That wasn't enough for Peggy. She stormed through the office floor, shouting at the employees. "Keep an eye on your valuables, people! Your scumbag boss owes a hundred million dollars! He could clean out everything worth a dime and disappear overnight. Don't count on ever seeing a paycheck again!"

When I walked in, my coworkers immediately tucked away their personal belongings, whispering to each other in hushed tones.

"So the boss is a hundred million in debt? He doesn't even take care of his own wife. You think he'd really skip town with the money?"

"I never would've guessed he was that kind of person. Now his wife and mother-in-law are here making a scene. Let's see how he handles this."

"Even his own buddy turned on him. That means it's gotta be true. We should all start looking for new jobs."

I rushed in. "What gives you the right to come in here spreading lies? I will sue every one of you for any losses this company suffers!"

Alex stepped in front of Adeline, chin raised, playing the righteous hero. "You owe a hundred million dollars. That's a fact!"

The gossip outside grew even louder. Every whisper was about me.

That was when my mother walked in. Her face was pure disbelief. "How is that possible? Ronald, didn't you just give me that jewelry from the auction the other day?"

I suddenly remembered. We'd planned to grab dinner together after work today.

Adeline let out a mocking laugh. "Auction? He bought those with loan shark money!"

"Enjoy it while it lasts. You'll be crying soon enough."

"And thank God the baby in my belly isn't yours. At least my child won't be dragged down with the rest of you."

"What?!" My mother's face went white with shock. She grabbed Adeline's arm before she could leave. "What did you just say?!"

Adeline wrenched free with a look of pure disgust. "Are you deaf? I said the baby isn't your family's!"

My mother already had high blood pressure. The shove sent her stumbling backward.

She clutched her chest and crumpled to the floor.

I rushed forward and caught her. "Mom! What's wrong?"

Adeline spat in contempt. "Old hag's faking it. Probably trying to guilt-trip us into giving her money. Let's go. She's bad luck."

She hurried out with Peggy and Alex in tow.

My mother's face was ashen. She couldn't get a single word out. Her eyes slowly rolled shut.

I didn't think. I scooped her up and ran for the hospital.