Grandma Bennett didn’t just insist on being discharged from the hospital. She also declared that she would be moving into the main residence.

The moment she made that request, Elise had a bad feeling.

And sure enough, the second they stepped out of the hospital room, Dylan asked her to move back to the main mansion as well.

At least until Grandma’s surgery was over, they couldn’t afford to let anything seem suspicious.

Elise was extremely reluctant.

Dylan assured her that it was only to put Grandma’s mind at ease. During that time, he would sleep in the study. All they needed to do was maintain the appearance of a normal married couple.

After much deliberation, Elise finally agreed.

She packed only a few changes of clothes and some daily necessities. Everything else remained untouched.

The doctors estimated that Grandma would be strong enough for surgery in about two weeks.

For Grandma’s sake, Elise decided she could endure it.

For half a month...

...

Two days later. The main Bennett Residence.

A black luxury van rolled into the courtyard. The vehicle came to a stop, and the rear door slid open automatically.

Dylan stepped out first and extended a hand to help Grandma get out of the vehicle.

Inside, Elise supported the elderly woman carefully from behind.

"Slowly, Grandma."

Though still somewhat weak, Grandma managed to get out smoothly with the two of them supporting her from either side.

A housekeeper named Cassandra pushed a wheelchair forward. Together, Dylan and Elise helped the elderly woman settle into it.

Once seated, Grandma reached out and clasped one of Dylan’s hands and one of Elise’s.

Tilting her chin up, she looked at them with a teasing smile.

"You two young people don’t find this old woman troublesome, do you?"

Elise immediately shot her a mock reproachful look.

"Grandma, what kind of nonsense is that?"

Her voice softened instinctively.

"We’re family. Taking care of each other is what family does. Besides, I’m happy you came."

Grandma’s smile widened.

"Our Elise always knows exactly what to say."

Then she glanced at Dylan.

"Unlike this one. He walks around all day with that cold face, like somebody owes him money."

Dylan was long accustomed to being scolded by his grandmother.

Without missing a beat, he simply replied, "Elise does have a sweet tongue."

Elise’s lashes trembled slightly. Determined to ignore him, she gripped the wheelchair handles.

"Come on, Grandma. Let’s get you inside."

"Alright."

...

When Dylan had purchased the house as their marital home years ago, Elise had specifically asked him to reserve the sunniest bedroom on the east side of the first floor for Grandma Bennett.

At her age, avoiding stairs would make life much easier.

Everything had already been prepared in advance by Mrs. Lander.

The short drive from the hospital had exhausted Grandma more than she expected.

By the time they reached her room, she was visibly sleepy. Elise helped her onto the bed and tucked the blanket around her carefully.

Grandma Bennett held onto her hand.

"Elise..."

It was clear she wanted to say something, but her body was simply too weak. Before she could finish her sentence, her eyelids drifted closed.

She was asleep.

Elise watched her for a moment before gently slipping her hand free. She adjusted the blanket one final time and quietly left the room.

The door clicked shut behind her. Leaning against the doorframe, Elise closed her eyes and released a weary breath.

Then... The doorbell rang.

She slowly opened her eyes and walked toward the living room.

"Daddy!"

Elise froze. Her gaze snapped toward the front entrance.

Dylan was bending down, lifting Robin into his arms.

Beside him, Quinn had already crouched in front of the shoe cabinet. She calmly pulled out two pairs of house slippers.

First she changed into her own pair. Then she helped Robin into his.

Afterward, she looked up at Dylan with gentle eyes.

"Dylan, don’t worry. I already explained everything to Robin. While Grandma Bennett is here, he won’t say anything he shouldn’t."

Dylan gave a faint nod.

Just as he was about to speak, Robin spotted Elise.

"Pretty Miss!"

Dylan paused and turned around with the boy still in his arms. Elise walked forward and stopped several feet away.

Her face was expressionless.

"Dylan," she said coldly, "what exactly is the meaning of this?"

Before Dylan could answer, Quinn hurriedly spoke up.

"Elise, please don’t be angry."

She looked nervous and apologetic.

"Dylan was worried that Grandma’s health is fragile right now, so he asked me to bring Robin personally and explain the rumors online."

Elise looked at her and let out a mocking laugh.

"Rumors?"

Her eyes were cold.

"You know better than anyone whether those stories are rumors or the truth."

Immediately, Quinn’s eyes reddened. When she spoke again, her voice trembled.

