Love beyond the mask ( Whitney )
Chapter 990

Nolan was at his wits' end and had no choice but to return to the Fuller estate. He had hoped to negotiate with Ashton, to tell him the heartbreaking truth, that he was the father and it was his responsibility to save their baby! However, Elaine's return had Nolan seething with anger, his dissatisfaction with Ashton growing.

What he wanted now was for the patriarch to unfreeze his assets.

In a conversation filled with hidden meanings, Beckford sensed something was off. He had always had a soft spot for Valerie. If it hadn't been for her insisting on the divorce from Ashton, the old man would have gladly kept her in the family.

After much consideration, aware that the poor newborn couldn't wait, Nolan clenched his fists and decided to go against Valerie's wishes, his voice hoarse with a sigh, "Dad. Actually, Valerie had a baby, born with a congenital heart defect. Whose child it is... well, you know."

"What? A baby... Valerie was pregnant?"

Beckford was utterly stunned, his voice filled with shock and anger as he roared, "She wasn't showing when she left! When did this happen?!"

The old man stood up abruptly, his cane falling to the floor as he grabbed his son by the collar, "And when did you find out?"

"After she divorced Ashton, that's when I noticed. She kept it a secret from everyone, very tightly. You know why, don't you? She's always been the cold one, never planned to forgive that idiot Ashton!" Nolan retorted with fury.

Beckford slowly closed his eyes, then raised his hand to his forehead, his veins throbbing with anger, "If she hadn't come to me herself, begging that she and Ashton couldn't make it work anymore, I would never have agreed to their divorce. I saw her slipping into depression, couldn't bear it.

If I had known she was pregnant, I would never have let her leave the Fuller estate."

"Dad, the baby is not doing well! That's why I'm asking for my rightful share of the estate. If you give it to me, it's like saving the baby!"

"A congenital heart defect?" Beckford's voice faltered, his eyebrows furrowing in concern, "This is my grandchild we're talking about... It's all Ashton's fault, he never made Valerie happy during that time, the damn fool, might have even affected the pregnancy and birth." "It's good that you know! Valerie's pregnancy was nearly the death of her. In the following months, she was practically on bed rest, so it's no surprise the baby's situation is grim.

But I didn't expect it to be this severe.

Dad, now that you know the reason, please don't restrict me anymore.

If it weren't for you and Ashton meddling with my money, I wouldn't need to come back. This child is part of the Fuller family. Don't fret over who should take responsibility. If Ashton won't step up, I will. Valerie and the child are the innocents here!" Nolan thought appealing to reason would win his father over, especially with the baby's well-being at stake.

However, Beckford, after a few seconds of deep thought, glared at his son with a stern and furious gaze, "You taking responsibility on his behalf? What nonsense!

This child is a Fuller, yes, but it's not your place to step in.

You damn fool, what are you waiting for? Bring her back, bring her back now!

That's my grandson..."

Beckford murmured emotionally, his voice breaking as he kicked Nolan's leg, "It's all your fault for telling me now. Where are Valerie and the child?!

You and your brother, both useless, haven't given me a grandchild in years.

I've been sick of the both of you. It was Valerie, poor girl, understanding my wishes, the kind-hearted child, who didn't terminate the Fuller family's only successor..." Beckford said, nearly in tears, longing for his grandson.

"Nolan, I won't give you a dime to indulge your selfish desires. The child's heart condition is no small matter. I, Beckford Fuller, will provide the best medical care. How could Valerie possibly take care of the child outside? Contact her to come back, the doors of the Fuller estate are always open for her!" Beckford roared at his son in genuine urgency.

Seeing his father's adamant stance, Nolan knew his personal desires were completely cut off.

Without his share, he had no extra funds to arrange treatment for the baby's heart condition. Besides, nowhere could offer the connections and resources of the Fuller estate.

Moreover, Valerie was staying in a quiet little town, lacking advanced medical facilities.

Any further delay could only increase the danger for the baby.

After much contemplation, for Valerie's sake, Nolan conceded to his father.

Backed by the Fuller estate, Valerie and her daughter could receive the best care, there was no doubt about it.

He stepped out of the main hall, into the estate's yard, the cool night air brushing against his skin. Nolan worried about Valerie, still in the hospital, wondering if her condition had improved since he left her earlier that day.

His heart had been heavy with concern for her and the child countless times today.

Dialing the phone number, Nolan's handsome features were shadowed in the night, "Valerie..."

"Nolan, did you make it back to the Fuller estate? How did things go?

Oh, and dad... how is he doing?"

Valerie, on the other end, was oblivious to Nolan's 'mission.'

When Nolan had left, he only mentioned needing to go home for some items.

Valerie, always reserved, had been particularly cautious with Nolan over the past few months. Initially, she had tried to push him away, greeting him with cold disdain and harsh words.

But Nolan's persistence was like that of a loyal hound, unfazed by her rebuffs, always there to silently support her through tough times, even saving her from danger on multiple occasions.

Partly because she was alone and afraid in a foreign place.

Partly because Valerie couldn't bear to continue hurting him with her coldness.

Gradually, Valerie had no choice but to let Nolan be a constant presence by her side, offering help with the little things in life that mattered.

Six months into her pregnancy, she faced serious health issues that forced her to be bedridden to save her unborn baby. Those were tough times. Unable to work, the medical bills became a gaping financial hole. It was Nolan's generosity that barely kept her afloat. Valerie had thought that once the baby was born, the hardest part would be over. She dreamed of a peaceful and beautiful future with her child.

But reality hit her like a bucket of ice water thrown unexpectedly in her face.

Her baby had a severe heart condition, a congenital issue that had gone undetected during prenatal screenings.

Living in a small town, far removed from the bustling life of Banyan City, the limited medical resources meant the local maternity clinic had missed her child's condition.

Despite this, the decision to have her baby, for Valerie, was not up for debate. She would never think of giving up on her child.

However, no sooner had her baby been born than she found herself barely able to steal glances at her newborn before the infant was whisked away to the neonatal unit, placed in an incubator for close observation and careful nursing.

The first consultation with the heart specialist was scheduled for a month after the baby's birth.

This meant that her baby might have to live with heart disease for a long time, facing one major surgery after another.