The Don's Unfit Collateral

On the day of the birthday party, I arrived at the Rafferty family estate on time.

I deliberately avoided the main hall, planning to slip in only when the party officially began, but I didn't expect to run into Cillian and Ava at the entrance.

He was holding her hand as they walked side by side.

The moment they appeared, every eye in the room swiveled toward them—first with curiosity, then with open mockery.

"Cillian brought a pregnant Ava to the party. He's really rubbing it in Seraphina's face, isn't he?"

"She's pitiful, I guess, but she couldn't produce an heir in seven years and still wouldn't step aside. She brought this on herself."

I took a deep breath and walked past them with a blank expression, ignoring the gossip, ignoring them.

When I reached the ballroom, I saw Declan from a distance, seated at the head table. His eyes found me, his expression a complex mixture of regret and sternness.

I gave a slight nod in his direction and found a seat in a quiet corner.

Before long, Ava, holding Cillian's hand, walked directly toward me.

The surrounding chatter slowly faded as all eyes converged on our table, hungry for the impending drama.

Ava stood before me, a hint of unease on her face, her hand resting protectively on her belly. She nudged Cillian beside her, signaling him to speak.

Cillian frowned, looked at me, and after a moment of silence, finally spoke.

"Seraphina, I want Ava to keep this child."

He stared at me intently, probably expecting the hysterical arguments of the past. After all, for seven years, I had been the one to oversee the... arrangements for every woman he knocked up.

He paused, perhaps realizing I wasn't about to explode, and added, "Ava's already terminated three pregnancies for me. The doctor said if she has another abortion, she may never be able to conceive again."

The whispers started again, everyone undoubtedly anticipating the scene I would make.

But I just lifted my eyes, met his gaze calmly, and said one word:

"Fine."