The Mysterious Billionaire and His Substitute Bride (Ethan and Janet)

As Leo's interrogation bore down on him, Garrett struggled to find the words to defend himself.

Leo's rage intensified upon seeing Garrett's crestfallen expression. "You're nearly thirty, for heaven's sake! Show some maturity! How can you ever hope to be a decent father and protector for your family?" Garrett found himself at a loss for words for the first time in his life, rendered speechless by Leo's scathing rebuke.

Deep down, he knew Leo was right. His own negligence had caused harm to Laney.

Vera, witnessing the harsh chastisement Garrett was enduring, felt a wave of sympathy and immediately intervened, "You can't place all the blame on Garrett! Laney must bear some responsibility too. Her own carelessness nearly resulted in disaster."

Garrett's protective instincts kicked in, and he quickly jumped to Laney's defense. "It's all my fault. I should never have brought Laney to the class reunion. If I hadn't, this calamity wouldn't have occurred. I promise to be more vigilant in the future." Seeing Garrett's genuine remorse, Leo's anger finally began to dissipate. "I'm glad you understand the gravity of the situation. You may return to work tomorrow. Lola will tend to Laney."

"No!" Garrett protested, anxiety mounting. "With Laney in this state, I can't concentrate on work."

Leo frowned. "It's crucial that you sort out your work affairs, so you can be there for Laney when she needs you most - during childbirth."

Vera chimed in, "You don't want to be absent when Laney gives birth, do you?"

Garrett knew that Leo was right but couldn't shake his concern. "But what about Laney..."

"Don't fret, Mr. Harding. I'll take excellent care of Mrs. Harding," Lola, who had been quietly trailing Vera, promptly assured him.

"Alright, but you must keep a close eye on Laney."

After issuing a final reminder to Lola and casting a lingering glance at the slumbering Laney in her hospital bed, Garrett reluctantly took his leave.

Once Garrett had departed, Leo and Vera decided to follow suit, but not before ensuring Laney was in good hands.

"Please, take exceptional care of Laney this time. We can't afford another incident," Vera implored, her worry evident. "Keep us informed of any developments, alright?" Lola nodded. "Rest assured, Mrs. Harding."

Leo's displeasure was unmistakable as he asked, "What exactly transpired today? Why didn't you intervene and inform us when Laney and Garrett went to the class reunion?"

"I... I wasn't aware," Lola stammered, feeling cornered and fearful under Leo's penetrating gaze. "Mrs. Harding never mentioned it to me."

Leo huffed, "If such negligence occurs again, you needn't bother working here!"

Lola hung her head, biting her lip and holding her tongue.

After Leo and Vera had left, Lola couldn't help but glance resentfully at Laney in her hospital bed.

She blamed Laney entirely for her plight. If it hadn't been for Laney, Lola would never have faced such a reprimand!

The hospital housing Laney was under the Gibson family's control, and it didn't take long for Kailee to receive word of Laney's hospitalization.

"Why is she hospitalized? How's the baby?" Kailee's voice tinged with anticipation.

The informant on the other end of the line explained, "Apparently, an emotional upheaval triggered some fetal distress. However, both mother and child are stable. The hospitalization is merely a precautionary measure."

Kailee's disappointment was palpable. She had hoped that the incident would have had more serious consequences for the unborn child. The resilience of Laney's baby had caught her off guard. Despite the unpleasant events at the class reunion, Kailee's determination to win Garrett over remained unshaken. She believed that Garrett's fury stemmed from concern for the baby, not genuine affection for Laney. Laney, after all, was a mere bodyguard with no influence or power. Kailee refused to accept that Garrett could truly love someone like her.

This conviction fueled Kailee's refusal to back down.

However, as direct contact with Garrett was temporarily impossible, she needed to devise an alternate strategy.

With a sly grin and raised eyebrows, Kailee prepared to set her cunning plan in motion.