Marcus Investigates DNA!

Evelyn knew nothing of Alexander's plans for New York.

She spent her days focused on Chloe, while learning everything about Grace.

James had already compiled a thorough background check on Grace, down to her elementary school.

Grace's life appeared unremarkable.

She was an orphan. Her adoptive parents left her a villa and a small company.

She married Zack Davis. Their daughter Chloe, whose full name was Chloe Davis, took her surname.

After marriage, Grace never worked again. She handed the company to Zack and became a homemaker.

The most frustrating detail was a prenuptial agreement Grace signed with Zack.

It stated that in the event of divorce, regardless of fault, child custody would go to Zack.

This explained why Grace never divorced him despite knowing about his affair.

She had completely squandered her advantages.

How blindly in love must she have been to sign such a thing?

No wonder Zack had her trapped.

Chloe was her entire world. She would never risk losing her.

As long as they remained married, Zack could spend her money on his mistress, who was apparently pregnant…

While organizing Grace's files in the study, Zack barged in.

He tossed a stack of cash at her. "Here. This month's allowance."

Evelyn was stunned. "This is all?"

This was New York. The villa's monthly HOA fee alone was over eight thousand. The remainder wouldn't even cover Chloe's formula.

Zack scoffed. "Make it last. People live on a few thousand a month. Why can't you?"

Evelyn frowned. "I—"

He cut her off. "Don't ask for more. I don't have it."

She pressed on. "How can you not? The company pays you a hundred thousand monthly…"

"Taxes exist, you know?"

Zack was impatient. "Kelsey is pregnant. She's carrying my heir. She's been upset. I had to buy her a bag."

His mother sneered from nearby. "Just buy less formula. Zack works hard. Be more frugal. Show some consideration. You couldn't even charm Mr. Vance. He hasn't visited since. What a waste."

Evelyn was speechless.

The company used to pay dividends to Grace, but taxes were high. They switched to paying Zack a salary instead.

Grace had left herself no safety net.

Evelyn took a deep breath. "The HOA is eighty-five hundred. Utilities are nearly a thousand. This year's heating bill is due. They're pressuring us. What can ten thousand do? You spent tens of thousands on a bag for your mistress."

Zack laughed mockingly. "Grace, you've become so vulgar. Always talking about money. Where's your pride? You disappoint me."

He turned to his mother. "Mom, Mr. Vance is a lost cause. We have to accept the loss. I haven't seen Kelsey in days. I'm going to her."

"Go ahead."

Zack slammed the door on his way out.

His mother taunted Evelyn. "Grace, if you can't keep your husband, that's your failure. Look inward. Stop complaining. Besides, you're used goods now. Dirty. Zack doesn't even want to touch you."

Evelyn stared at her. "Then let's divorce."

"Divorce?" His mother laughed. "The prenup is clear. We get the child in a divorce."

She smiled coldly. "But I'm not unreasonable. Chloe is a girl. We don't want her. Transfer the villa and company to Zack. You can have Chloe."

Evelyn frowned. "Where would Chloe and I live? How would we survive?"

"Don't you have hands and feet? Two women can live anywhere. The family assets must go to a son."

She glared. "If you want a divorce, choose. The child or the assets."

Evelyn's brow furrowed.

His mother sneered. "Can't bear to part with the money? Then shut up. Serve Zack well. Make him happy. Maybe he'll increase your allowance."

She left for her square dancing.

Evelyn remained, deep in thought.

She scoffed and went to check on Chloe.

Her phone buzzed. A message from Chloe's preschool teacher. Time to renew classes…

But Grace's bank account and WhatsApp had only a few hundred dollars.

It was pitifully meager.

Evelyn sighed again.

How did Grace let her life come to this?

She sighed quietly, her eyes turning cold.

She now understood Grace's life. It was time to collect what was owed.

She would live as Grace, but she refused to be mistreated.

Her phone vibrated. A message from Marcus.

[Back in New York?]

This was their first contact since San Francisco.

Evelyn looked down and replied.

[Yes. Why?]

…

Marcus had been searching for Sophia with no success.

She had vanished without a trace.

He had no leads. No idea where to look. He returned empty-handed.

That's when he thought of Evelyn.

But her reply felt… cold.

Marcus rubbed his temples and looked at his nephew. "Marcus, does Grace seem distant to you?"

Marcus had also returned from San Francisco. "Probably your imagination, Uncle. Who is this Grace? Why are you so fixated on her?"

Marcus suddenly remembered something. "Get my bag."

His secretary handed it over.

Marcus watched as his uncle pulled out a… teacup.

He was confused. "Uncle, is that… a teacup from Le Jardin Secret? You stole a teacup?"

Marcus tossed the vacuum-sealed cup to him. "Grace used this. Run a DNA test."