Bea''s expression darkened considerably upon recognizing the person before her. She immediately pushed Nichole away, her voice tinged with fury. "You bitch, how dare you show your face here again!"


    Nichole fell to the ground. Her chosen attire for the day was a form-fitting midi dress that entuated her slightly protruding belly - a deliberate choice. Indeed, it was the sight of Nichole''s belly that softened Bea''s demeanor slightly, though her tone remained harsh, "I''ve been more than fair to you, providing you a safe haven to nurture James'' child. Yet, you''ve turned your back on us, seeking thepany of another man!"


    "I''m sorry, but I was forced into this situation!" Nichole, now kneeling, pleaded with a genuine sense of remorse, "I love James, you know that... That day, the Cloude family took me away! I didn''t want to leave, but they forced me, even iming they knew of my father''s whereabouts. That''s why..."


    Nichole''s tears were like rain, painting a picture of utter distress. Bea frowned, asking, "Is that the truth?"


    Nichole, even more aggrieved, responded, "I know I''ve done wrong, but all I wanted was to reconnect with the father I never knew..."


    Bea had seen the news; Nichole''s father was Mr. Freeman.


    The Freeman family held a reputable position in Devonport. They were known for their schrly background and charitable deeds over the years. Their public image was impable.


    After learning that Nichole was the long-lost daughter of the Freeman family, Bea found another reason to forgive her.


    Marian, witnessing Nichole''s poor attempt at reconciliation, could hardly hide her displeasure.


    She knew all too well how Nichole had once unted her status within the Burke family, dering herself thedy of the house - something Bea might not be aware of, but Marian knew all too well! "Since Mr. Cloude coerced you and you came to me willingly, I can forgive you. However, whether James forgives you is entirely up to you." Bea, seated on the couch, spoke earnestly, "You''re carrying the Burke family''s child. If you truly wish to part ways with that Cloude boy, I will surely protect you."


    "Thank you, Grandma Bea!" Nichole wiped away her tears, feigning gratitude.


    "Enough, get up," Bea said, putting down her mug with a gentle ck.


    Upon Bea''smand, Nichole rose to her feet.


    "You''ll stay within the Burke family grounds for the time being. Don''t go anywhere. If the Freemans wish to see you, you''re free to meet them. Should the Cloudes cause any trouble, rest assured, I have my ways to deal with them."Text content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Nichole''s face lit up with joy upon hearing this.


    Marian, observing this exchange, opened her mouth to speak but hesitated upon catching Bea''s stern gaze.


    This wouldn''t do. She had to inform Ms. Sophie. Nichole was not suitable for their family!


    That afternoon, Marian mustered her courage and made her way to Aldridge Global Entertainment, only to be scrutinized by the receptionist upon entry. "May I help you find someone?" "I''m here to see Ms. Sophie... is she avable?"


    "She''s in, but..." the receptionist eyed Marian, inquiring, "What do you need Ms. Sophie for?"


    "I need to..."


    Just then, Sophie emerged from the elevator and spotted Marian standing awkwardly at the reception. Frowning, Sophie asked, "Marian?"


    Hearing Sophie''s voice, Marian''s face brightened with relief. "Ma''am..."