Yasmin was at a loss for words. It seemed they were being urged to have children as soon as they arrived. Instinctively, she glanced at Caleb. They were about to get a lecture. What did they need children for? Caleb nodded, but looked away as though he didn’t receive Yasmin’s silent plea for help.

“We don’t have plans for that right now,” Yasmin said, her awkward smile fading.

Grace looked slightly disappointed. “Yasmin, you know my health isn’t good. I’m afraid that one day, I’ll close my eyes and never open them again. I’m just so scared I won’t have the chance to see your and Caleb’s child!”

“Grandma, please don’t say that. You’ll live to be a hundred years old!”

Yasmin wanted to say that Grace might not have a chance to see the child she longed for, even if she were with Caleb. However, she might get a better chance if it were another couple.

Grace held Yasmin’s hand, her eyes pleading. “Yasmin, my birthday wish this year is to hold my great-grandchild. Can’t you take pity on me?”

Yasmin didn’t know how to respond.

“Alright, stop the act,” Caleb, who had been silently observing, finally interjected. “Yasmin is still young. She’s not having children.”

Grace’s pitiful look vanished instantly, replaced by a glare at Caleb. “Old!” It was unclear whether she was scolding him for the first or second half of his comment.

She leaned close to Yasmin, pointed at Caleb, and whispered, “Tell the truth. Has he been too busy with work and doesn’t have time to come home more often to be with you?”

Yasmin gasped in surprise, her eyes widening. More time? Caleb had already been diligent. He could easily make one night feel like two; he didn't even need to wait for nighttime. He didn't lack free time.

A fleeting amusement flashed in Caleb’s eyes. His usual subtle, formal smile was now harder to read, unexpectedly more human. For some reason, Yasmin couldn’t shake the feeling that Caleb was feeling smug. She quickly looked away, her ears burning.

Yasmin tried to find an excuse. “I’m still studying. It’s not the right time to have children.”

Grace muttered disapprovingly. “Three years of marriage and still no children? People will start whispering that something’s wrong with your health.” Caleb was the future heir of the Grant family, and the lack of children would only fuel criticism.

In truth, Yasmin was completely in love with Caleb during their first two years of marriage. She had even thought they might have a baby if they were lucky. Who could have known that they would rarely meet during those two years? Afterward, he always made sure precautions were taken when they were intimate. It was as though he was terrified she might get pregnant. Later, Yasmin finally understood that Caleb didn’t love her; he didn’t want a child with her.

Caleb responded indifferently, “Just tell them I’m sick, so I can’t have kids.”

Yasmin was speechless. Grace was ready to strike him with her cane. Before she could, someone called for Caleb. Benjamin wanted to see him.

Grace held Yasmin’s hand. “Go away, Caleb. Yasmin, stay here with me. Be a good girl and keep an eye on him when you get home. He’s impossible!”

Before Caleb left, he glanced at Yasmin, but she was focused on Grace and didn’t notice.

Sasha Grant laughed. “How could Yasmin control Caleb? Look, she’s not even wearing her wedding ring. I’m starting to think those divorce rumors might be true.” Sasha had come to win Grace’s favor, but Yasmin’s arrival overshadowed her grandson. Everyone’s attention shifted to Yasmin’s bare hands. Grace’s expression darkened.

“Is there something wrong with your relationship with Caleb?” Grace asked, her grip tightening.

“The ring was too eye-catching, I took it off the other day at work, and I must’ve forgotten to put it back on,” Yasmin explained, casually waving her wrist. She deftly avoided the question, changing the subject. “But I’m still wearing the bracelet Caleb gave me. Don’t overthink it.”

“Good girl. If Caleb is giving you trouble, just tell me. I’ll take care of you!”

Yasmin felt a pang of guilt as she nodded. Grace’s kindness only increased her guilt.

Yasmin stepped outside. She overheard voices whispering.

“Hasn’t our family already given her a great-grandson? Why does she act like only Caleb’s child matters?”

“Caleb and Yasmin? They’re a poor match. He’s distant, and she’s a show. Yet the Grant Seniors treat them like royalty.”

“Caleb might not be where he is today if he hadn’t been raised by Benjamin…”

They were surprised to hear Yasmin’s voice.

Chapter 3

Vanessa looked flustered. “When did you get here?”

Yasmin smiled. “Right when you were talking about how Mr. and Mrs. Grant Senior favor Caleb and me.”

Vanessa and Sasha exchanged an awkward glance.

“How many people in the Grant family, including yours, have benefited from Caleb’s hard work and dedication? If you don’t appreciate what he’s done or resent his position, who do you think could do better? Who dares to say they could do better?”

Yasmin might be divorcing Caleb, but that didn’t mean she’d sit idly by while they spoke ill of him.

Sasha, who disliked Yasmin, laughed condescendingly. “You’re defending Caleb so fiercely, but does he even care about you? After all these years, you’re still chasing after him shamelessly.”