The Heart's Beloved: Spoiled By The Disabled CEO

It was a dark night.

Clutching her swollen belly with gritted teeth, Novalee Webb scuttled for refuge. Her once-white cotton dress was smeared with blood.

Blood was still trickling down her legs!

Damn it! She was about to give birth!

Her strength was failing. She could no longer flee! She'd been on the run for what felt like eternity, and she was sure that despicable couple couldn't reach her now.

Novalee's eyes darted about. She saw nothing but fields of grass.

Tenderly feeling the uneasy child within her, she whispered, "My little one, should your mom bring you into this world in the wild?"

A sudden contraction seized her, causing her to wail in agony!

Half an hour later, the cry of a newborn baby shattered the serenity of the wilderness.

With sweat, Novalee's hair clung to her cheeks, and her lips were marked by rawness and blood. Yet, she took no notice of it. Disregarding the discomfort, she reached out with pure joy to hold her precious newborn child.

"Ah, the bastard was born!"

Suddenly, a pair of arms coming from behind her lifted the infant from the grass.

"Pattie! Rowley! You-" Novalee's teeth were clenched in anger, pain robbing her of words.

Two merciless figures loomed before her, her half-sister and her husband, both conspirators in her ruin!

Pattie Webb's gentle facade remained, but the way she gazed at the baby in her arms was monstrous.

"This bastard is unfortunate to be so hideous. As a girl, she may have trouble finding a husband when she is older. Rowley, why didn't you find a good-looking man to sleep with Novalee back then? It pains me that my beautiful sister had to sleep with such an ugly man."

Desperation and rage battled within Novalee, but the child was in Pattie's grip. She dared not provoke her and held her breath, bottling the anger and pain.

"My baby! Return my baby to me! You have my shares in Shaw Group, and I'll even give up Rowley to you. Just give me back my baby!"

Her baby was all she wanted. She was her flesh and blood. No one could take her child away!

Rowley Mitchell's face twisted into a brief scowl as he listened.

"Novalee, have you been contacting that man in secret? You claimed to love me, yet you'd divorce me for this bastard? You were even willing to give up the company's shares which you had held onto for a long time. How shameless you are! You just can't forget him after you slept with him, right?"

Novalee's response was a mixture of laughter and seething rage.

With tear-filled eyes, she looked at the man she had loved for nearly two years.

Never had she imagined such shamelessness from him.

The other night, she accidentally overheard the conversation between her husband and her half-sister, discovering that they had been involved for three years.

Rowley approached Novalee with the intention of gaining shares in the Shaw Group. He gradually deceived her, leading to their eventual marriage. Later, during a difficult period of pregnancy that affected her mental well-being, only Pattie and Rowley remained by her side.

To her, they were everything. But who would have suspected they were plotting her downfall?

As Novalee stared at him, guilt and a strange arousal simultaneously stirred in Rowley.

Novalee, ever alluring, was flushed and perspiring, her dress clinging to every curve. Her full bosom quivered with fury.

Notably, her eyes held a mix of anger and a faint smile. The strands of hair clinging to her cheeks didn't diminish her poise. In fact, they added to her charm, making her appear even more captivating than usual.

Rowley's fists tightened in silence. How had he abandoned such a beauty, allowing her to bear another man's child?

His emotions did not elude Pattie. Her expression grew stern as she held onto the baby, a spark of resentment igniting within her. If it weren't for the fact that this bastard was of use to her, she would have strangled the baby right now.

"Rowley, let's go! What are you waiting for?"

After some hesitation, Rowley gestured at Novalee. "And what about her?"

Pattie's smile was chilling. "Simple. Burn her alive!"

With that, she departed, child in arms, leaving Rowley to light the fire.

The flames rapidly consumed Novalee, who tried desperately to escape, only to be halted by a sharp pain in her abdomen.

There was actually another baby within her!

Panic set in. Was she to die here?

