Evelyn's heart twisted painfully at Grace's complaints, which continued to flow.

“He forced a stepdaughter onto you, ruining your engagement with Selene. You've been under his thumb for three years; if you don’t cut your losses soon, this scheming marriage will drag your life down! How many more three-year stints can one endure?”

“Divorce immediately; we can’t delay any longer. I’ll pay a sum to make her terminate the pregnancy and move out of 9 Bliss Garden…”

Even wrapped in a blanket, Evelyn felt thoroughly cold.

She couldn’t catch what Jason replied, but soon Grace’s louder, more discontented voice rang out, “Bring her out; you don’t need to be involved. I’ll speak to her directly.”

“I’ve said before that I won’t divorce before the child is born. If you dare to play any tricks, I’ll immediately pull out of the Serenity Pavilion investment.”

Jason’s deep voice was steady but resonant, each word clear and powerful, echoing in Evelyn’s ears.

Serenity Pavilion was Grace’s wellness center in Capital City, primarily catering to wealthy businessmen’s wives and high-ranking officials’ spouses. Over the years, due to expanding branches and broadening wellness programs, Grace’s funds had been stretched thin. Thankfully, Jason had poured nine figures into it, allowing Serenity Pavilion to operate normally.

Though her pregnancy was fabricated and Jason often hurled insults her way, his recent retort to Grace sparked a warmth within her. It was a sense of a husband’s care and love, something she had long desired but never received.

Evelyn couldn’t understand why Jason would risk offending Grace to protect her with this pregnancy pretense!

For three years, Jason had taken his revenge on Victor and his son out on her, and perhaps he wasn’t done with her yet. The only explanation she could come up with was that he simply hadn’t tortured her enough.

The warmth from his words quickly dissipated, leaving her feeling cold again.

Now, she had no illusions left about Jason. He wouldn’t nod in agreement; she couldn’t get divorced on her own and would have to rely on Grace’s influence instead.

Evelyn dressed in her nightgown and stepped into the living room, greeting Grace, “Mother, you’re here.”

“Just sat down, haven’t had a chance to chat with Jason yet,” Grace replied, concealing her emotions, her gaze drifting to Evelyn’s abdomen. “Have you been taking the miscarriage-prevention medicine I prepared for you?”

“I’ve been taking it consistently.” She chose not to reveal the truth. “Thank you for your concern, Mother.”

Grace’s eyes glinted with a chilling light that no one could see. “Those herbal medicines are my heartfelt intentions as a mother-in-law; you mustn’t waste a single packet.”

“Mother cares for me so much; I’m incredibly grateful.” Her gaze shifted to Jason, who was preparing tea. “I heard some of your earlier conversation with Jason. I didn’t expect him to be caught between me and the Johnson family.”

“I don’t find it difficult at all; what’s there for you to complain about?” Jason interjected with irritation.

Grace caught the implication in Evelyn’s words and quickly took her hand with a smile. “I knew you could understand the difficulties Jason faces. We’ve been in this mother-in-law and daughter-in-law relationship for three years, so there are some things I don’t want to hide from you. The old man has four sons; the eldest passed away, leaving Cedric behind. Although Cedric is useless, the old man dotes on him like a treasure. Jason’s abilities are evident, yet he’s the least favored.

Three years ago, you ruined Jason’s engagement with Selene, and the old man is still resentful about it. He’s also strongly dissatisfied with Jason’s investment of over a hundred million in Lycheeville.”

Jason’s brow furrowed deeply, his jaw tightened as he slammed the teacup down on the table.

A few drops of scalding water splashed onto his hand, but he didn’t notice the pain.

Evelyn sensed Grace’s entrance into the game and spoke earnestly, “I understand how hard these three years have been for Jason, and I appreciate Mother’s good intentions. Whatever you need me to do, I will certainly comply.”

“If there were any way to avoid this, as a mother, I wouldn’t break you two apart. But ultimately, it’s all for Jason’s career and future.”

Grace, caught up in Evelyn’s obedient and understanding demeanor, pushed Jason’s threats to the back of her mind.

“Go get a divorce, Evelyn. I’ll give you a sum of money to ensure you never have to worry about living comfortably for the rest of your life. You don’t have any relatives in Riverton, and even if you divorce Jason, the Stark family won’t abandon you. We can keep in touch like family during holidays, and if you ever want to find someone to rely on, just consider me your godmother.”

Before Evelyn could respond, Jason interjected with a sharp retort.

“Evelyn has been married to me for three years, and no one in the Stark family has ever cared for her. If we truly get divorced, how can we still be relatives? You can’t even fulfill your role as a mother-in-law and are thinking of adopting her as a goddaughter after the divorce. I don’t know which nerve you’ve misfired, but those words are completely insincere.”

“We’re both thinking of you and Evelyn; don’t let us down,” Grace snapped back. “Let’s choose a date to finalize things. Evelyn and I can draft a divorce agreement, and I’ll accompany you to take care of the paperwork.”

Grace shot Jason a fierce glare, signaling him to be quiet.

“My marriage doesn’t need anyone’s interference, not even my mother,” Jason replied coldly, standing up and heading toward the cloakroom.

Grace wasn’t deterred and pulled out her phone. “If your mother isn’t enough of a weight, I’ll have the old man call you himself.”

As the divorce loomed, Evelyn felt no relief. She clutched the hem of her nightgown tightly, her gaze fixed on the cloakroom door.

Moments later, Jason emerged, impeccably dressed in a suit, striding confidently toward her. Their eyes met, and he slightly tilted his head, a storm of emotions swirling in his gaze—one that Evelyn couldn’t decipher. It held a fierce intensity that could burn her completely, yet there was a sense of restraint.

She bit down on her dry lip, wanting to speak but feeling as if something was lodged in her throat.

This was the first time she was joining forces with Grace to outmaneuver Jason. His expression clearly told her that she had failed.

“Not even the old man can change this; we’ll wait until Evelyn gives birth to the child,” Jason continued to use the baby as a shield, and after finishing his sentence, he grabbed his car keys and phone, heading downstairs.

In that moment, a bittersweet joy blossomed in Evelyn’s heart. She silently cursed herself: Evelyn, oh Evelyn, do you have a masochistic tendency? With Grace’s help, you still can’t get a divorce? Shouldn’t you be crying your heart out to make up for the mental torment you’ve endured these past three years?

Grace's face shifted from blue to red with anger, and with Jason absent, she decided to stop pretending. “You’re a smart person. Jason's father and I have made our stance very clear: this marriage not only needs to end, but it must end quickly.”

“Jason doesn’t want a divorce.” Evelyn lowered her eyes, avoiding Grace's piercing gaze.

“I will never let Jason invest another cent in Lycheeville!” Grace’s exquisite features were marred by fury. “If you two part on good terms, you could still walk away with a decent settlement. If you continue to be ungrateful, don’t blame me for being rude!”

“I don’t know what to do,” Evelyn confessed, her mind in turmoil. She yearned for freedom from the marriage, yet there was an undeniable reluctance that gnawed at her.

“Didn’t you withdraw the divorce petition you filed with the court recently? Just file it again,” Grace suggested, her voice carrying a hint of impatience.