Mina stared at the bowl of medicine.

The dark liquid emitted a bitter odor.

But no bitterness could compare to the coldness in her heart.

Her gaze lowered to her abdomen.

She was less than three months pregnant, with no visible bump yet.

But she had already grown accustomed to the baby's presence these past months.

She would instinctively protect her belly while walking.

She often dreamed of the child's face at night.

She imagined his eyes resembling Marcus', his lips like hers...

Now she couldn't keep him after all.

Tears blurred her vision.

Despair washed over her like a tidal wave.

She looked up at Marcus Valentine.

She didn't know how much to blame him.

After all, she had lived recklessly these past few years.

Her uncle had taken her to business dinners and social events.

In others' eyes, she was already a disreputable escort...

Mina lowered her head with a bitter smile.

She suddenly spoke softly. "Marcus, don't do the DNA test."

Marcus froze.

The girl kept her eyes downcast, her expression calm.

She wasn't insisting on the test anymore, as if admitting the child wasn't his.

Yet he felt inexplicably uneasy inside.

Large teardrops fell into the medicine bowl.

Mina's voice was very quiet. "Not doing it sets you free."

If the baby was gone, doing the test would only hurt Marcus more.

In her anger earlier, she just wanted him to know the truth.

Now she decided to let him go.

She lifted the bowl to drink.

Her wrist was suddenly grabbed.

Mina looked up to see Marcus' complicated expression.

Even he didn't understand why he stopped her.

He immediately released her and stepped back upon realizing.

Mina remained silent and raised the bowl again.

Suddenly, a voice shouted from the doorway. "Mina!"

Mina turned toward the sound.

Evelyn Ross and Alexander Vance rushed in.

Evelyn was dragging Justin Evans, who was bruised and battered.

The Valentine family butler followed behind, apologizing frantically. "Mr. Valentine, Young Master Marcus, I'm sorry I couldn't stop them..."

Ethan Valentine's eyes widened. "Evelyn, how dare you! You even brought this boy toy..."

Before he could finish, Mr. Valentine interrupted. "From now on, don't stop Miss Evelyn when she visits."

The butler looked confused but responded. "Yes."

Mr. Valentine approached Evelyn. "What brings you here?"

But Evelyn was staring at the bowl in Mina's hand. She rushed over and snatched it. "What is this?"

No one answered.

Evelyn glared at Marcus. "Speak! What is this?"

Marcus' face darkened. "Abortion pill."

Evelyn trembled with anger.

She looked at Mina trapped on the couch.

Then she scanned everyone present. "He's being unreasonable, and none of you stopped him?"

Mr. and Mrs. Valentine sighed helplessly.

Ethan looked at Mr. Valentine.

Expecting his uncle to react.

But Mr. Valentine seemed hesitant to speak.

Even Marcus remained silent.

Ethan couldn't hold back. "Evelyn, this is our family matter. It's none of your business..."

Evelyn ignored him completely and questioned Marcus. "You doubt her because of rumors? Did you even ask Justin?"

Marcus' cold gaze fell upon Justin.

Justin stiffened on the floor.

Marcus didn't explain that he had already tortured Justin for answers, but Justin still insisted he slept with Mina.

Evelyn's chest heaved with rage.

She turned and kicked the tied-up Justin. "Speak! What really happened between you and Mina?"

Justin, bruised and trembling, looked terrified.

He glanced secretly at Alexander Vance and shuddered.

The memory of what happened at the bar still haunted him.

When Evelyn attacked him, he refused to admit anything.

Until that man stepped in.

Wet paper covered his face, bringing suffocation and near-death.

He knew he would really die if he didn't tell the truth.

Marcus might still consider the Evans family's reputation.

But this man showed no restraint at all.

Marcus spoke slowly. "I've already asked him. He won't clarify... Evelyn, don't waste your effort."

Before he finished, Justin wailed. "I'll clarify! Who says I won't? You're lying!"