After a while, Saul returned with a wide smile on his face. "Congratulations, Ms. McKinnon. Ms. Collins is kindhearted, and she has agreed to your request at long last."

Deirdre's fists clenched so tightly that her knuckles turned white.

"Alright," she said, her voice strained. "I believe there must be a reason Emily would agree to this."

"You're right," Saul replied, his delight evident. He cast a meaningful glance at Deirdre's bulging belly. "However, I'm not sure if you'll be able to accep