Mina Sherwood shoved Marcus Valentine away.

She shielded her shoulder.

Her voice trembled. "No…"

Marcus's eyes were icy.

He gripped her chin.

"Stop pretending."

Mina's face was pale.

She bit her lip. "The baby is only a month old… It's dangerous…"

Marcus sneered.

He released her.

"Good if something happens."

His tone was mocking.

"Then you can't use that bastard to blackmail me."

Mina's eyes instantly reddened.

Her voice choked. "This is your child!"

Marcus stood up abruptly.

"I said it's not!"

His gaze was fierce.

"You're so desperate to keep it?"

Mina closed her eyes.

Tears streamed down.

Marcus watched her pathetic state.

His rage intensified.

He suddenly sat down.

Spreading his legs.

His tone was flippant.

"Pregnant women can still serve."

He stared at her.

"Don't tell me you have no experience."

Mina's eyes flew open.

She stared at him in disbelief.

Marcus scoffed.

"A hostess pretending to be pure?"

He stood up.

"If you're unwilling, call off the engagement."

He walked toward the door.

Mina suddenly grabbed his arm.

Her fingers trembled.

Her voice was hoarse.

"…Fine."

She slowly knelt.

Her fingers undid his belt.

…

An hour later.

They went downstairs.

Marcus's face was dark.

Yet satisfied.

Mina's eyes were hollow.

Her lips swollen.

The discussion downstairs had ended.

Mrs. Valentine smiled and stood.

"The dowry will be delivered tomorrow."

Kevin Sherwood nodded.

"The bride's trousseau will be prepared."

They both looked at Mina.

Mrs. Valentine noticed her condition.

She glared at Marcus.

After seeing the Valentines off.

Mina breathed a sigh of relief.

Inside the car.

Mrs. Valentine pinched her son.

Marcus winced.

"Mom!"

Mrs. Valentine's face was cold.

"She's pregnant!"

Marcus turned away.

"I didn't touch her."

Mrs. Valentine snorted.

"Her lips are swollen!"

She warned.

"The first three months are critical!"

Marcus's Adam's apple bobbed.

He suddenly spoke.

"I want to renovate my room."

Mrs. Valentine nodded.

Marcus added.

"Replace the sofa."

…

Evelyn Ross knew nothing of this.

She was dining with Alexander Vance.

She received the news of Mina's marriage.

She immediately stood.

Walking to a corner to make a call.

At the restaurant entrance.

Ryan Roland entered with Chloe Roland.

"A new place."

He said softly.

"Good food."

Chloe was expressionless.

She was shockingly thin.

Her eyes empty.

Like a soulless doll.

Ryan sighed inwardly.

Since Evelyn's "death."

His sister had become like this.

She had experienced betrayal.

Her only light was extinguished.

Ryan finished ordering.

Chloe nodded mechanically.

She slowly looked up.

Her gaze suddenly fixed.

She saw a familiar figure.