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

So engrossed in the fabric of their fondness, the duo found themselves resisting separation when the studio loomed ahead.

Only when the summons of his professional commitments became unavoidable did Brandon, with a pang of reluctance, release his hold on Janet. No sooner had Janet stepped into the studio, a grin of satisfaction adorning her face, than Lexi rushed up to her, dropping a low whisper into her ear. "Boss, Mrs. White has made her appearance."

Confusion colored Janet's features as she ventured into the studio, questioning, "What could possibly bring my mother here at this hour? Is there an issue?"

Lexi, equally at a loss, trailed Janet, whispering her uncertainties, "I wish I knew, but something about Mrs. White's demeanor isn't right. She seems troubled."

With a nod of acknowledgment, Janet made haste to her office.

Upon Janet's entry, Johanna was seen perched on the couch, a storm of unease apparent in her demeanor.

Maintaining her smile, Janet approached her mother, masking her perplexity. "Mother, what brings you here all of a sudden?"

Johanna, dismissing her daughter's query, hurriedly moved to lock the door before approaching Janet with a gravely serious tone. "The prenatal check-up from last week, did the results come in? What did they say?"

The abruptness of Johanna's question stunned Janet

into silence. Regaining composure, she queried in amazement, "Mother, how did you find out about our prenatal appointment last week?"

Exhaling in exasperation, Johanna responded, "My dear, have you forgotten? Vivi caught you two at the hospital entrance last time. Were you not heading for a check-up?" Suddenly, Janet connected the dots. "Oh, indeed."

Johanna shook her head ruefully. "That fiasco created quite the commotion, impossible to ignore. However, that's water under the bridge now. That's not why I'm here."

Drawing Janet's hand, Johanna sat her down on the sofa, her voice laced with concern. "Now, tell me truthfully, were there any complications with the check-up?"

Johanna's stern gaze sent shivers down Janet's spine, raising a sense of foreboding. Nonetheless, she masked her anxiety behind a reassuring smile. "Everything's perfectly fine, Mom. Why are you so concerned about this out of the blue?"

Witnessing Janet's attempt at evasion, Johanna's suspicions heightened, her brow furrowing as she insisted, "Janet, don't conceal the truth any longer!"

After a moment's hesitation, Janet broke under Johanna's persistent gaze and reluctantly admitted, "It appears there may be some complications..."

Her voice dwindled. Noting the grief that flashed across Johanna's face, Janet rushed to reassure her, "Mother, worry not. The marvels of modern medicine can rectify any problem." Janet's attempt at soothing only deepened Johanna's distress.

Holding Janet's hand tightly, she muttered, guilt etched across her face, "I am to blame... I failed to protect you..."

Perplexed, Janet replied, "Mother, what are you saying? How can any of this be your fault?"

Janet couldn't make heads or tails of Johanna's self-incrimination. Even if there were issues concerning Brandon, Johanna was hardly responsible. Why was she shouldering the blame?

Tears welled up in Johanna's eyes, threatening to spill as she stroked Janet's hand, struggling to voice her regret, "If we hadn't been so reckless... you wouldn't have had to endure such hardship for all these years, and even more... even more..."

Johanna choked on her words, unable to continue.

Why was she implicating herself?

Janet's unease deepened. Before she could make sense of her mother's words, Johanna wiped away her tears, her voice resolute. "It's alright, no matter the cost, we'll find a way to treat and cure you. I've reached out to a renowned gynecologist. He'll surely be able to assist."

Johanna's words detonated in Janet's mind like an explosive, leaving her in a state of disarray.

"I..." Janet pointed at herself, her mind whirling. "I'm the one with issues?"

With firm determination, Johanna gripped Janet's hand, ready to lead her to medical assistance. "Let's not waste any time. Let's see the doctor right now."