Lost Me Gained Regret

Dailey casually lifted his glass, swirling the drink with a leisurely air.

Ah, this is getting interesting.

Gregory was at his limit.Còntens bel0ngs to Nô(v)elDr/a/ma.Org

He couldn't stand the revulsion any longer and broke the silence. It was directed at Josiah.

"Your family's fortune for your wife and kids, take it or leave it."

Josiah couldn't believe his ears.

But his response was cut off by Samuel, "You're quite the character, huh?"

Gregory felt a chill crawl up his spine.

He hadn't expected the mafia to stoop to such lows.

No wonder they were in decline.

It was all about holding a strategic position.

Back home, they'd have been reformed by now.

"I like you, and I need someone like you. Join me, and rule this side of town. Whatever you want, you got it."

Josiah wanted to speak but was afraid of offending Samuel, feeling utterly choked up.

It was only because of the Norman family's years of influence that a fool like Samuel could ever dream of being the boss.

Gregory couldn't sit still any longer, he subtly signaled with his fingers.

His men appeared in an instant, surrounding Samuel and his crew.

The hotel's living room suddenly felt cramped.

Samuel spread his hands, "So, we're done talking?"

Gregory not only refused to talk but also wanted to silence him completely.

"Lucius."

Lucius presented the property agreement to Josiah.

Josiah couldn't possibly sign, "Boss Samuel, I'll go find my wife and kids, you handle things here."

Samuel gave Gregory a hopeful look, "Really, you're not considering joining us?"

Gregory clenched his jaw, his disgust evident.

In a flash, he launched a kick at Samuel.

The spacious living room plunged into chaos.

Lucius shielded Gregory, and Dailey joined the fray.

The hotel's management dared not intervene.

Gunshots echoed one after another.

Eventually, the police arrived.

"Put down your weapons!"

The officers separated the two groups, but Gregory was nowhere to be found.

...

The next day was Thanksgiving.

I finished breakfast early and texted Gregory, asking when he might arrive.

He replied near noon, confirming he'd be there by evening. I started preparing dinner with Mrs. Johnson.

During this time, Ramona video called me.

"Look, I'm baking pumpkin pies for Thanksgiving. Come pick them up this weekend."

Seeing Ramona so happy made me feel better too.

"Sure."

After a moment, she asked, "You seem a bit pale, are you alright?"

I touched my face, smiling, "It's just the lighting, I'm fine, don't worry."

"Has Gregory not returned from abroad?"

"He said he'd be back tonight."

"Alright then, I'm busy here. Take care of yourself, and don't hide anything from me."

"I won't."

After hanging up, I went to the bathroom to check my reflection.

Indeed, I looked paler than usual.

Touching my belly, I whispered, "Sorry, baby, for the tough times."

"Can he understand you?"

Startled, I looked up to see Gregory approaching, tears uncontrollably streaming down my face.

Gregory sighed, wiping my tears, "Forgot what Mr. Abdul said?"

"I'm here now, why the tears?"

I reached for his shirt, but he sidestepped.

He gently held my face, "I'm starving, can we eat first?"

I thought Gregory's return would lift my spirits, but I barely touched my food.

I needed to know what had happened, if he was hurt.

Seeing me distracted, Gregory sighed, "It's hard for me to eat like this."

"Then eat later."

I tried again to check under his shirt.

This time, he let me, revealing bandages around his abdomen.

The stark red staining the white bandages was shocking.

"I knew you were lying!"

Gregory quickly embraced me, soothing, "I didn't want to worry you while was away. I didn't mean to

deceive or hide it from you. I told you

as soon as I got back, didn't I?"

"Stop crying, it'll only make your eyes sore."

I couldn't stop the tears, "How could this happen? You're always so cautious."

Gregory gently explained, "The Ford

Group needed a new direction. I suspected the partnership might be a trap, but I had no proof until

arrived."

"I figured, since I was already abroad, I should confront whoever was baiting me."

"Besides, not knowing Josiah's

moves was unsettling. People

him, lurking

in the shadows, arget

always trouble."

"Now that you're pregnant, I thought it best to approach things more gently."

I understood, "You used yourself as bait."

Gregory wiped away my tears with his rough fingers and said, "Pretty clever."

I pushed his hand away, saying, "Stop joking. Knowing it was a trap, how could you let yourself get so hurt?"

"It's not serious, just a bit of bleeding from the flight. It'll heal in a couple of days."

I didn't believe him, "We're going to the hospital."

Gregory knew he couldn't avoid it and obediently followed me.

When Dr. Andrews unwrapped the bandages, I was horrified.