I decided to let Dai Qingshu go. He looked at me with gratitude in his eyes and hurriedly escaped after learning about my plans.

Before leaving, he gave me a tight hug, as if he really couldn't bear to part with me, just as he said.

He must feel quite smug, having once again escaped a calamity with his superb acting skills.

Actually, I never intended to let him die so easily.

Of course, the manner of his death is of no importance; the crucial point is that my hands can't be stained with blood.

The plan I just told him was all a lie. I would never help him deceive the Duke.

What I want is for the Duke to eliminate him completely for me.

From now on, the Gu family's empire will belong to me and my baby. How wonderful!

I dialed my mother-in-law and frantically told her that Gu Qingyu and I were at the Tianxiao Pavilion, asking her to come quickly.

"Are you both planning to confront me? I'm telling you, don't even think about divorce."

Before she could hang up, I cried out with a sob in my voice, "Mom, hurry, Ayu can't hold on."

"Beep...beep..."

All that was left on the other end of the line was a busy signal.

I couldn't help but smile, imagining the elegant old woman's reaction when she pushes the door open later.

Panic? Breakdown? Heart-wrenching sobs? Stunned silence? Unable to accept it?

None of the above; she was calm, no different from her usual indifference.