Chapter 1298

Stella racked her brain for someone to verify the news about Xander but came up empty. She turned to Lucas and asked, "You've seen the news about Xander, right?" Lucas answered without much interest, "Yes, I've seen it." Stella, probing for more, asked, "Doesn't Xander's death upset you?" Lucas, with a hint of irritation, replied, "Being upset won't change anything, will it?" The conversation paused briefly before he continued, "You're concerned about how Abigail will handle the news, aren't you?" Stella's nod was her only reply. Lucas scoffed, "Abigail's heart is like iron. She's the one who initiated the divorce. Do you think she'd shed any tears for Xander?" Stella defended her friend, "Abigail isn't heartless. She's full of compassion." Lucas said, "Don't fret. Abigail won't be swayed by Xander's passing. She'll keep living her life just fine." Stella did not see eye to eye with Lucas. Gripping her phone, she wanted to call Abigail for updates, yet she hesitated each time her finger hovered over the call button. Meanwhile, Johann absorbed the news of Xander's demise. Walking back and forth with unease, he mulled over whether he should break the news to Abigail. She was secluded in her study, immersed in her writing. To avoid the lure of her phone, she had left it outside, and the internet was disconnected. Unaware of Xander's fate, she focused on her script. After a while, Johann made up his mind to visit the study. "Abigail, you've been sitting all morning again. This can't continue. Now that you're pregnant, you must exercise more," Johann said, his concern evident. Abigail looked up at Johann with a smile. "Don't worry, Grandpa. I've set a timer to get up and walk every hour." Johann relaxed slightly. "Well, it's time for lunch. Today, I've asked the chef to prepare a special meal for you—your favorite North Floriveran delicacy." The mere mention of her favored cuisine made Abigail's eyes sparkle with excitement. "Thank you, Grandpa." Johann, learning of Abigail's pregnancy, enlisted a nutritionist to plan her meals, ensuring her diet was balanced. Cravings for her favorite North Floriveran dishes were set aside. Despite common tales of pregnancy woes, Abigail seemed unaffected, only feeling slightly more fatigued than usual. Melody would often say with a chuckle that the little one inside was already taking it easy on Abigail, knowing she was managing alone. The thought of a savory meal was enough to pull Abigail from her writing. She shut her laptop with a smile, anticipating the break. "Let's eat," she said. Johann affectionately patted her shoulder. "Abigail," he said softly. "Yeah, Grandpa?" "Have you completely let go of Xander?" With a soft chuckle, Abigail replied, "What do I need to do to convince you? Should I make a promise?" Johann took a moment before he said, "There's been an incident with Xander." Abigail's expression tensed slightly. "What kind of incident?" "We'll eat first. I'll tell you all about it later," Johann replied. "Grandpa, don't keep me in suspense." Johann paused, searching for the right words. "He's..." "Grandpa, you can tell me anything. Xander's affairs don't concern me now. I'll just listen." Johann thought for a moment and finally said, "Xander is gone."