Hearing Sterling Norwood say this, Selena Kensington excitedly mentioned to him about her recent shopping trip with Vivian Sutton.

"Just now, Micro and I went to Shopping Paradise to look at baby products. Those clothes are really adorable..."

Selena started to chatter on to Sterling Norwood.

Her tone gradually sped up, and her expression turned somewhat excited.

Sterling Norwood detected the excitement in her words and, fearing it might affect her pregnancy, said, "Take it easy, I’m listening..."

Sterling Norwood’s voice was like a soothing stream, meant to calm her heart. Upon hearing his voice, Selena’s speaking pace gradually slowed down.

Selena continued talking for a little while longer.

Once she finished recounting the afternoon’s activities, Selena asked, "When are you coming back?"

"Miss me?"

"I’ll come back right now."

Sterling Norwood’s voice rang out with a hint of amusement.

"..."

Hearing Sterling’s words, Selena hurriedly said, "Don’t, finish your work before coming back. Otherwise, things will pile up again."

She wasn’t really longing for Sterling, just casually asked.

Didn’t expect Sterling would take it seriously.

Sterling laughed softly.

He understood what Selena meant to express with that sentence, but couldn’t resist teasing her.

"Alright."

Sterling agreed.

After the call ended, Selena hung up.

*

And the two young girls who took a photo with Selena Kensington and Vivian Sutton today went home and happily posted it on their social media.

They even bragged about it in their fan groups.

Initially, many people envied their chance encounter with Selena and Vivian.

But over time, as more people joined the discussion, some eagle-eyed individuals noticed Selena’s slightly swollen belly.

[Is it my imagination? Why does Director Kensington’s belly seem a bit bigger?]

[...Now that you mention it, you’re right!]

[Could it be weight gain from eating?]

[Hey, you guys see the logos on those shopping bags in the photo...]

[Whoa, isn’t that a logo from a baby store in Shopping Paradise?!]

[??? Director Kensington is pregnant?!]

[Shocking!!! Is it true?!]

As these netizens noticed something was off, people started posting about it on Weibo forums.

Because of this, more and more people learned about the situation.

#SelenaKensingtonSuspectedPregnant#

This topic was increasingly reposted and discussed.

When Selena found out the photo had spread online, it was the next day, when Hugh Kensington informed her.

[Sis’ Little Cotton Jacket]: When you guys went shopping and took photos with fans, it seems someone noticed you’re pregnant. Then they posted about it on Weibo forums, and now the topic’s read count has surpassed one million.

Seeing Hugh Kensington’s message, Selena Kensington’s eyebrows raised slightly.

Didn’t expect netizens to be so observant, but truth is, her belly appeared big because she ate too much...

This is somewhat awkward.

[Sis’ Little Cotton Jacket]: Should you announce it publicly?

Hugh sent another message.

[Selie Stays Slim]: Announce it, might as well declare my temporary retreat behind the scenes.

As for the pregnancy matter, there’s really nothing to hide.

This way she can rest assured while nurturing her pregnancy.

[Sis’ Little Cotton Jacket]: Got it.

After Hugh responded to Selena, he proceeded to handle the public relations.

Stardust’s PR department acted swiftly.

Just over an hour later, Selena saw the official Weibo announcement from Stardust.

Stardust Entertainment V: Director Kensington is indeed pregnant. Stardust officially announces Director Kensington’s temporary retirement from behind the scenes, return date unknown.

After this Weibo post was sent out, netizens promptly expressed their blessings and regret.

Regret came because Selena Kensington’s work had just won an international film festival award, bringing her considerable attention. Many thought she would ride the momentum and create even more exceptional works.

Yet unexpectedly, she chose to retreat at such a glorious moment.

[Blessings to sister! Sis and her baby must be safe and sound!]

[Hey, my nephew just turned one; how about a childhood betrothal?]

[Wow, upstairs you’re a real genius! 666]

[So unfortunate, was really hoping to see Director Kensington produce more new works!]

[It’s only a retreat, guess she’ll return after having the baby!]

[Oh no, my Sterling-Selie couple just reached its finale!]

The internet saw numerous discussions about this.

But mostly they were positive remarks, expressing good wishes.

Selena watched these comments for a while but didn’t pay further attention.

*

A few days later.

At a luxury sanatorium in the suburbs of Aethelgard.

The sanatorium was eerily silent.

The iron gate was wide open, seemingly half battered by something forceful, the bars somewhat twisted.

And inside the sanatorium, several bodies lay on the ground.

Floor, walls, stairs...

There were visible bloodstains not quite dried.

A gentle breeze rustled the surroundings, tree leaves whispering with the wind.

Yet inside the sanatorium, there wasn’t a sound.

And at this moment, in one of the rooms in the sanatorium.

Yvonne Norwood had her hair slightly disheveled, facing away from the door.

Staring out the window.

Her gaze was dead and hollow.

She was looking directly at the main gate of the sanatorium.

She saw those bodies lying on the ground, yet her expression didn’t change.

It seemed as if everything was irrelevant to her.

Meanwhile, outside the room’s door, the hallway echoed with the sound of ’clack clack clack...’ from high heels.

Outside the door.

Two people walked down the corridor. 𝗳𝗿𝐞𝕖𝘄𝗲𝕓𝗻𝚘𝚟𝕖𝐥.𝚌𝕠𝕞

Leading was a red-haired woman, dressed in a spotless white trench coat, fiery red wavy hair, her face carrying an expression of coldness.

Her hands were tucked inside her coat pockets, strolling casually.

And the person behind her...

Dark hair scattered, he wore two black earrings.

His face was devoid of any expression, his eyes pure black.

A trace of fierceness lurked beneath his indifferent gaze.

If one overlooked the bloodstains on his hands and face, he would be seen as an exceedingly clean young man.

Cole Vaughn was walking behind, seemingly aware as he glanced at a nearby camera.

Soon, the corner of his mouth curled into a slight smile.

Full of mocking and disdain.

Then, he directly reached out and destroyed the camera.

The red-haired woman ahead slightly turned her head, watching Cole Vaughn’s action with a tiny frown.

Yet she said nothing.

The two stopped at Yvonne Norwood’s room door.

Cole Vaughn leaned against the wall beside the door, casually lowering his gaze.

Showing no intention to go inside.

Seeing this, the red-haired woman went in alone.

As she entered, she saw Yvonne in the room.

Her icy expression slightly shifted.

"Yvonne."

She called out Yvonne’s name coldly.

But Yvonne didn’t respond at all, still turning her back to her.

As if completely ignoring the red-haired woman’s presence.

The red-haired woman wasn’t annoyed, simply saying coolly, "What, don’t want revenge?"