Alexander Vance's gaze darkened. "What's wrong?"

Evelyn Ross clenched the report. "Mina wouldn't lie to me. She is pregnant. This report must be wrong..."

Alexander frowned. "How could that be?"

Evelyn stared at the words. "I don't understand medicine, but we must find out. Hurry back to the Nan house. Mina needs me now."

"Alright."

Alexander pressed the accelerator. The car sped away.

A crowd had gathered outside the Nan family villa. The Sherwoods were blocking the entrance.

William Sherwood pointed at Mina, furious. "Is this child really Mr. Valentine's? You must tell the truth today!"

Mina's face was pale, but she stood straight. "Uncle, this is a private matter between Marcus and me. It has nothing to do with the Sherwoods!"

"Nothing to do with us?!"

William sneered. "If you deceived him into marriage, the entire Sherwood family is ruined! We'll all suffer because of you!"

His eyes glared viciously at Mina.

Since the family split, the second branch's status had plummeted. He had arranged her meeting with Marcus Valentine, hoping to climb socially through his niece.

What happened?

Marcus didn't want her, so she climbed into his bed!

Now, the Valentine stock was crashing. The whole Sherwood family would be buried with her!

The more William thought, the angrier he became. "If I knew you were this kind of woman, I would never have let you meet Mr. Valentine!"

Mina's parents were also in the crowd, their faces full of fear.

Her mother trembled as she grabbed Mina's arm. "Mina, is that news true? If Mr. Valentine can't have children, whose child is this?"

Mina looked at her parents. Her heart grew cold.

At a time like this, they only cared about the family's reputation.

She closed her eyes. Tears silently fell.

Her mother shook her violently. "Say something! If it's not his, get rid of it! The Valentines would never keep a bastard!"

Mina gave a bitter smile. "Does it even matter?"

Her mother shrieked. "Of course it matters! If it's not his, get an abortion immediately! Apologize to the Valentines!"

Mina's eyes snapped open. "This child is Marcus Valentine's! I have a clear conscience!"

Her mother was nearly hysterical. "Then what about the news? The Valentine stock is almost worthless! Do you know how much money that is? We could never repay it even if we sold our entire family!"

She frantically pulled at her husband. "Maybe we should run away? Sell the house and go abroad!"

William cut in sharply. "Dream on! Your brother would never let you go! If we die, we die together!"

Mina's father suddenly pushed his wife away. He pointed at Mina and shouted. "She's the liar! We know nothing! Punish her, not us!"

Mina felt as if struck by lightning.

She knew her parents were selfish, but she never thought they would abandon her completely.

Her nails dug deeply into her palms. Her voice trembled. "Dad, Mom... are you even human?"

Her father's face twisted viciously. "You brought this on yourself! You have no shame!"

Her mother cried and pleaded. "Mina, Mr. Valentine must have some feelings for you... Be good, lose the child and apologize to the Valentines..."