"Elise, I know you’re upset that Dylan and I kept Robin’s situation from you all these years."

She lowered her head.

"But Dylan only did it because your condition back then made it impossible for you to care for Robin properly. He thought I was the most suitable person."

Her voice softened further.

"And I... I only wanted to help shoulder some of your burden."

Elise nearly laughed.

"According to that logic, should I be thanking you?"

Quinn bit her lip and lowered her head, looking every bit like an innocent woman suffering in silence.

Dylan’s expression darkened.

"You don’t need to be so aggressive."

He looked directly at Elise.

"Quinn brought Robin here specifically to explain things to Grandma."

"Explain what?"

Elise shot back immediately. She turned toward Dylan, staring him down.

"Explain that the two of you spent five years living together as a family of three behind my back and behind Grandma’s back?"

"Enough, Elise!" Dylan’s face hardened. "There’s a child present. Watch your tone."

"My tone?" She laughed bitterly. "I am emotionally unstable. If that bothers you so much, I can leave right now."

"You’re being unreasonable."

For a long moment, Elise stared at him, frustrated. And once again, she found herself asking the same question.

Had she been blinded by love all these years? Or had Dylan simply hidden his true self too well? How had she ever fallen in love with a man like this?

The coldness in her chest spread further, freezing what little affection remained.

Her voice became icy.

"Dylan, you use Grandma to emotionally blackmail me into coming back and pretending to be a loving wife..."

She pointed toward Quinn and Robin.

"While at the same time trying to keep enjoying your happy little family of three."

A look of disgust crossed her face.

"Don’t you find yourself revolting?"

Dylan’s expression grew stormy. He set Robin down and turned to Quinn.

"Take care of him."

Quinn sniffled and nodded softly.

Wrapping an arm around the boy, who looked confused and nervous, she held him close.

Dylan strode toward Elise.

Without warning, he grabbed her wrist.

"You’re coming upstairs."

"Let go of me!"

Elise struggled fiercely, trying to wrench free. But she was no match for his strength. Despite her resistance, he dragged her toward the staircase.

...

The master bedroom door on the second floor was shoved open roughly.

Dylan pulled Elise inside. The door slammed shut behind them.

"Let go of me!" Elise yanked at her arm.

"Dylan, let go—!"

Finally, he released her.

The second he did, Elise spun around and headed for the door. But Dylan stepped directly into her path.

"Elise." His voice was low. "Grandma is downstairs. Aren’t you worried she’ll hear us?"

Elise glared at him, angry. A cold laugh escaped her lips.

"You’re brave enough to bring your mistress into the house. Why would you suddenly care whether Grandma hears us?"

"I’ve told you repeatedly," Dylan said through clenched teeth. "Things between Quinn and me are not what you think."

"Then save that explanation for Grandma."

Elise shoved against his chest.

"Move. I’m leaving."

"Not until we finish this conversation."

"There’s nothing left to discuss."

The disgust in her eyes was unmistakable.

"Dylan, if it weren’t for Grandma, do you honestly think I would have come back here with you?"

"Precisely because of Grandma, we need to talk."

His expression remained serious.

"My brother was taken overseas by my uncle shortly after birth. Grandma has spent years worrying about him."

His voice lowered.

"Robin is my brother’s son. Grandma deserves to know the truth. And Robin deserves to be recognized by his family."

"That has nothing to do with me."

Elise’s tone was merciless.

"We’re getting divorced. Whatever happens within the Bennett family is your business."

"Legally, Robin is still our child."

"I never agreed to that!"

Years of resentment finally exploded.

"You want Robin recognized by the Bennett family? Fine. That’s your choice."

Her eyes blazed.

"But I will never be another woman’s substitute mother."

Her voice shook with fury.

"Especially not for a child who has spent five years calling Quinn ’Mom.’"

Dylan stared at her.

"If that’s what’s bothering you, I can talk to Robin. I can explain that you’re actually his mother—"

Slap!

The sharp crack echoed through the room. Dylan’s head snapped to the side from the force of the blow.

For several seconds, silence filled the room.

Slowly, he turned back. His dark eyes locked onto hers.

Elise’s chest rose and fell violently. Her eyes were bloodshot with rage and heartbreak. She glared at him as though she hated everything he stood for.

"Dylan Bennett," she said through gritted teeth.

"You are nothing but a bastard."