Miles, apologize to this gentleman at once."

Kevin wasn't afraid of Evelyn; he simply felt, as an elder, there was no need to argue with someone younger.

Miles reluctantly looked at Alexander. "Fine. I take back what I said. My apologies on behalf of your mother."

Daring to mention Alexander's mother again?

Evelyn's temper flared once more. She rolled up her sleeves, ready to step forward and argue, but Alexander stopped her.

Alexander looked down, his voice detached. "No apology needed."

A cold glint flashed in his eyes. "I have no mother."

Miles, initially intimidated by Evelyn's fierceness, finally understood he'd touched a nerve. He scratched his head awkwardly. "Ah, your mother passed away? Sorry, I truly didn't know…"

Alexander offered no explanation. He took Evelyn's hand and turned to leave.

Kevin's gaze followed his retreating figure.

Miles muttered, "I didn't know, did I? Was that necessary? Dad, you said Grace Nan has a weak personality? This isn't weak; she's a total shrew! Someone like her, bullied by her ex-husband? Must be a rumor…"

But Kevin was deep in thought, his brow furrowed. "I feel like I've seen him somewhere before."

"What?" Miles didn't catch it.

"Nothing." Kevin shot his son a stern look. "Watch your mouth from now on."

Miles shut his mouth, aggrieved.

Even though they were already some distance away, Evelyn was still fuming, her cheeks flushed bright red.

She complained under her breath, "The Sherwoods are horrible! If you don't know how to speak properly, then don't speak at all! Ugh, why do I only know these few insults…"

She suddenly looked at Alexander, her eyes lighting up. "I remember you're really good at insulting people. Help me curse them out a bit?"

Alexander: ?

Help her curse at himself?

This woman's train of thought was always so uniquely bizarre.

But… he was good at insulting people…

It reminded him of when they weren't close yet, and Evelyn had posted on social media. He'd commented underneath, helping her curse at himself. Those memories felt like just yesterday…

Seeing him lost in thought, Evelyn successfully diverted his attention and finally relaxed a little.

She then looked back toward the restroom with concern.

How was Mina doing now?

At that moment, Mina was bent over, vomiting violently.

She had thrown up everything in her stomach. Now, even acid was coming up.

Why was pregnancy so miserable?

She felt utterly weak. Her eyes and nose were red and sore from the strain. Fine beads of cold sweat dotted her forehead.

Finally catching her breath, she leaned against the sink, fumbling around trying to find a tissue to wipe her mouth.

After searching for a while without success, a hand offered her a tissue.

Mina quickly took it and wiped her mouth, turning her head. "Thank—"

The last word caught in her throat.

Standing before her was Marcus Valentine.

Mina Sherwood looked up and saw Marcus Valentine standing nearby.

She tossed the tissue into the trash can.

She straightened her posture and smoothed her slightly disheveled hair.

"Mr. Valentine, this is the ladies' room."

"I know."

Marcus leaned against the wall, a mocking smile playing on his lips.

"I came to see how badly you were throwing up. If the pregnancy is this miserable, why not just terminate it?"

Mina's fingertips trembled slightly.

She clenched her fists.

"My affairs are none of your concern, Mr. Valentine."

Marcus let out a derisive laugh.

"An out-of-wedlock pregnancy? That won't sound good if it gets out, will it?"

Mina's jaw tightened.

She remained silent and walked past him.

Marcus followed her.

"What? Did I hit a nerve? Are you insisting on having this child to blackmail someone?"

Mina's chest heaved with emotion.

Reaching the restroom entrance, she stopped abruptly and turned to face him.

"Think whatever you want!"

Marcus frowned, a wave of irritation rising within him.

"Who is the father, really?"

Mina stared directly at him.

"I told you. It's you."

Marcus smirked coldly.

"And I told you, it's impossible. Mina Sherwood, don't be so delusional."

Furious, Mina clenched her fists.

"In three months, we can do an amniocentesis for a DNA test."

"Refusing to admit defeat until you're faced with undeniable proof? Fine. I'll play along."

Marcus turned and walked away.

They moved in opposite directions.

A restroom stall door opened, and Fiona Valentine and Penelope Valentine stepped out.

They exchanged a glance, excitement flashing in their eyes.

Mina Sherwood was pregnant?

And it was an out-of-wedlock pregnancy!

Fiona recalled the time she was slapped by Evelyn Ross and how Mina had defended her.

A cold smile curled her lips.

She grabbed Penelope's arm.

"Come on. Let's go enjoy the show."

They headed toward the banquet hall.

Mina was surrounded by several executives.

"Director Sherwood, congratulations on your promotion! A toast to you!"

The man raised his glass and drained it.

Mina instinctively covered her lower abdomen.

She smiled.

"My stomach is a bit upset today. May I substitute tea for wine?"

She reached for a teacup.

Fiona's voice cut through the air.

"Director Sherwood, that's hardly appropriate, is it?"

Fiona approached with a bright smile, picking up a glass of wine.

"I was being petty earlier. This glass is my apology. You must drink it."

She pressed a champagne flute into Mina's hand and downed her own glass first.

Those nearby looked on with approval.

Fiona turned to Mina.

"Champagne has low alcohol content. Just a sip will do."

Mina frowned.

"I really can't drink today."

Fiona laughed lightly.

"Everyone in our circle knows you have an iron tolerance for alcohol. Are you refusing to save face?"

Mina pressed her lips together.

"I'm genuinely not feeling well today."

"What's the problem? Do you look down on us now that you're promoted?"

The executive who had proposed the toast earlier darkened his expression.

Mina furrowed her brow.

Fiona brought the glass close to Mina's nose.

The smell of alcohol hit her, and Mina's stomach churned violently.

She covered her mouth, fighting the urge to vomit.

Fiona grabbed her arm.

"Director Sherwood, pretending to be unwell is just pathetic."

Penelope chimed in.

"If you don't want to drink, just say so. Why put on an act?"

The executive's face turned stormy.

"Fine, if you don't want to drink, forget it. My mistake for asking!"

He started to walk away.

Other executives also showed expressions of disdain.

Mina gritted her teeth.

On one side were her professional relationships.

On the other was her secret pregnancy.

She took a deep breath, fighting back the nausea.

"I'm sorry. It's not that I won't drink. I can't drink—I'm pregnant!"