Evelyn Ross sighed and rubbed her forehead.

She quickly caught up with Mina Sherwood and Marcus Valentine.

The three found Marcus's specialist doctor.

Marcus spoke directly. "Doctor, I want a DNA test with the child in her womb."

The specialist picked up Mina's lab report.

Seeing the pregnancy was only three weeks along, the doctor's mouth twitched. "Mr. Valentine, it can't be done now."

Marcus frowned. "Why not?"

The specialist explained. "The embryo is still just a cluster of cells. DNA cannot be extracted yet."

"Comparison requires amniocentesis, which must wait at least three months."

"There is another method now, however..."

"What method?"

The specialist cleared his throat. "A termination procedure. The embryonic cells could be retrieved for comparison."

"But the child would not survive."

Marcus froze.

Before he could speak, Mina already answered. "I am keeping this child."

After a morning of torment, especially the struggle in the CT scan room, Mina had long resolved to keep the baby.

She would never give up this life just to prove her innocence to Marcus.

Marcus had been hesitating.

If Mina agreed to the procedure, perhaps the child really was his.

But her refusal was so absolute...

Marcus sneered. "You want to delay for three months?"

"Are you trying to leech more benefits from me and the Valentine family again?"

Mina clenched her fingers, meeting his gaze directly. "Marcus Valentine, the truth will be clear in two months."

She grabbed Evelyn's wrist. "Let's go!"

Evelyn shot Marcus a glare and followed Mina out.

Mina's eyes were red-rimmed.

They reached the parking lot and got into the car.

Alexander Vance waited in the driver's seat.

Noting their somber expressions, he raised an eyebrow but asked nothing. He simply started the engine.

"Grace, take me home, please."

Mina gazed out the window, her expression desolate.

Years of secret affection had resulted in such hurt. It left her heart cold.

Right now, she just wanted to hide in her room.

Evelyn nodded and set the navigation for Alexander.

She held Mina's hand, trying to comfort her. "Mina, in two months, present the DNA report and throw it right in his face."

Mina gave a low, self-mocking laugh.

Calmer now, she felt she couldn't entirely blame Marcus.

Her family's fortunes had declined over the years. To maintain appearances, she had clawed her way up.

She secured many collaborations for the Sherwood Group, most finalized over business dinners.

Her reputation was already ruined.

Being mistaken for a gold digger, a social climber... Marcus accusing her of using him for gain wasn't entirely unfounded.

The car arrived at the Sherwood residence.

Mina got out silently, motioning for Alexander to leave.

Facing Evelyn's concerned look, she just shook her head.

Evelyn said no more.

Watching the car drive away, Mina finally entered her home.

Her parents were sitting in the living room, chatting and laughing.

Her father stood immediately upon seeing her. "Mina, you've really brought honor to our family this time!"

"Your uncle just apologized to us. He said he'd treated us poorly all these years..."

Mina forced a smile.

Her father continued. "But your uncle said he messaged you, and you didn't reply?"

Mina paused.

Her father added, "Mina, your uncle is right."

"Mr. Valentine didn't take a liking to you. But if you can make Alexander Vance notice you..."

"You could become the future lady of the Vance family! Your uncle said then they'd allow your grandmother to be buried with your grandfather!"

Her grandmother on the sofa smiled at this.

Mina only felt a chill in her heart.

After the family split, their circumstances had worsened. Her parents constantly pushed her to strive, to bring them pride.

When she had the blind date with Marcus, they told her to make a good impression.

Now they were urging her to seduce Alexander Vance?

Even her closest family thought she should trade on her looks. They had encouraged her to do exactly that for years...

What right did she have to blame Marcus for looking down on her?

Mina suddenly let out a scornful laugh.

She looked at her father, enunciating each word clearly. "Dad, even if I am a tool for marriage alliances, shouldn't I have some dignity?"

Her father was stunned.

Mina's tone was firm. "I will not go after Alexander Vance."

She turned and walked into her bedroom.

Before, she lived for this family.

From now on, she would live only for herself and her child!

...

Marcus returned to the Valentine estate.

His face was dark.

His assistant didn't dare breathe too loudly, but he thought his boss was acting unusual.

Many women had tried to trap him over the years. He had never seen the boss this angry.

That Miss Mina Sherwood was different, wasn't she?

As they entered, they saw Fiona Valentine had returned home.

She was crying to Marcus's parents. "...I've never seen someone so barbaric!"

"I just said a few words about her child. She slapped me right across the face!"

Mr. Valentine frowned. "She didn't know who you are? She dared to hit you?"

Fiona sobbed. "She knew! I made sure to tell her."

"I thought no one would dare disrespect the Valentine name. I thought it could be smoothed over."

"But when she heard, she became even more arrogant!"

Mrs. Valentine pressed. "Did you find out which family she belongs to?"

Marcus was irritated by the noise. He ignored them and headed for the stairs.

Fiona said, "I found out. It's Mina Sherwood from the Sherwood family. She was especially arrogant..."

Mrs. Valentine sounded surprised. "I remember that girl. Quite pretty. She has a child?"

Marcus's steps halted.

Fiona explained. "The child isn't hers. It's her friend's."

"Her friend is called Grace Nan. I heard she has some cooperation with our Valentine family..."

Mr. Valentine slammed the table angrily. "Cooperate? Cancel it immediately!"

"You are a daughter of the Valentine family. How dare she treat you like this?!"

Mrs. Valentine also frowned. "Hitting someone's face... A dispute between children shouldn't involve adults."

"Who is this Grace Nan? Have your big brother drive her out of New York!"

Mr. Valentine nodded. "You may not be our biological child, but the Valentine family has no daughters."

"We've always cherished you as our precious daughter. You cannot be treated like this!"

He finished and saw Marcus. He immediately waved him over. "Marcus, come here. Stand up for your sister!"

Marcus walked downstairs, his expression cold. He let out a derisive snort. "I can't stand up for her on this."

Mr. Valentine was taken aback. "Why not?"