Shortly after, Pattie and Rowley sped off in an off-road vehicle.

Simultaneously, a Hummer roared by, brushing past them, halting just down the road.

Six years later, the grandest five-star hotel in Valmead was the venue for an engagement party.

Inside the opulent banquet hall, renowned figures mingled, wearing smiles and raising glasses in toast.

Displayed on stage, a picture captured the bride and groom-to-be, cozy and loving.

Their names, Rowley Mitchell and Pattie Webb, were written beneath.

Soon, the couple made their appearance on stage.

Rowley, microphone in hand, expressed his gratitude. "Ladies and gentlemen, your presence at the engagement party means the world to Pattie and me today."

Amongst the guests, Novalee, who had changed her family name from Webb to Shaw, looked on, dressed in an elegant black dress, her face masked with a scornful smile.

Six years gone, and the shameless couple was at last engaged.

But she was back at last.

The events that happened six years ago still fresh in her mind, she was resolved to reclaim what was hers and exact revenge on those who'd wronged her a hundredfold!

"It's quite the tale, Mr. Mitchell once being Miss Webb's brother-in-law. His ex-wife, burdened by prenatal depression, vanished after childbirth, leaving no trace. The child is raised lovingly by Miss Webb and Mr. Mitchell. Though frail, she is very adorable. Only two years ago did Mr. Mitchell and Miss Webb accept Mrs. Mitchell's death, prompting an obituary."

"Such benevolence in Mr. Mitchell and Miss Webb. They have been a compassionate pair to the ex-wife and child."

These whispers grated on Novalee's ears.

Compassionate?

Benevolent?

Humph!

"Mommy, Mommy, can you hear me?"

A young voice from her headset snapped her back to the present, lighting up her eyes.

Glass raised to lips, she replied softly, smiling, "Yes, dear, I hear you."

"Mommy, they'll soon show a video of the bride and groom. Make your way to the control room on the second floor. I've the surveillance cameras on the way in control. Go fifty meters to the left and you'll see the stairs. Take the stairs. I've arranged for the control room to be vacant. You have three minutes, Mommy."

With an amused expression, Novalee set down her glass and promptly headed left. "Understood."

The control room, now vacant, welcomed her. She plugged a flash drive into the computer.

"You just need to swap the video with ours. If only the computer were online, I could've done it myself." The child's voice sounded slightly irritated.

Laughing, Novalee worked the mouse skillfully.

"Give me one minute."

Looking at the progress bar on the screen, she wet her lips.

"Thirty seconds."

"Mommy, the host is giving the opening speech."

"Ten seconds."

From below, the host's voice rang out.

"Come, join us as we delve into the love story of our newly engaged couple."

At last, Novalee exhaled. "Done."

Clicking the mouse, she launched the video.

The acoustics in the banquet hall were excellent. Suddenly, a moan coming from them was heard by everyone.

"Ah, you're incredible!"

A sex video suddenly displayed on the massive screen at the engagement party, showing Pattie with someone who wasn't Rowley, her fiance.

A chorus of shock erupted throughout the hall. Parents swiftly shielded their children's eyes.

"Avoid watching this. It's not appropriate for children!"

"Can this be real? Engagement parties these days are quite exciting!"

"Oh, my God! What in the world is happening?"

"Don't miss this moment! Snap a picture. We'll share it on Twitter later."

On stage, Pattie's complexion paled at the sound of her own voice in the video. Frantically, she clutched Rowley's arm, pleading, "Rowley, allow me to explain! This isn't what it looks like. Someone is trying to frame me!"

Rowley's anger was palpable as he jerked her hand away. The situation worsened as the image on the large screen shifted, revealing a video of Rowley himself with another woman.

The ensuing uproar was deafening, as those who had just admired the couple's love story now felt betrayed.

"Apparently, both are guilty of betrayal."

"They're not married yet. How can you accuse them of betrayal? They're merely enjoying themselves behind each other's back."

