Billionaire's match novel

---- Chapter 699 At the mention of her baby, Khloe froze. She lowered her head, her hand instinctively brushing over her still-flat belly. Here, a new life was growing-her and Nick's shared bloodline, perhaps the only remnant of him left for her... her last tether to hope. The weight of grief, coupled with the instinct of motherhood, tore at her from within. Finally, she covered her face and wept in silence. Like a small, battered creature with nowhere to turn, she was consumed by sorrow, utterly desolate. Ralph watched her, heart heavy with helplessness. There was nothing he could do.

Even words of comfort felt pale and powerless. All he could offer was his presence, a temporary anchor for her to release her emotions safely. Time passed-how long, he couldn't tell-before Khloe lifted her head. Her eyes were red and swollen, yet her gaze had hardened with resolve. She looked at Ralph and said, "Help me." Ralph asked, "What do you need me to do?" "Confirm those bodies... as soon as possible," Khloe's voice was hoarse, low, trembling yet resolute. "If he's alive... | want to see him. If he's dead... | want to see his body." ---- Ralph nodded.

"I'll do my best." "And-before the results come in-find a way to block any news about Nick. The Hunt family... can't be stirred." The sudden clarity in her tone startled him. Her grief hadn't vanished; it had only been suppressed, temporarily overpowered by something stronger. It was a protective instinct, fueled by her love for Nick and the responsibility she felt for him. When Ralph stepped out of Khloe's room, Arista arrived, eyes red and swollen, struggling to accept the news of Nick's presumed fate. Yet, she knew she had to remain strong, for Khloe's sake.

She had already contacted George, instructing him to come immediately-but the grandparents had to be kept in the dark. At their age, such news could be devastating. Meanwhile, Oscar had received word from Henry and was. rushing over. Seeing Ralph emerge, Arista cautiously asked about Khloe's condition. Ralph shook his head. "Not good... but not as bad as we feared. She's strong. | believe she can hold on." Arista paused, tears threatening again. "Khloe has been through too much." Lenny silently rested a hand on her shoulder, his own eyes red. ---- Silence returned to the hospital room.

Khloe didn't want anyone by her side. She watched the IV drip fall drop by drop, each one echoing in the stillness of her heart. Her mind replayed the look in Nick's eyes when he had swapped seats to save her. Her chest felt crushed by an invisible hand, her breath catching with each heartbeat. She curled into herself, burying her face in the pillow, stifled sobs escaping her throat. But soon, she forced herself silent again, inhaling deeply, then exhaling slowly. She could not cry. She could not break She had promised to wait for him Even if...

he truly never returned, she had to guard everything he treasured-Hunt Group and the child she carried. That thought was like a hand reaching into the darkness, keeping her from falling entirely into despair. Time passed, though she had no sense of how long. Darkness had fallen outside once more. A gentle knock came at the door, and the nurse stepped in to remove Khloe's IV. "Khloe, you need to rest now." Khloe turned her head, her voice dry and hoarse. "| know. I'll rest." After a pause, she asked, "Have my test results come back? The ---- baby... is it okay?"