Chapter 178

Lainey's heart pounded in her chest.

She didn't dare lift her gaze until she was certain Fraser had gone far enough for his figure to vanish from sight.

His words still echoed in her mind that he had probably figured out her little scheme to get him out of the way.

But that was hardly a concern.

With him gone, she could finally handle Jeff and Hilda however she wanted.

By the time Fraser returned from Breoqua, she would have everything under control.

Securing the shares was the priority. Being a Benton by blood was irrelevant; soon enough, she would be living a life of luxury regardless.

First, though, she had to make sure the paternity test was altered and any suspicion about Eleanor wiped away.

Only then could she pressure them into signing over the shares.

Jeff had claimed Hilda went out for a spa.

Lainey knew better.

Hilda had gone specifically to get Eleanor's hair samples. But it didn't matter.

Horace had ways to handle the labs.

She quickly sent him a text, saying, "Hilda is making her move. Make sure everything's in place to keep it smooth.".

She slipped the phone back into her purse and pressed the elevator button. When she reached the lobby, a loud voice stopped her in her tracks. A woman with a slightly rounded belly was arguing furiously at the Billing Department, hidden behind a mask, sunglasses, and a hat.

"Don't treat me like this! I come from a good family! I lost my wallet. I don't have cash! Just let me go. I'Il pay later!"

Lainey/'s eyes narrowed.

That voice belonged to Emma? Pregnant? How had that happened?

Lainey had no plan to get involved. She just gave a sarcastic smirk and started walking toward the exit.

But then an idea struck.

With Jonny tied up in his own matters, he probably hadn't been keeping an eye on his sister.

Emma, broke and expecting a child, was an easy target.

People in desperation could be manipulated, and with a little nudge, she might not be able to ruin Eleanor entirely, but she could certainly make things difficult.

A sly grin spread across Lainey's face.

She walked over, drew a card from her purse, and handed it to the nurse. "I'll take care of her bill."

Emma froze, her eyes widening in shock. "Lainey?"

Panic flashed across her face. If Lainey knew she was pregnant and told Jonny... she didn't even want to think about it.

Mumbling a quick, awkward thanks, she tried to slip away, but Lainey wasn't done with her.

She caught up effortlessly and called in a sweet, concerned tone, "Emma, do you need some help?"

Emma stopped and turned back slowly, feeling confused inside.

Her brother had warned her that Lainey was cunning, sly, and untrustworthy, but she had never believed it.

And now, in this moment of vulnerability, it was Lainey offering help. Could someone so thoughtful really be a bad person?

It had to be that Jonny had been misled by false rumors.

Seeing Lainey standing there, calm and gentle, Emma felt warmth bloom in her chest. Her eyes glistened,and her voice trembled as she whispered, "Please, don't tell anyone about this."

She bit her lip before continuing, "Could you...maybe lend me a bit more money?"

Lainey gave a soft, understanding nod, looking calm and harmless. "Emma, there's no need to be so formal between us. If you need anything, just say so. It's just..."

She paused, feigning a small sigh of embarrassment. "I don't really have much on me at the moment.

Eleanor's been interfering between me and my mom, and my allowance got cut because of it."

Emma's blood boiled instantly.

Eleanor!

That conniving woman had manipulated Jonny and now even tormented Lainey!

Lainey was a Benton, the pride of the Todd family!

No way was she going to sit by.

She needed to take some weight off Lainey's shoulders and make sure Eleanor never got the chance to hurt her again.

That way, when good opportunities came around, Lainey would think of her first.

Making a silent promise to herself, Emma looked at Lainey with determination. "Don't worry, Lainey. I'll make sure Eleanor doesn't get her way. She won't be able to cause much trouble for long."

Lainey immediately displayed a look of panic and grabbed Emma's hand. "Emma, don't do anything reckless,okay?"

But her caution didn't stop her from acting. With a quiet motion, she slid her bank card into Emma's palm."Take this $100, 000. It's all I have right now. Use it if you absolutely need it. And promise me you won't do anything risky. If you need me, I'll be there."

Emma stared at the card, touched by her gesture.

In that moment, she realized just how kind Lainey truly was. Her resentment toward Eleanor flared hotter than ever.

This time, Eleanor would truly pay for what she had done.