"You'd never think they'd be so open in their relationship, considering how refined they normally act."

"Don't be fooled by appearances. It's nothing more than a virtuous facade!"

With her fists clenched so tightly that her newly-manicured nails cracked, Pattie demanded, "Rowley, will you please explain what's happening?"

Rowley's expression grew more severe. "No need for explanations. Don't act so unreasonable."

He then yelled to his bodyguards, "Turn off that video! The culprit must still be in the control room. Hunt them down!"

Novalee's headset crackled with a voice tinged with panic. "Mommy, they're coming for you. Get out now!"

She quickly ejected the flash drive and made her escape.

"They're approaching from the elevator and stairs. Hide somewhere for now, Mommy," the voice continued, fraught with worry. Novalee's eyes scanned the corridor before she swiftly unlocked the door to a VIP lounge and hurried inside.

The curtains of the VIP lounge were closed, casting a slight shadow over the room.

Nevertheless, Novalee couldn't shake the feeling that someone's eyes were fixed on her. The intensity of that gaze demanded her attention.

Novalee instinctively turned her head. In the dim light filtering through the curtains, she spotted a man. What caught her off guard was the fact that the man was seated in a wheelchair.

Before she could respond, a flurry of footsteps echoed from outside.

Soon after, a knock echoed on the door.

Startled, Novalee reacted quickly, lunging at the man and covering his mouth.

An unfamiliar yet pleasant fragrance from her fingers wafted into the man's nose.

While he was a clean freak, he found himself enjoying the scent.

"Excuse me, Mr. Patel, is everything alright here?"

Novalee's fear increased as she realized the man's importance. Mr. Patel?

All the attendees of Rowley and Pattie's engagement party were notable figures. This Mr. Patel was even accommodated in an exclusive VIP lounge. It was quite evident that his stature was elevated.

"Mr. Patel?" The bodyguard's anxiety grew. "Mr. Patel, are you okay? Are you in there? I must come in to check if you don't respond. Forgive me."

The man's intense gaze remained fixed on Novalee, as if weighing his options.

Novalee's jaw clenched, and her complexion paled. Suddenly, the creak of the door's opening pierced the silence of the room.

In an instant, Novalee moved.

Releasing his mouth, she threw her arms around the man's neck and kissed him passionately on the lips.

Upon the door's opening by the bodyguard, a mysterious sight met his eyes within the dimly lit VIP room. A man, confined to a wheelchair and leaning his head slightly forward, was entwined in a passionate kiss with a long-haired woman dressed elegantly. The woman's arms circled the man's neck, her kiss fervent and unending.

Frozen in surprise and embarrassment, the bodyguard stared, unprepared for such a scene.

As uncertainty clouded his thoughts, the man in the wheelchair glanced at him, a stern warning gleaming in his cold eyes.

Not daring to linger, the bodyguard hastily exited, shutting the door behind him.

Quiet settled in the room again. After a moment, the man pushed Novalee away. "Is that enough?"

Novalee, realizing the awkwardness of the moment, hurriedly stood and backed away, apologizing, "I'm sorry. It was an emergency. I didn't mean to offend you. Please forgive me."

Observing the man, she readied herself to escape. His confinement to a wheelchair and possible disability indicated that he couldn't give chase.

She retreated to the door, hearing the sounds of searching bodyguards outside.

Novalee bit her lip and glanced back at the curtained window.

This was the second floor.

Without a word from the man to stop her, she rushed to the window, opened it, pulled the curtains together, and leaped out while gripping the curtains.

The sun cast its rays on the man's face, a brief glimpse revealing a striking handsomeness that took Novalee's breath away.

With that fleeting face in mind, she landed. Novalee's face twisted with a hint of frustration. She made a mistake. Those high heels led to a twisted ankle.

A worried voice crackled through her headset. "Mommy, Mommy, how's everything going with you? Are you okay? Speak to me. I'm so worried!"

