To avoid tipping off their targets, the police decided to continue monitoring her every move while also intercepting ships departing from Alveria.

This was an extremely difficult day for Ethan Ellsworth.

He never expected things to go wrong so quickly.

As he left the police station, the bright sunlight couldn’t pierce the gloom in his heart.

Zoe Ellsworth had been at home for a day and a night, but Herman Hawthorne still hadn’t returned.

When she saw the news that morning about Chloe Marshall’s suspected kidnapping by local thugs, she couldn’t sit still any longer.

After a call with Mrs. Ellsworth, she got out of bed, looked at her messy hair, and headed straight for the bathroom.

She took a shower and put on makeup, her youthful face now radiating an unparalleled charm.

Then, she pulled a sheer outfit from her closet, threw a pink coat over it, dried her hair, and went downstairs.

She was never the type of woman to just sit back and accept her fate.

She had just gotten into her car.

When the DING DING DING of notifications wouldn’t stop, she finally checked her phone. A glance showed a flood of comments on her Weibo, increasing at an incredible rate.

They were all sorts of consoling comments from people expressing their sympathy and pity, some even lighting digital candles for her.

But as she scrolled, Zoe Ellsworth decided to check the latest news. An hour ago, the top headline had suddenly changed: "Photo Evidence: Herman Hawthorne Accompanies Mystery Woman to Prenatal Exam—She’s Three Months Pregnant!"

She clicked on it. It really was him.

’And just like that, before I even had a chance to deal with it, it’s been exposed!’

Zoe Ellsworth leaned back against the seat and kept reading the comments. A small portion of netizens were starting to flame her, saying she deserved it, that she had reaped what she sowed, and that a divorce was inevitable.

She turned off her phone.

Her mind went blank, but a look of grim determination settled on her nineteen-year-old face.

’Bianca Rhodes’s baby was conceived before Herman and I got married. Now that this is a done deal, if I compromise, if I back down, I’d just be giving up my position for nothing.’

’Besides, he already has feelings for that woman.’

Other than the empty shell of a marriage, Zoe knew she held no advantage at all.

Just then, her phone rang.

First Mrs. Ellsworth, then Ethan Ellsworth. 𝙛𝓻𝒆𝒆𝒘𝙚𝓫𝙣𝙤𝒗𝙚𝓵.𝙘𝙤𝙢

"Zoe, is the news true?" Ethan’s voice was as calm and unruffled as ever.

Zoe’s eyes instantly turned red. Only when her own family asked did it cut straight to her heart.

"Brother, that woman is his ex-girlfriend. She got pregnant before we were married. You don’t need to get involved. Just act like you don’t know. Trust your little sister to handle this herself. Trust me!"

Her voice was firm and unwavering.

"How are you going to handle it?"

"I’m going to see my husband now. You focus all your energy on finding my sister-in-law. I’m worried something will happen to her. Brother, no matter the cost, you have to bring her back safely."

Ethan’s heart felt as if it were being crushed by a boulder. "Call me if you need anything. Don’t be so stubborn. I’m here for you."

"Okay." Zoe hung up and collapsed over the steering wheel, finally breaking down into choked sobs.

But she quickly stopped her tears, took out her makeup bag, and touched up her face.

’My vulnerability is for me alone to know.’

’I will defend my marriage with my own two hands. Any woman who tries to interfere, I will rip her out root and stem, piece by piece, leaving no chance for future trouble!’

’Don’t underestimate a woman!’

’First, I’ll let that woman have her moment. Then, I’ll start by dealing with my own husband.’

Zoe Ellsworth turned the key, slammed her foot on the gas, and sped away from her house.

The car stopped at Herman Hawthorne’s office building. She stepped out in three-inch heels, wearing sunglasses.

’I run into Jasmine Walsh everywhere. I can’t tell if she’s doing it on purpose or if it’s intentional.’

"Mrs. Hawthorne, you’re here?"

Zoe Ellsworth snorted. "Were you waiting here for me on purpose?"

Jasmine Walsh chuckled. "Mrs. Hawthorne, a happy occasion certainly lifts the spirits. You seem to be in a good mood."

Zoe retorted bluntly, "Of course I am. How would a little nobody like you understand? Besides, comparing your perpetually sloppy face to mine is like pitting sewage against spring water. So, why don’t you go home and clean yourself up first, hmm?"

Jasmine shot back, "The Boss’s ex-girlfriend is back with his kid, and the whole country knows it. Why are you still putting on a brave face? And show some respect! Who are you calling a nobody?!!!"

"You’re the nobody. I’m talking about you. What are you going to do about it? Bite me?"

Furious, Jasmine started blurting out whatever came to mind. "A woman like you? No man could ever like you! You’re destined for divorce!"

"Even if I get divorced, at least I had him. And you? My husband wouldn’t even want you to carry his shoes. That’s the difference. Go home and work on yourself. Otherwise, one of these days you won’t even know what hit you when you die!"

Having said her piece, Zoe didn’t waste another word.

She entered the elevator. In the small space, her eyes looked a little lost.

When the elevator doors opened, she was rearmed and ready to go.

She pushed open the door to Herman Hawthorne’s office and shut it behind her.

Bianca Rhodes was sitting on the sofa, dressed in maternity clothes and reading a copy of *What to Expect When You’re Expecting*.

Meanwhile, he was at his desk, working.

Seeing her, Herman Hawthorne looked up and asked, "Not going to the boutique today?"

Zoe had a smile on her face, showing no sign that her position was being threatened. She walked over and snuggled up against him. "Honey, the boutique isn’t as important as you are. You haven’t been home for a day and two nights, and I’ve been so lonely and empty. I’m really not used to sleeping without you beside me. Come home tonight—" She gave a charming smile and whispered, "I have a surprise for you."

"Okay."

"Could you send some people to help my brother look into those guys?"

Herman nodded. "I’ve already sent them."

Herman was genuinely surprised that she hadn’t mentioned the three-months-pregnant woman right next to them at all.

"Did you... see the news today?" he finally asked.

Zoe stared at the desk. "Of course I did."

She stood up. "Honey, come with me. I want to show you something."

She forcefully pulled him into the break room, locking the door from the inside.

She leaned against the door and looked at him, her gaze serious. "Honey, am I beautiful?"

Herman nodded.

"And is my family background good?"

Herman nodded again.

"Then don’t say another word."

She opened a laptop and played an incredibly sad song.

And began to dance gracefully.

Herman slowly sat up, watching her dance ballet.

Her movements were so beautiful it was impossible to look away.

Like a black swan.

He never knew she could dance so well.

This was a bold and confident Zoe Ellsworth.

Daring to reveal her beauty before her husband.

Then, the music stopped, and so did her dance.