My Husband Abandoned Me While Pregnant, but My Father's Secret Ruined Him

The Threat of Ruin

Andrew lay on the floor for several seconds, his hand pressed against his rapidly swelling jaw. He stared up at William, his eyes shifting from shock to a calculating, predatory gleam as he recognized the famous face of the real estate tycoon. He slowly wiped a smear of blood from his lip and let out a dry, raspy laugh as he stood up, dusting off his gray suit.

"So, the rumors are true," Andrew sneered, backing toward the heavy wooden door. "The great William Vance has a secret daughter. And she's carrying my child. You think a punch is going to scare me off? This just made me a very wealthy man."

Amanda felt a cold dread settle deep in her chest. Andrew wasn't just abusive; he was highly opportunistic. He knew that a high-profile figure like William would do anything to avoid a public scandal, especially one involving a neglected, pregnant daughter. Andrew pulled out his phone, his fingers flying across the screen.

"I have lawyers on retainer who would love to drag your name through the mud, Vance," Andrew threatened. "I'll sue for full custody of this baby, and I'll make sure every media outlet knows how you abandoned your family. Unless, of course, we can reach an amicable... settlement."

William stood like an immovable statue, his face an unreadable mask of cold fury. "You will not get a single penny from me, and you will never lay a finger on my daughter or my grandchild," he said, his voice dangerously low. But Andrew only smirked, confident that he held all the cards. He gave a mock salute and walked out, leaving the threat hanging in the air like a suffocating cloud. Amanda's heart rate spiked, the monitors blaring a warning as she realized her nightmare was far from over.