"What about Miss Su's prenatal check-up tomorrow?" Paige asked.

Matthew frowned. Why was another prenatal check-up scheduled so soon? "Since I have another engagement, you need to accompany her. My instructions apply to all future prenatal examinations as well."

Paige nodded as she replied, "Yes, Mr. Huo." She thought, 'Mr. Huo is conscientious and always puts his work first. Why did he cancel his meetings for tomorrow? What's happening?'

"Don't call me for anything. If you need something, contact the general manager," he added.

Although puzzled by the situation, Paige had to suppress her curiosity. "Yes, Mr. Huo."

The evening inched closer to midnight.

At the Pearl Villa District

A camouflaged figure jumped down from the windowsill and ran toward the wall encircling the villa's courtyard. A glance showed the figure that two bodyguards were patrolling the main gate of the villa.

Erica had sensed that several people had been following her these past two days, and she was right.

A shiver went down her spine when she thought of what would happen next. She mumbled a quick apology as she felt sorry for Matthew.

Then, without further hesitation, she threw the rope in her hand upward...

At eleven twenty, Matthew's car slowly pulled into the villa's driveway.

The man stepped out and glanced at the two bodyguards, who had walked up to the car. "Where is Erica?"

One of the bodyguards immediately answered, "Mr. Huo, Mrs. Huo is inside. She hasn't stepped out since she returned tonight."

"Good." Matthew nodded with satisfaction.

After entering the villa, he made his way to the bedroom on the third floor.

Oddly enough, there was a piece of white paper stuck to the heavy wooden door. Matthew's brow furrowed as he read the note, "Please look at the bed."

A sense of foreboding coursed through him. It struck him then that the villa was too quiet, which was contrary to Erica's personality.

He pushed the door open and surveyed the room. The bedside lamp had been switched on, but there was no one in the room.

When he walked to the bed, Matthew saw that a brocade box had been placed alongside another note.

The handwriting on the paper matched the note he had found on the door. It said, "Happy birthday, Matthew! I'm sorry. I'm really sorry. I will be gone for two days. When I return, I'll be at your disposal! I carefully selected the gift in the brocade box. I hope you like your birthday present! I promise that I will return after a few days. Please don't worry. Bye! From your cowardly wife, Rika Li Huo."

'Rika Li Huo? Humph!'

For the past two days, Matthew had felt that Erica would misbehave. Although he had taken all p

atthew was worried sick when he didn't find you after searching for you the whole night. He eventually figured that you would return to A Country. So, he chartered a plane to get here and ensure that you were safe. What else do you want Matthew to do?" Wesley thought his daughter had gone too far this time! Her behavior was becoming more and more unacceptable, and he couldn't stand it anymore.

Wesley's harsh tone broke Erica's heart. She retorted, "It's his fault. He always wants to... wants to..." Erica blushed crimson when she thought of what she needed to say. How could she explain her situation to her father?

She was terrified of having sex with Matthew for the first time. Otherwise, why would she go through all this trouble?

As an experienced man, Wesley immediately understood what she had hesitated to say. With a gentler tone, he questioned, "Erica, don't tell me that you and Matthew aren't a real couple yet."

The truth had been exposed! Erica's mouth opened and closed, but she couldn't think of what to say. Finally, she silently lowered her head.

Wesley gritted his teeth as he glared at his daughter. Even though anger surged in him, he remained calm and asked, "Is it because Matthew is impotent?"

Erica's eyes flew open, and her face reddened. Instantly, she recalled all the times that Matthew had taken a cold shower after being with her. Finally, she shook her head. She was sure that her husband had no such problem.

"So, it's you! You're the reason why you and Matthew haven't become a real couple! You're the one with the problem."

Erica blushed and retorted, "You are the one who has problems!"

Enraged with her behavior, Wesley raised his hand threateningly. Erica turned and fled homeward. She screeched, "Mom, the old man is going to hit me!"