That bittersweet struggle was inevitable.

Grace had always tried to be the innocent woman who never demanded her rights from Bryan.

But this time, she couldn't stay silent.

A child would be born-from a cheap woman-and she couldn't bear the thought of that woman replacing her.

Or that her child would become the sole heir of the Hilton family.

"I have to bear Bryan's child. I have to do this. It's my duty..."

She whispered to herself in the midst of pleasure.

Morning came.

As Grace opened her eyes, she heard the sound of running water from the bathroom.

It seemed Bryan was getting ready to leave.

Click.

The bathroom door opened. Grace sat up, clutching the blanket to her chest.

"G-Good morning," Bryan mumbled awkwardly.

Grace could only offer a faint smile.

Last night, she had acted like a shameless woman, taking the lead in their intimacy.

"Where are you going?" she asked.

"Me?"

Grace stared deeply into her husband's eyes.

Bryan sighed heavily before answering.

"I have to see her, Grace."

"Do you realize what you're doing? Even if she's carrying your blood, you have no right to love a cheap woman like that," she said coldly.

Bryan swallowed hard.

But a moment later, Grace continued.

"Do what you want. I won't stop you. I'm not part of this cycle, Bryan. If your family finds out, don't drag me into it," she said.

Bryan gave a faint, bitter smile.

"Trying to protect yourself? You don't want to look guilty, always playing the victim, is that it?"

Grace remained silent.

"I knew it. Last night was just another of your manipulations, wasn't it? You just didn't want that woman to get everything!"

"Shut up! Do you even hear yourself? I will never compete with a whore!" Grace shouted, her voice trembling.

Bryan looked around, worried someone might've heard.

Grace's voice had risen.

"I don't care what you say. I'm going to see Jeni today!"

Grace inhaled deeply, holding back the tears that were already falling.

"You know why I fell in love with Jeni? Because she's not a woman obsessed with wealth and status like you!

You? You'll do anything for money-even sucking up to my family. You're a woman with no principles, Grace!

You want to know what a fake marriage looks like? Watch closely-because I was never truly interested in you."

Grace exhaled sharply.

Bryan's footsteps grew distant, and the tears Grace had been holding back began to fall freely.

"How do I even begin to explain that I love you, Bryan? Everything I've done-it's never been about money.

You're just too blind to see how much I love you..." she whispered through broken sobs.

This afternoon in the park, Grace was fiddling with her phone, contacting Albert, her husband's personal assistant.

"Albert, may I ask you something?"

It didn't take long for the man to respond.

"Yes, Ma'am. Please go ahead."

"Are you with Bryan right now?"

"No, I'm in the study working on something Mr. Bryan assigned to me. Why do you ask, Ma'am?"

"Do you know where that woman's apartment is? I want to meet her."

There was no reply to that message. But not long after, Albert appeared before Grace, meeting her in the park.

"Are you sure you want to see her?"

"Yes..."

Bryan had been extremely busy lately. I didn't want my father-in-law to find out that someone out there was carrying his heir. I won't let that happen.

"I'll find out for you, Ma'am."

"I want to meet that woman tomorrow. Please arrange it. You know I'm busy-I have no time on other days," she said firmly.

Albert nodded.

"Understood, Ma'am."

"Oh, and-do you have time to take me there tomorrow? I don't want anyone else to know about this but you. I don't even trust my own driver."

Again, the man nodded.

"Alright. Thank you."

Albert turned and left, occasionally glancing back at Grace, who sat with her head bowed, wiping away her tears.

The next day, Albert did everything he could to meet Jeni and ask her to come see Grace.

But Bryan had hidden Jeni's whereabouts-even from his own personal assistant.

It was already 1:45 PM, and Albert knew he didn't have much time left. Desperately, he decided to follow Bryan when he was about to visit the woman.

After waiting for a long time at the apartment, and after leaving once, Albert returned and rang Jeni's doorbell again.

Ding dong...

Jeni came out, thinking it was Bryan returning.

"Who are you?"

"I'm Bryan's personal assistant."

"What is it? As far as I know, Bryan doesn't allow anyone to know where I am," she said suspiciously.

"I'm Albert, his assistant. I've been asked to bring you somewhere," he said plainly.

"Why should I trust you?"

Albert pulled out his business card and company ID.

Jeni hesitated, unsure whether to follow him or not.

"Hold on, I want to call Bryan first."

"No! There's no need. I'll be honest with you."

Jeni furrowed her brows, eyeing Albert carefully.

"Grace-Bryan's wife-wants to meet you."

The woman fell silent, clearly shocked.

"Why?"

"I don't know. I just hope... you'll come with me."

Jeni swallowed hard and stammered softly,

"A-a-alright. Please wait a moment."

Although her heart was pounding, Jenny tried to stay strong as she followed Albert.

For some reason, deep down in her heart, she felt that the woman she was about to meet wasn't a bad person. She believed Grace might actually be someone who could listen-someone kind.

When they arrived at a luxurious café in the city, Jenny entered through the front door and immediately saw Grace sitting at the far end of the restaurant.

Albert pointed toward the elegant woman, and Jenny instantly felt a bit insecure-Grace was stunning, with a commanding and graceful presence.

"Grace. Good afternoon. It's nice to meet you," Jenny said.

The woman, whose aura felt expensive and composed, stood up politely to greet her.

"You're quite extraordinary yourself-for being willing to come and meet me.

Please, have a seat," she said.

Jenny sat down slowly, her eyes still fixed on Grace's beautiful face.

"What's the reason you invited me here?" she asked.

"Jenny... I know your relationship with my husband was a mistake.

But carrying the heir to the Domani family-that, I cannot accept.

I don't care what kind of connection you have with Bryan.

But I don't want you to be the one raising that child."

Jenny's expression shifted instantly. It became clear to her that this wasn't the kind, understanding woman she had hoped to meet.

"I thought maybe you'd hate me for being with Bryan-but not my child!

What are you even thinking?

Do you really believe I would get rid of this baby... just for you?!"