ログインTo Timothy, taking care of him counted as something important. But to me, staying far away from him and fighting for my daughter's custody was the only thing that truly mattered.When I didn't move, his tone grew even colder. "Go run the water, Josie. I want a bath."My hands curled into fists, and I forced down every ounce of disgust swelling up inside me.He didn't actually want my help. He just couldn't accept that I had dared come back late, that I no longer revolved around him the way I used to. This was nothing more than punishment disguised as an order.I reminded him, lifting my chin to meet his dark gaze, "We're getting divorced soon. I can call Yasmin right now. I'm sure she would be thrilled to take care of you."Timothy's indifferent black eyes sharpened, cutting me like a blade. "I said you're helping me."I replied evenly, "I can hire a caregiver. I'll even pay for it."I knew that the moment I gave in even once, he would keep pushing until I had no ground left. I
I paused mid-step, a flicker of hope finally breaking through the darkness. I explained, "Actually, I'm married. My husband is Timothy Grant, CEO of Grant Corporation."Isaac's expression didn't change. He simply lifted his chin slightly, signaling me to go on.Thus, I told him everything—about how Timothy deceived me, how he let his mistress raise my daughter, and every truth I had uncovered.I said, "I heard that your firm has a highly specialized intelligence system. I need proof that Daphne is really my daughter."When I finished speaking, my heart was pounding in my chest, and I anxiously watched his face.His gaze remained calm and distant. He said calmly, "I'm sorry, Ms. York. These domestic dramas don't interest me."Those words hit like a bucket of ice water dumped over my head. The tiny spark of hope I'd been holding onto was snuffed out in an instant. I had expected to be rejected, but hearing it still made my chest ache.I forced a tight, awkward smile. "I understand
I couldn't ask in front of Victoria. Isaac would definitely think I was using her to get to him, and I truly didn't want that. But how was I supposed to get a private moment with him?By the time dinner ended, I still couldn't find an opening to speak. Isaac was the first to put down his fork. "Grandma, I'm heading upstairs. Enjoy your meal."He had barely stood when she asked, "Why are you rushing? Take Josie for a stroll in the garden to aid digestion. We planted winter-blooming flowers. They're beautiful."Isaac paused. Reluctantly, he sat back down. His eyes slid toward me, like he expected me to refuse.Usually, when she tried to pair us up, I would reject the idea. But that night, I needed a private moment with him, so I lowered my gaze and ignored his signals. I wouldn't be here pestering a busy man to go on a walk in the garden for no reason.Later, the garden glowed under soft moonlight. A cool breeze carried the scent of blooming flowers. Isaac walked ahead, silent, his
Ruby let out a long sigh. "It looks like the only way is to wait for the maternity test. Either that, or we find another private investigator to get Daphne's sample."I said, "The private investigator agency I hired last time was already the best in the country, and Timothy still found out about it."My voice turned heavy as I continued, "The two private investigators who looked into Amber disappeared from Seavale. No agency will dare take a case involving Timothy ever again."A thought struck Ruby, and she suddenly stopped walking. "Wait. I know who we can ask. Isaac!""Isaac? Isn't he just a lawyer?" I asked, skeptical."He's more than that," she explained. "I heard from Terence that Isaac's law firm earned its reputation not only for its legal expertise, but also because it runs a highly advanced intel system. Their investigators are everywhere. They've uncovered major secrets for their clients before."A flicker of hope finally sparked inside me.Still, I hesitated. "But Isa
Ruby asked, "How could it be that coincidental? Everyone else's samples are fine except Daphne's? I'm not buying it."I shook my head. "I've wondered if Timothy or Yasmin already knows. But since they haven't confronted me, if we go to them now, it would be like admitting everything ourselves. The only way forward is to get another blood sample from Daphne and do it quietly.""But she isn't at Little Lights anymore. If Timothy is suspicious of you, he'll only tighten security. We won't even get close to her," Ruby pointed out.At this, she added hesitantly, "Josie… What if Daphne isn't really your daughter? It's a huge coincidence, sure, but when I helped with the transfer paperwork, I saw her file. Her birthday isn't even the same day you gave birth."My heart trembled, but my voice was resolute. "If Timothy could lie to me about whether my baby lived, fabricating a birth date is nothing to him. And December 8 versus December 12 is just four days apart. Ruby, I know that Daphne is
I had thought that the genetic testing results would be ready within a day and had been impressed by the hospital's efficiency.But the staff member sounded apologetic. "I'm very sorry, Ms. York. Your blood was submitted privately, outside normal procedures. Dr. Pearson left instructions, but the intern didn't notice during shift change, and the child's sample was treated as a discarded specimen.""Discarded?" My hand trembled, and I almost dropped my phone. "Is this how you work? This is negligence!""I truly apologize," she continued calmly. "We still have your blood sample. If you would like to continue, we just need another sample from the child."After the call ended, I stood there staring at the ward door, my palms as cold as ice.Before, when Daphne was still at Little Lights, getting a blood sample wouldn't have been difficult. But now, Timothy wanted to transfer her out of there.Soon, even seeing her would be nearly impossible, let alone getting another sample.As I st







