the living room , her expression clouded with concern as she sat down . Hartman , I cant shake the feeling that somethings off with Laura . Im worried about her . I think Ill stop by her place after work tomorrow to check on her , so dont wait for me for dinner . Lewis glanced up from his book , a flicker of thought crossing his mind . The bond between these two sisters is something else . Always putting each other first , he pondered . Closing the book with a quiet thud , he said , Alright . Then Ill come with you after work to visit her . Doris waved off the suggestion almost immediately . Theres no need for that . Its just some girl talk , you know ? You being there would make it different . But if you need anything , call me . 3/4 13:19 Wed , 26 Feb A Chapter 23 Doris lingered on the couch for a moment , absently flipping through the channels , but her heart wasnt in it . The worry over Laura had stolen all her focus . Eventually , she gave up on the TV and headed to her bedroom , crawling into bed early , Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!