Chapter &
As 1 exped, my mother in law invited me to lunch the following day
She was impeccably dressed, her posture elegant as she waved me over. “Phoenit.”
I came without makeup, deliberately emphasizing my exhaustion with fake dark circles under my eyes.
My mother in law studied me for a moment before speaking. “Phoenix, my son didn’t inherit my
temperament.”
I lowered my gaze. That much was painfully obvious.
“But I’m too old to have another child at this point,” she sighed softly, pushing a document across the
table toward me.
I flipped through several pages–a transfer of 10% of company shares.
I was genuinely surprised. “Mom?”
She paused. “I’ve built up quite a business empire, and it’s clear that after giving Ryder his portion, he’s simply not cut out for the corporate world.”
“Fortunately, I still have time to train another successor.”
She took a sip of her coffee. “If possible, I’d prefer not to see everything I’ve worked for my entire life end up in the hands of someone outside the family.”
“Phoenix, do you understand what I’m saying?”
I truly did understand her feelings.
During my internship, I had the privilege of being her assistant. Working alongside her, I deeply admired her capabilities.
That admiration colored my initial impression of Ryder when we first met–I projected his mother’s qualities onto him.
But after marriage, that filter gradually disappeared, and I saw clearly that Ryder was nothing like his
mother.
They couldn’t be more different.
My mother–in–law’s objective was clear–she wanted my unborn child.
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I Canceled Our Wedding for My CEO Childhood Crush. Zero Regrets!
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Chuner
1 looked up, my voice slightly hoarse: “Ryder could always have another child.”
She paused. But I believe you would be a good mother.”
She narrowed her eyes meaningfully. “At the very least, you know exactly how to react in certain situations to protect yourself and secure your best interests.”
Her implication was unmistakable.
Those manipulative tactics might work on some, but they were completely transparent to a
battle hardened businesswoman like her.
She continued: “That’s why I trust you. If it’s a girl, you’ll teach her how to protect herself. If it’s a boy, I
believe he’ll have high emotional intelligence and quick reflexes.”
I spoke quietly: “But even someone as exceptional as you produced…”
She rubbed her temple. “Ryder grew up with his father and grandmother.”
“When he was young, I was consumed by my career and neglected his development.”
I remained silent. There was also nothing left to say.
The baby in my womb was still barely formed. I couldn’t claim to have much emotional attachment yet.
But following my mother–in–law’s plan would mean staying tethered to Ryder, giving my child a father
like him.
I didn’t want that either.
A heavy silence filled the private dining room.
I couldn’t help questioning this excessive concern for an unformed fetus. Even coming from my respected
mother–in–law, it seemed too strange–the intensity of her interest didn’t add up.
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I Canceled Our Wedding for My CEO Childhood Crush. Zero Regrets!
