Chapter 4 4. It starting now!

"How's the plan going? Is everything proceeding smoothly?" asked Olivia, Andrea's best friend who currently lives in Australia and owns a leading technology company. She developed the world's best antivirus software, and her expertise in internet technology makes her an exceptionally skilled hacker.

To this day, no one has been able to surpass her, which is why major corporations hire her services for both hacking and cybersecurity.

She was also the one who helped Andrea send anonymous messages to Jessica. She had also assisted in deleting all CCTV footage from that passionate night years ago with Michael that left Andrea pregnant with Sonya.

"Smoothly. Jessica definitely wouldn't miss the chance to humiliate me. By the way, thank you for your help."

"You're my best friend, helping you is my duty! It's late now, get some rest!"

"Alright then, I'll end the call now."

"Don't forget to update me when you take the next step!"

"I will..."

***

Far away in the Netherlands, at the luxurious Van Houten family mansion, Andrea's uncle Daniel was video-calling her.

Andrea's tablet screen displayed the face of her uncle, Daniel Van Houten, a middle-aged man with silver hair. Beside him sat his elegant wife, Elizabeth, smiling warmly.

Behind them stood their 28 year old son, Harry Van Houten, gazing at Andrea with playful eyes.

"Andrea, my dear, how are you?" Daniel's voice was gentle, yet laced with unmistakable seriousness. "Is everything going according to plan?"

Andrea forced a smile, though she knew they could read her like an open book. "Everything is... going smoothly."

"Smoothly? Really?" Elizabeth interjected, her loving gaze demanding honesty. "We know this isn't easy for you, dear. You've always despised this kind of path."

Harry, ever the extrovert, chimed in. "Andrea, why don't you just tell Michael Smith the truth? Why go through all this? It's... unethical."

"Unethical?" Andrea let out a bitter laugh, one that didn't reach her eyes. "What's ethical about my life, Harry? What's ethical about how Jessica and her mother destroyed me-drugging me and leaving me pregnant? What's ethical about my daughter dying while the only cure lies with the man about to marry the woman who tried to ruin us?" Her voice sharpened, cracking the mask of calm she usually wore.

"We understand your situation, dear," Daniel tried to soothe. "But honesty could save you from greater trouble later. The Smith family... they're capable of anything for power. If they find out about Sonya, about your child with Michael..."

He trailed off, not needing to finish. Andrea knew what he meant, custody battles, scandals, and possibly losing Sonya to them.

"That's exactly why, Uncle," Andrea cut in firmly.

"I can't take that risk. I refuse to let Sonya become part of their twisted games. They'll take her from me, I know it. I'd rather play dirty and plant the seed without their full awareness than beg for their mercy."

"Be careful, Andrea," Elizabeth warned, her worry evident. "You're not just trapping Michael for Sonya-you're also destroying his engagement to Jessica. Are you prepared for the storm that will follow?"

"I've been preparing for this, Aunt," Andrea replied, her voice ice cold with resolve. "A storm? I'll face it head on."

Harry sighed, concern etched on his face. "Michael Smith isn't a fool, Andrea. He'll figure it out sooner or later. And when he does, he won't stay silent. Do you need me to come protect you?"

"No need, dear Harry," Andrea answered, a mysterious smile playing on her lips. "That's the fun part, isn't it? He may hate me for life, and I'll never admit I've already given him a child. But at least Sonya won't have an evil stepmother like Jessica."

Daniel and Elizabeth exchanged uneasy glances. They knew Andrea was strong, but this battle involved too many powerful players.

"Very well, dear," Daniel finally relented, his tone resigned yet supportive. "We won't stop you. But remember, we're always here to protect you. Don't forget that. And don't forget Sonya still needs that bone marrow transplant."

"I know, Uncle. Thank you for helping me care for Sonya," Andrea replied, feeling a rare warmth in her chest. They were the only family who truly cared for her.

"You're my daughter. How could I abandon Sonya? She's my first grandchild, since Harry here still hasn't given me one," he joked, making Harry scowl in annoyance.

"Oh, by the way, Glenford Alinskie sent his regards. He dropped by with loads of gifts for Sonya. Your daughter adores him..." Harry casually mentioned the man who had been pursuing Andrea relentlessly. Glenford was Harry's close friend.

"Don't even think about matchmaking me with him! How could the heir of the Alinskie empire possibly be with someone like me? Our statuses are worlds apart. I'm a single mother, and he's the most sought-after bachelor there is."

Andrea knew what her cousin was hinting at, but she couldn't accept Glenford's pure affection-not when their social standings were so mismatched.

"Come on, Andrea! Love is blind! He genuinely loves you. He knows how cold and distant you are, yet he still-"

"Harry, leave your sister alone. Let her choose what's best for her," Daniel cut in, defending Andrea. He didn't want her feeling pressured about Glenford's advances.

"But he's handsome and truly loves her, Mom! He even adores Sonya unconditionally." Elizabeth smacked her son's arm to stop him from pressuring Andrea further.

The poor girl already had enough on her plate, she didn't need romantic complications added to the mix.

"Enough. If it's meant to be, it'll happen. Stop pushing her, Harry!" his father scolded.

"Ugh, fine! I just want her to pick a decent man. Must she really settle for that bastard who played her?" Harry grumbled, still bitter about Michael, whom he considered an idiot for failing to uncover the truth about that night.

Even now, Michael couldn't handle Brian Smith's constant meddling, something Harry had monitored closely while investigating his potential brother in law.

To him, Michael was just a pretty-faced rich boy whose competence paled in comparison to his own.

The call ended. Andrea stared at her reflection in the now-dark tablet screen. Exhaustion lined her face, but her eyes burned with determination. Last night's insemination was only the beginning.

Now, she had to ensure the seed took root. And then-she would dismantle the vipers' nest known as the Donovan family.

"Jessica," Andrea whispered, the name like poison on her tongue.

She walked to the window of her rented hotel suite, gazing at the towering skyscrapers. In one of those buildings, Michael Smith was likely plotting his revenge.

And in another, Jessica was probably waiting to retaliate for losing her fiancé, unaware of the time bomb that had just detonated beneath her feet.

A faint smile curved Andrea's lips. This was going to be quite the spectacle.

And she, Andrea Isabelle Van Houten, was the director.