Chapter 366: Vanessa Screamed in Agony

Vanessa screamed in agony, her fists pounding relentlessly against her own stomach. Despair and sorrow consumed her completely. Derek watched her breakdown, his resolve finally crumbling. "Vanessa, stop this!" His voice was sharp and commanding. "Get ahold of yourself!" Even as he tried to calm her, Derek made no move to take the ring she had offered.

"Enough!"

Henry Bennett had remained silent until now. He suddenly slammed his walking cane hard against the hospital floor. The loud crack echoed ominously through the private ward. Everyone froze. Even Vanessa's violent assault on her own body ceased. Henry declared, "Vanessa will have this baby. The Bennett family will raise it. Effective immediately, all business contracts with the Prescott family are terminated. This is your final warning, Derek... Your reputation will be destroyed!" Henry's words left no room for negotiation. The engagement was off. The alliance between their families was over.

Victor Prescott paled. Their families had been business partners for generations. While their resources were comparable, Henry's influence was immense. Especially since the wedding day when Lucas Harrington had publicly supported them. Now with Sienna on their side, how could the Prescotts afford to anger the Bennetts? He stepped toward Henry. "Mr. Bennett, please reconsider. This should be a happy occasion. Let's not make hasty decisions. Derek, come here! Explain yourself!"

"Save your breath. I'm not blind! My granddaughter does not need to beg your son to marry her!" Henry scoffed. He turned to Vanessa. "No matter what mistakes you've made, remember you are a Bennett. We do not grovel. If Derek doesn't love you, you won't marry him! Even pregnant, I will find you a better husband!"

Forcing a marriage now would make them look desperate and pathetic. Henry despised weakness. He could see Derek's reluctance clearly. Vanessa was no match for him. Despite his disappointment in Vanessa, she was still his granddaughter. He would not allow her to be humiliated this way. Vanessa felt utterly hopeless. Who else could she marry besides Derek? He was the most successful man in all of Kingsport—except for the Harrington men, of course. But the Harringtons were untouchable. Sienna had already ensnared Lucas. Vanessa held no illusions about winning him over.

Her grandfather claimed to protect her, but he was being utterly thoughtless. His decision would ruin her completely! Still, Vanessa forced herself to say, "Grandfather, I'll obey you. But must we become enemies? I was a willing participant. We can't blame Derek or the Prescott family entirely. Business and personal matters should remain separate." Her words sounded incredibly gracious. The Prescotts looked at her with newfound respect. They hadn't expected such maturity from Vanessa, even in this situation. She was proving to be a remarkable woman.

Margaret Prescott moved to her son's side. "Derek, did you hear that? Vanessa is still defending you! What is wrong with you? Why are you still hesitating?" Derek's gaze settled on Vanessa. She appeared so fragile and pitiful. Truthfully, she had never intentionally harmed him. In fact, she had always stood by him, protecting him. Yet, his feelings for her had fundamentally shifted. He no longer desired to marry her, to love her... Perhaps...