Chapter 179

Sarah's POV

I hurled my phone onto the sofa, gritting my teeth in fury. Damn Howard Thompson! I had used every trick in my arsenal to get close to him, but he had actually rejected me! Never before had a man been so resolute in saying "no" to me.

The more Howard refused me, the more determined I became to have him.His coldness ignited an even stronger desire for conquest within me. If I pursued him persistently enough, surely he would eventually waver.

Just then, my phone vibrated. It was Robert.

"Too busy with work this week to meet. Comnpany restructuring requires my full attention."

I frowned. Robert was supposed to be my safety net, especially after I told him I was carrying his child. But now he was avoiding me,clearly still angry about our last argument.

I stared at the three conversation threads: Howard showing zero interest in me. Robert being distant and cold, and Philip-whomn I hadn't contacted in days.

I narrowed my eyes. Philip Baker, my personal ATM. He was always so easy to manipulate.

I picked up my phone and dialed Philip's number directly.

"Hello?" I greeted in a sugary voice, as if there had never been any problems between us."What do you want?" Philip's tone was surprisingly cold, catching me off guard.

I quickly adjusted my strategy. "I just wanted to update you on how I'm using your investment," I said, keeping my voice professionally steady despite the internal warning bells. Why was this man suddenly not following the usual script?

"You wanted me to promote my products to make Annie jealous, right?" I continued. "I've done exactly as you asked... The promotion is going extremely well, and my merchandise sales are about to exceed the total sales of Annie's ridiculous picture book."

I deliberately paused, waiting for Philip's praise or at least some expression of satisfaction. After all, this man was always so easily pleased by my "progress."

"Everyone online is talking about how generous you are to me.Annie will definitely see it and be jealous."

"I suppose so," Philip responded with surprising flatness. Usually, he would eagerly ask for details or chuckle with self-satisfaction.

I furrowed my brow. "You seem a bit off.Did something happen?"

"I've been seeing a therapist lately..." Philip's voice dropped lower."I suddenly realized that since being with Annie, every step I've taken, right up until now, has been wrong."

What? I felt a chill run through me. This spineless idiot actually went to a therapist? And now he's having regrets?

"Am I stupid, Sarah?" His voice choked with emotion. "To only realize the problem now?" I resisted the urge to mock him. Yes. youi've always been stupid. Philip Baker. Stupid to think Annie was perfect, and stupid to think I actually cared about you. But right now. I needed to stay calm and not let him see through me.

"Why are you suddenly saying this?" I asked cautiously.

"When a person makes a mnistake, the first thing they should do is address the problem, then apologize and find ways to make amends. But what am I doing? Trying to make her jealous through you? That will only push her further away."

I heard him sniffling. and I inwardly sneered. This pathetic man, breaking down after a little therapy. His weakness disgusted me, but perhaps I could use this to my advantage.

"You regret it?" I asked. deliberately adding a hint of sadness to my voice.

"No, I just suddenly realized how many mistakes I've made..."

"So you're planning to make it up to her now?" I bit my lower lip, my heart racing. If Philip truly wanted to return to Annie, my "ATM" would be shutting down.

"Yes. I need to treat her better," Philip replied. "Don't worry about the money I've already given you-I won't take it back. You can use it however you like."

I secretly breathed a sigh of relief. At least the money already in my hands was safe.

"But... I might not provide any additional funds in the future."

Damn it! I cursed inwardly. Before reconciling with Robert or winning

over Howard. Philip was my only reliable source of income.

I immediately played my tramp card. "What about the baby?"My voice became sorrowful and fragile. "Are you abandoning that responsibility too?"

"I'll take care of it." Philip immediately responded. "T'll provide living expenses and child support for both of you.'

I silently rejoiced. Thank God for this stupid man's sense of responsibility!This so-called "his child"-this lie had become my most powerful weapon.

"That's great, otherwise the baby and I wouldn't know how to survive," I said, feigning weakness. The moment I hung up, I let a cold smile of victory spread across my face.

I lay back on the bed.gently stroking my belly as I contemplated the current situation:

- Robert was avoiding me, clearly still angry

-Howard repeatedly rejected my advances

- Philip wanted to keep his dístance, though he would still provide money,he was no longer at my beck and call

I clenched my jaw. No, I would not lose control. I decided to first secure the financial pipeline from Philip.

I picked up my phone and texted Philip:′′Ifyou're going back to Annie,then... I should be free to find a new boyfriend,right?"

I knew this would provoke him. Philip hadalways believed I loved only him. Once I mentioned other men, especially after claiming to be pregnant with his child, he would surely panic. "You know my expenses are considerable," I continued typing. "If I can't find someone to support me, the living allowance you provide might not be enough."

"Let me think about it." Philip's reply came unexpectedly quickly.

I smiled smugly. It seemed my fish was already taking the bait. Men in high society-their pride and possessiveness were so easily exploited.

I thought he would need at least an evening to consider, but Philip's call came almost immediately. Seeing his name flashing on the screen, a wave of triumphant pleasure washed over me. The frustration from my failed interaction with Howard vanished completely.

"What is it?" I asked, pretending to be confused. "Why are you calling me at this hour?"

"Sarah." Philip's voice was filled with conflict, "I've been seriously thinking about what you just said."

"Yes?" I responded casually, though inwardly I was mocking his predictability. Men, always so easy to manipulate.

"My answer is that I absolutely cannot allow my child to call another man father."

"Oh?" I deliberately dragged out the syllable, my eyes gleaming with calculation.

"I also don't want you to be with other men."

I silently cheered. Though he had already said he no longer loved me,a man's possessiveness was always so intense. I had completely captured his weakness. "How am I supposed to survive if I stay single according to your wishes?"I pressed further.

"I will support you financially." Philip solemnly promised.

"Aren't you worried Annie might object?" I asked, feigning concern while deliberately planting seeds of doubt in his mánd.

The silence on the other end told me my strategy was working. "We'll discuss the details after I reconcile with her," Philip finally said, his tone filled with uncertainty.

"No problem." I complied submissively, unable to hold back laughter after hanging up.

Philip.you fool! He never treated Annie well, while Howard practically worshipped her like a goddess. The chances of Annie returning to Philip were virtually zero, yet this arrogant man still harbored fantasies!

The phone rang again-it was Philip: "So we've agreed-you absolutely cannot see other men."

"You can rest completely assured," I promised sweetly, my tone like soothing a restless child. "As long as you're willing to support me,I'm happy to maintain this arrangement."

After hanging up, I smiled with satisfaction. Philip would never know that even as he gave me money, I would continue pursuing Howard while also seeking opportunities to reconcile with Robert.

In the worst-case scenario, if I lost all three men, I still had my social media career-though I wasn't sure how long that would last without Philip's financial backing. But those were problems for the future. For now,at least I had secured Philip's economic support. I always gave myself multiple escape routes before taking action. That's why, no matter how the situation changed.I would always be the one who came out on top.