Evelyn Ross never imagined a simple embrace could feel so comforting.

His arms were strong and secure, offering an instant anchor for her drifting heart.

Even the most independent woman needs someone to lean on sometimes.

She rested her cheek gently against his shoulder.

They stood together in silence.

Alexander Vance's low voice reached her ears. "Evelyn, is that you?"

He sounded uncertain.

Just as she was about to answer, commotion erupted outside.

The nanny protested urgently. "This is a private residence! You can't just barge in!"

Mrs. Davis shrieked. "Private? Where's Grace? Hiding us out, is she cheating in there?"

Zack Davis roared. "Out of my way! I'm her husband, here to settle things!"

The nanny was no match for two troublemakers.

Footsteps drew closer.

Evelyn quickly pushed Alexander away, pointing toward the first-floor nursery.

Alexander's gaze darkened, but he remained still.

Evelyn clasped her hands together, eyes pleading.

All traces of vulnerability vanished, replaced by her usual sharp intensity.

This was the real Evelyn.

Alexander seemed momentarily taken aback.

Evelyn didn't wait for his hesitation. She shoved him directly into the room.

She barely closed the door when Zack and his mother stormed in.

Mrs. Davis glared at her immediately. "Grace, where'd you get money for a nanny?"

Evelyn responded coolly. "None of your business."

Mrs. Davis exploded. "None of my business? Zack left with nothing! Did you hide money? Or was it from your parents?"

Evelyn scoffed. "Everything was settled before the divorce. Having regrets now? Fine. Since we just divorced today, I'll让步. Zack can have all the assets. I'll take Chloe and leave with nothing?"

The deals with Sherwood Group and Ashcroft Corp weren't public yet.

Mrs. Davis jumped. "Dream on! That two million debt is from your parents' company! Don't you dare pin it on Zack!"

Her eyes narrowed with sudden realization. "You sold your wedding jewelry, didn't you? Grace, the court's deciding your fate tomorrow! That money should've bought me supplements! Why waste it on a nanny?"

For the past month, Evelyn had indulged her every whim.

Mina Sherwood gave a few thousand for living expenses. Evelyn spent it all on Mrs. Davis—nutrition supplements, new clothes—treating her like royalty.

Evelyn met her with a cold stare. "We're divorced now. You're not my mother-in-law anymore. How I live is none of your concern."

"You!" Mrs. Davis's finger trembled with rage. "Ungrateful wretch!"

Evelyn cut her off. "Why are you really here today?"

Zack snarled. "That scene at City Hall—was it deliberate? Kelsey came home with stomach pains! You will apologize to her right now!"

Evelyn looked at him as if he were a fool.

Grace Nan must have been blind to marry a man like this.

She lowered her eyes. "Zack, we're divorced. Why should I listen to you?"

Zack froze.

Evelyn's voice was icy. "After the divorce, we have no connection."

Zack grabbed her wrist violently. "Grace, what do you mean? Cutting ties the second we're divorced? Is there another man?"

Evelyn laughed scornfully. "Zack, you're the one who cheated. I stayed home, cared for my husband, looked after my mother-in-law. I never stepped out of line!"

Zack was speechless.

Evelyn turned to Mrs. Davis. "I treated you with respect and care. I believed I was a good daughter-in-law. Why did you insist Zack divorce me?"

Mrs. Davis sneered. "Looking after your mother-in-law is your duty. Anyone could do it. You think you deserve praise? Not bearing a son is your original sin!"

Evelyn raised an eyebrow. "Any daughter-in-law could care for you that well?"

Mrs. Davis lifted her chin. "Of course! Kelsey Lopez will be even more attentive! She'll take care of me better than you ever did!"

"Really?"

Evelyn didn't argue further.

Zack dragged her toward the door. "Enough talk! Apologize to Kelsey now! And you'll care for her until the baby's stable! Or else!"

Evelyn shook him off. "Let go!"

Crying came from the nursery. "Mommy…"

Then soft soothing sounds followed.

Zack's face twisted with fury. "So it's true, Grace! You are hiding someone! No wonder you agreed to divorce so easily!"

Mrs. Davis rushed over. "Shameless slut! You had a lover during the marriage, didn't you? Zack, open that door! Let's see what kind of man wants a divorced woman with baggage!"

She grabbed Evelyn's arm. "Zack, catch them! Make that man pay! We're not leaving until he does!"

Hearing this, Zack charged at the door, ready to kick it down.

The door opened from inside.

A tall, imposing figure stepped out.

Zack and his mother stared, stunned. "M-Mr. Vance? What are you doing here?!"