"Hello, can you hear me?" Novalee inquired as she walked towards the underground parking lot.

No answer echoed from the other side of the call. She removed the headset, discovering that it had been muted by mistake and that its button was blinking with a red light.

Relief washed over her. Lyle Shaw hadn't heard what had happened.

Pressing the answer key, she reassured, "It's all right. The headset was muted by accident just now. I have come out. I'll be back soon."

Oblivious to watchful eyes observing her escape, she left in haste.

After some time, the man retracted his gaze and softly licked his lips. As he glanced at his legs, a turmoil of emotions crossed his face.

Reaching for his phone, he dialed a number.

"Hello, Mr. Patel."

"I need all the surveillance footage from Rowley's engagement party. Send it to me within ten minutes."

The man's voice on the line turned sorrowful as he lamented, "All of it? Ten minutes? Damn it! Mr. Patel, that's not easy to be done in such a short time."

"It is down to nine minutes and forty seconds now."

"Alright, alright." The man typed rapidly, curiosity getting the best of him. "Are you at Rowley and Pattie's engagement party? Why the surveillance video?"

Millard Patel's lips tightened, and his grip on his wheelchair's armrest slowly intensified. "She appeared."

"Who?" The voice on the other end of line took a moment to process, then quickly responded, "Could it be that woman who can arouse you?"

Meanwhile, Novalee, oblivious to the unfolding events, made her way to the underground parking.

Once inside her car, she hastily picked up her phone, put in a new SIM card, and dialed a number.

The phone's persistent ringing ended as a raspy female voice answered, sounding as though tears had just been shed. "Hello, who is it?"

With a knowing chuckle, Novalee replied, "Pattie, are you enjoying the engagement gift I've arranged for you?"

Suddenly, the voice on the other end sharpened. "Who are you? Did you orchestrate this? What do you want?"

"My dear younger sister, don't you recognize me?" Novalee responded, her voice cold.

"Novalee Webb? Is that you? Are you still alive?"

The name Novalee Webb made her sneer. It had been ages since she'd used it.

"I hate to disappoint you, but I'm very much alive and doing quite well. Today's event was merely a small present for you. You are welcome. But be warned, this is only the beginning. Are you ready? Everything you and Rowley took from me, I will reclaim, one by one."

Pattie's voice broke with undisguised fear and anger. "Novalee, we have your daughter. Haven't you thought of her? If you seek revenge on us, aren't you afraid that we will hurt her?"

Novalee softened her voice. "Yes, I'm afraid. That's why I'd advise you to treat my daughter well. She's your only safeguard. Without her, today's gift would've been far more than just a video. Mark my words, Pattie, harm her, and you and Rowley will pay with your lives!"

After hanging up the phone, Novalee pursed her lips.

It had been six years. No one knew what she had been through these years.

Now, with enough capital finally at her disposal, she had returned.

Rowley, Pattie, and the Webb family, she was determined not to let them live an easy life.

Taking a deep breath to steady herself, she started her car. As she prepared to drive away, she glanced in the rearview mirror and froze.

A charming young girl was resting against a pillar next to her car, a picture of innocence.

The young girl appeared to be around five or six years old, her fragile health evident. Her complexion was pale, and her lips had a bluish tinge, indicating considerable discomfort.

With a glance confirming no one else was nearby, Novalee rushed out of the car, quickly approaching the child. "Little girl, are you feeling unwell? Why are you here alone? Where's your family?"

"It hurts. It hurts," the little girl whimpered, her eyes glazed, her hair soaked with sweat.

Novalee's heart clenched. Her daughter would be this child's age.

Frantic, Novalee scooped the child up, reassuring her, "Come on. I'll take you to the hospital."

She placed the child in the safety seat and returned to the driver's seat, saying, "Hold on. We'll be at the hospital soon. Stay awake. Talk to me if you're in pain."

"Mom, Mom."

The little girl's unconscious cry made Novalee's heart ache all the more.