Unmasking Mrs. Newton's Secret Identities novel Chapter 2023

"I don't get it," Stanson sneered, clearly puzzled. "Why go through all this trouble just to hand me money?"

"That's not all I came for," Colin replied, cutting straight to the point. "I want to form an alliance. Together, we can bring down Chandler."

"Just you?" Stanson scoffed, his voice dripping with disdain.

"Maybe you've forgotten, Mr. Holland," Colin continued, his tone unwavering. "I'm from Grand Cathay. My understanding of Chandler goes far deeper than anything your men know. As for his woman, I've already got her under control."

Stanson burst out laughing. "Why would Chandler's woman ever be interested in you?"

Colin's face darkened in an instant. He had endured this bald man for far too long. If Stanson couldn't speak with some sense, he should have kept quiet.

How dare he belittle him? Wasn't he just as capable and impressive as Chandler?

But for the sake of his organization, Colin forced himself to maintain control.

"Even the most exquisite dishes can lose their appeal if consumed too often," he replied, a sly smile tugging at the corner of his lips.

Stanson paused, considering Colin's words. A sly gleam appeared in his eyes, and a lecherous grin spread across his face. "Words alone don't count for much," he said. "If you can bring that woman to me for some personal entertainment, then I'll consider your offer."

Colin frowned. "Cathayan women are known for their fiery temperaments. Without genuine emotional involvement, winning her over would be nearly impossible. In fact, it might backfire, causing her to despise me. Losing such an asset would be far too risky. It's better to wait until the timing is right—"

"It's difficult but not impossible," Stanson interrupted, his tone dripping with the self-assuredness of someone skilled in such matters. "All it takes is a little something to make her sleep, and she won't feel a thing. In the end, only you and I will know. If neither of us speaks, who's going to find out?"

Colin hesitated. He didn't want to waste such a valuable asset, but he also didn't want to risk antagonizing Stanson.

As she set the bowl down, she noticed everyone at the table staring at her. Feeling a bit embarrassed, she chuckled and explained, "I don't know what's going on, but this pregnancy has really boosted my appetite. I've been eating a lot more than usual. Did I surprise you all?"

"What's the big deal? Being able to eat is a blessing!" Abigail teased with a playful grin. "Hels, I bet you're carrying a little foodie —someone who loves to eat and has an appetite to match!"

"That might not necessarily be the case," Tiana interjected knowingly, being the only one at the table with prior experience other than Helen. "Pregnant women tend to eat more than usual, especially if she's having twins."

"It probably won't be twins. The chances of having twins again in a second pregnancy are pretty low," Helen said, her hand gently resting on her belly, a quiet sense of hope filling her expression.

With the support of her family and friends, her experience this time felt completely different from her last pregnancy. Everything around her seemed to glow with life and possibility, and she looked at the world with a newfound optimism.

"Twins would be amazing! Just the other day, Germaine and I were joking about living the child-free lifestyle. Looks like the job of continuing the Newton family line will fall entirely on you and Chandler!"