The Heiress Spoiled by Four Brothers and One Devilish CEO-Chapter 237 Shadows Before the Joy

Megan Shaw glanced at Tristan Reid. He smiled and nodded, "It’s our first New Year since the family reunion. We should spend it here. We can visit the Reid and Shaw families on the first and second day—they’ll understand."

Brandon Lewis, who had been quiet, suddenly cleared his throat. "I have something to announce."

Emily Gates lowered her head, her face turning red like a cooked prawn.

"I’m going to be a dad."

Samuel Lewis nearly choked on his water. "Dang, that was fast. All those sleepless nights paid off, huh?"

Emily’s blush deepened. "I—I’m heading upstairs."

She bolted from the dining room.

Brandon shot Samuel a death glare. "Do you ever run your mouth through your brain first?"

Megan chuckled and covered her mouth. "I’ll go check on Emily."

She quickly followed Emily and caught up just outside her room. "Aww, you’re shy now?"

Emily opened the door. "Come in quick, Megan. I’m so embarrassed."

Megan stepped in and sat on the edge of the bed. "Sam’s always been like that—cool front, no filter. But seriously, how far along are you?"

"Exactly four weeks. I found out today after fainting in the hospital."

Megan held her hand warmly. "That’s amazing. Now our kids can grow up together; they’ll only be a few months apart."

Emily nodded gently. "Megan, I feel so happy. I didn’t think it’d all happen so fast—marriage with Brandon, and now a baby. It’s like living in a dream. Sometimes I pinch myself just to be sure it’s all real."

Megan smiled. "It’s definitely real. You two love each other so much, it’s obvious to everyone. You deserve all the happiness in the world."

Just then, Brandon walked in with big strides.

Megan stood up. "Alright, I’ll let you two talk. I’m heading back down for dinner."

She pulled the door shut behind her, the content smile on her face lingering long after.

They really deserved this kind of happiness.

Brandon cupped Emily’s flushed cheeks. "Red like a tomato. What’s that about?"

"It’s just... being in front of everyone, I got super flustered."

Seeing her bashful look, Brandon let out a low laugh and wrapped her in a hug. "Thank you, Emily... for giving me something I never thought I’d have—a real home."

Emily buried her face against his chest. "No, it’s me who should thank you. I lost my parents young, then my grandma passed too. I never knew what a home really felt like until I met you... You gave me warmth, love—everything."

Her eyes turned glassy, and soon tears traced down her pale cheeks.

Brandon’s heart clenched. He’d never given it much thought before, but over time, her presence had become this steady part of his every day.

She always had his schedule nailed down, his data lined up, always one step ahead. And now looking back, her place in his life was undeniable.

Ever since their kidnapping and Emily’s confession, it hit him—he had feelings for her too.

He’d never been one for relationships. Actually, he used to avoid them. But with Emily, it was different. He never minded when she got close.

Brandon gently wiped the tears from her face with his thumb. "Hey, don’t cry. Even if those are happy tears, I still don’t want to see you cry."Emily Gates let out a snort-laugh, accidentally blowing a little snot bubble.

Brandon Lewis grabbed a tissue from the nightstand and wiped it off for her, but ended up smearing some on her cheek. "Oops, now that’s a look."

Emily pouted. "All your fault! Look what you did to my face."

Brandon ruffled her hair with a soft grin. "Who cares? I kinda like you like this—messy and all."

"You’re seriously good at roasting people, huh?"

He chuckled, leaning close to her ear so his breath brushed against her neck. "You didn’t expect that? Pretty sure there are a few things I’ve done that caught you off guard. Especially under the blankets. Liked it?"

Emily’s face turned beet red. She gave him a little shove. "You’re getting way too good at this."

Brandon let out a light sigh. "Honestly, I was really enjoying our time alone... then came this little surprise."

Emily mumbled, eyes low. "If you didn’t always..."

"Didn’t always what?"

She pressed her hand over his lips. "Don’t you dare finish that sentence!"

Feeling the warmth, she quickly pulled her hand back. "Ugh, you really are the worst."

Brandon hugged her close. "You’re adorable. Come on, let’s head downstairs and eat. Even if you’re not hungry, the baby needs the nutrients."

"I’m not going down there today, too embarrassing..."

He chuckled and kissed her smooth forehead. "Alright, I’ll bring the food up. We’ll eat together."

Emily nodded, watching him leave with a soft smile tugging at her lips.

Brandon went to the dining room, picking all of Emily’s favorites and piling them neatly onto a plate.

Megan Shaw rested her chin on her hand, watching him with interest. "Wow, didn’t realize our third bro’s such a wife pamperer."

Tristan Reid grumbled, "What, jealous? You act like I’m not?"

Samuel Lewis smirked. "Pretty sure I’ll top them all someday. Whoever marries me is hitting the jackpot—"

"Of bad luck!"

Glancing at Tristan, Samuel rolled his eyes. "You’re such a jerk."

Tristan said calmly, "Eh, you’ll get used to it."

Stella Banks clung to Zachary Lewis’s arm, beaming. "Zach, can you believe it? I’m gonna be a grandma! So many good things happening at once."

Even the usually stern Zachary cracked a smile. "Yeah... it’s great."

Just then, Jason Lewis frowned at something on his phone screen.

He abruptly stood up, his expression suddenly tense. "Something came up on set, I need to head out. You guys go ahead."

Stella asked quickly, "Is it about Michelle?"

Jason didn’t say a word. He grabbed his coat and left in a hurry.

Tristan watched him go, his eyes narrowing slightly.

Megan noticed. "What’s wrong, Tristan?"

"Nothing," he said, flashing a quick smile while adding food to her plate. "Eat up."

The mood at the table stayed light, everyone basking in the joy of the family’s good news.

Meanwhile, a sleek black Bentley shot down the road, wheels eating up the distance without a hint of hesitation. Jason was at the wheel, driving fast, barely slowing for turns.

Half an hour later, he pulled up at Building A of Lan Apartment Complex.

Shoving the car door open, he made a beeline for the entrance.

The elevator was stuck on the 11th floor. Someone must’ve called it up. Impatient, Jason ran to the stairs and took them two steps at a time to the 12th.

Reaching Unit 1201 just as the door cracked open, his brow furrowed.

And the moment he pushed the door wider—

A figure lunged straight at him!