The Heiress Spoiled by Four Brothers and One Devilish CEO-Chapter 196 I Promise I’ll Give Her A Good Life
"Megan and Tristan are back," Penelope said with a gentle smile.
Tristan walked over and took the pastries from her hands. "La Petite Tarte really does make the best desserts in the capital. Thanks for thinking of us, Aunt Penelope."
"It’s been a while since I saw you two," Penelope said, giving Megan a warm hug. "Come on, have a seat."
She held Megan’s hand kindly. "It’s been almost three months, hasn’t it? You looked a bit thin last time. Now you’re finally looking a little healthier."
Back then, Megan had just been released by Karl. Between the early pregnancy symptoms and anxiety, her appetite had been poor, so she lost some weight. But now she was past that phase and eating a lot better.
Rachel walked up with Kai, fingers laced with his.
"Mom, tomorrow’s supposed to be perfect—sunny skies, good vibes. Ideal for a wedding, don’t you think?"
Penelope gave her a look, seeing right through her. "You’re just trying to get our blessing, aren’t you?"
Rachel dropped onto the couch beside her mom and wrapped an arm around her shoulders with a playful grin.
"Come on, Mom. You know you love him. Say yes already?"
Kai chipped in, a little nervous. "Auntie, I’ll take good care of Rachel. Please trust me."
Penelope smiled. "I’ve never doubted your feelings for her. I’m just worried about the Lee family. Rachel’s background is... unique. I don’t want that being twisted into gossip later."
"My marriage is my call. If it’s not Rachel, I don’t want anyone," Kai said seriously. "I promise I’ll give her a good life."
After a moment of silence, Penelope looked at the hopeful expression on her daughter’s face, then turned to Kai. "Please, take good care of her. And make sure she’s happy."
Kai’s lips curled up. "Thank you."
The sudden "Mom" caught Penelope a little off guard before a bright smile appeared on her face.
"What’s got my little sister looking so happy?"
Four people walked in—Julian, his wife Pearl, their daughter Lina, and Harrison.
Since Mr. Reid’s birthday party, Harrison’s wife, Evelyn, had been caught having an affair. Not long after the Sophia incident, Harrison divorced her.
Penelope wore a faint smile. "Rachel’s registering her marriage with Kai tomorrow."
"That’s great news! Looks like our family’s got another happy occasion to celebrate," Julian said with a hearty laugh.
Lina hopped over to Megan excitedly and squatted by her side. "Megan, lemme feel if the baby’s kicked yet!"
"It’s still early—it usually takes until four months."
Pearl placed a gift box on the coffee table. "Megan, this is some bird’s nest I had someone bring back from Indonesia. Really nourishing. If you like it, I’ll get you more."
"Thanks, Aunt Pearl."
Megan knew the Reids weren’t like the Lewises—friendly on the surface, but that was about it.
Pearl was good at staying neutral—after the mess with Evelyn and Sophia, she kept a much lower profile within the family.
Harrison, on the other hand, was the same old smooth talker. He crossed his legs on the sofa, looking relaxed. "Two funerals back-to-back, and now two weddings. Talk about emotional whiplash."
Mr. Reid’s stern voice cut in. "Harrison, if you really didn’t want to be here, no one forced you."
Harrison raised both hands in mock surrender. "Hey now, don’t look at me like that. I didn’t mean anything by it. If I’m ruining the mood, I’ll get out of here."Harrison stepped out of the old house, flicked his lighter, and lit a cigarette as he slid into the driver’s seat. The smoke curled around his face, revealing a cold, calculating expression.
He made a call. "Is everything set up?"
"Boss, it’s all in place. The surgery’s scheduled for today."
"And tomorrow’s?"
"All taken care of. No slips."
A smug grin tugged at Harrison’s lips. "If anything messes up... you’d better be ready to answer for it—with your heads."
Back inside, Mr. Reid heard the car engine start and slammed his cane on the floor with a sharp crack. "That good-for-nothing. All he knows is chasing women. Useless."
Julian chuckled. "Everyone’s got their own path, Dad. No need to fuss. Ever since Tristan took over the Reid Group, the company’s been growing like crazy. I honestly feel a bit embarrassed. His skills... well, some of it’s hard work, but a lot is just natural talent."
Tristan offered a calm, polite smile. "You’re being modest, Uncle. The South District Hub under your watch has been running steady."
Mr. Reid didn’t say much more. He knew exactly what his sons were capable of—that’s why none of them held key positions at Reid Group.
Five years ago, the group wasn’t even among the top-tier domestic firms. But when Tristan took the reins, profits soared. He got his hands on a number of high-investment industries, pushing the company to the top in the country. Now he stood as the richest man in the world.
"Julian, come to the study with me. Let’s talk about how things are going at the South District Hub." Mr. Reid, sensing the tension, figured it was best to steer the conversation elsewhere.
After lunch, Tristan and Megan headed to the hospital.
Bernard was scheduled for surgery the next day, so they had to check him in early and get the preliminary exams done.
Elliot and Chloe were already there.
Without Diane, the family felt incomplete, wrapped in a lingering sadness.
Thankfully, Chloe had Kevin by her side, helping her slowly come out of her grief.
When Megan pushed open the hospital room door, Chloe looked up and smiled brightly, running out to greet her.
"Hey, Megan! Tristan! You guys made it."
"How’s Grandpa doing?"
"He just fell asleep. He actually mentioned you just before," Chloe said, nodding.
Megan sat on the chair, watching the kind face of the elderly man. Maybe forgetting things wasn’t always bad, she thought. At least it let people let go... or at the very least, helped them escape the pain.
She turned to look at Chloe. "Where’s Dad?"
"He went out to buy some post-op stuff."
Tristan’s expression sharpened, "He have security with him?"
Chloe nodded quickly, "Yeah, the bodyguards you assigned—didn’t leave our side."
"And Kevin?"
"He had some business at the club, needed to stop by. Megan, everything’s under control here. You should go back and get some rest."
Megan was tired from the pregnancy, and knowing her family was safe made it easier to leave. After Elliot returned with the supplies, she and Tristan headed back to Dreamscape Manor.
Still, her gut wouldn’t let her relax. Something just didn’t sit right, and that night, she kept tossing and turning in bed.
Tristan gently rubbed her back, trying to comfort her. "Security’s tight. Everything will be fine tomorrow."
Brandon would personally be leading the surgery, and all the medical staff had been handpicked by him.
Megan figured maybe it was just her hormones making her anxious, and some sleep might help. But sometimes, instincts are dead on.
And sure enough, the very thing she feared—happened on the day of the surgery.
