Chapter 10: Darn It

The Quirk family's lack of self-preservation was astonishing. Shouldn't wealthy and influential families be shrewd and cunning? Instead, they were naive and easily manipulated by a cocky man. Isabella's thoughts were perceived as an attack by the Quirk family.

I'm particularly disappointed in Alexander. Shouldn't a tycoon like him have been more strategic? He seemed so astute before! He was rendered speechless; he couldn't comprehend how anyone could discern another person's deepest thoughts. Only Isabella, with her unique system, could have done so.

Alexander had always considered Jasper unremarkable, though his sister favored him. While not a loving couple, Jasper hadn't actively harmed his sister—until today's incident. He rarely interfered in his siblings' lives, offering only occasional advice. Little did he know the extent of the hidden troubles.

Isabella, overwhelmed by gossip, felt nauseous and finally put down her utensils. "This is infuriating! I should intervene, though I can't reveal my discovery, I can certainly stir things up. Watch me disrupt this ill-fated relationship."

Alexander watched the "troublemaker," a twitch at the corner of his mouth. I should let her be.

Composing himself, Alexander declared, "Evie, our family's position remains unchanged—we want you to divorce. Refusal will be a disgrace, resulting in severed ties with the Lawson family."

The Quirk family quickly understood Alexander's trap: a test to determine if Jasper truly sought power and influence.

While Alexander trusted Isabella, others remained skeptical; Jasper's original intentions were unverifiable. This could be seen as Alexander assisting Isabella in proving her point. It also spurred Sienna to remain vigilant.

"What are you implying!" Paula exclaimed frantically, looking at David and Selena.

David stated bluntly, "In the Quirk family, Alexander is now the head. His decisions are final."

Jasper's expression shifted dramatically, a mix of embarrassment and anger, as if humiliated. The Quirk family initially dismissed Isabella's assessment, but soon sensed something was amiss. [Remove the promotional sentence about the website]

Only Paula was distraught. She pleaded with Evian, "Listen to your brother! He doesn't consider you family! Your actions are driving us to ruin, leaving no descendants! Have a child, and this wouldn't be necessary!"

Selena's face darkened. Without hesitation, she pulled Evian closer. "Then let your son find another wife. He can have as many children as he wants; he can even bring back the child's mother. What's the problem? Are you so opposed to my daughter's divorce?"

Paula quickly pulled Jasper to her side. As he glared at Alexander, about to speak—

Alexander chuckled coldly. "If your reputation concerns you, rest assured. If you divorce, simply state our family couldn't tolerate an illegitimate child, forcing the divorce. It won't affect you. After all our family's support, surely your family doesn't believe my sister owes you anything, do they?"

The excuse was demolished, leaving Jasper pale.

Wow, a game-changer! The Quirk family has acted! I'm apparently no longer needed.

A slow smile formed on Alexander's lips as he heard Isabella's cheerful voice.

The Quirk family didn't want an innocent child abandoned, but couldn't bear to see their daughter unhappy. One indifferent husband was enough; Evian's condition worsened. Divorce was the best option.

Jasper's eyes hardened. "Evian, given your family's stance, do you feel the same?"

Previously, Evian would always appease Jasper. She should have pleaded with the Quirks, protecting Jasper's dignity and the Lawson family's interests. But this time, shocked by Isabella's revelation, she remained silent.

Jasper's aloof expression faltered briefly.

Paula protested, "No, you can't divorce! Evie can't have children; who else would want her?"

David said coldly, "Plenty of suitors for the eldest Quirk daughter!"

"But she's infertile… others will look down on her. Those who marry her will have ulterior motives."

Selena stated, "She doesn't need to remarry. The Quirk family will care for our daughter. If she wants a child, we'll adopt. Her happiness is all that matters!"

Infertility affects both parties. Perhaps Jasper's genes are incompatible. After divorce, with a better match, she could have children! Isabella offered a new perspective.

The Quirk family began to look forward to the divorce. Even Evian's thoughts were swayed. Could I have children with someone else?

Right, I can help check on Evian! Doctors aren't always accurate.

The Quirk family wondered if it was possible.

Hmm, Evian's health hinders fertility, but it doesn't mean it's impossible.

The Quirks were disappointed; Evian's situation was as the doctor described. Nine years had passed; the doctor only cautiously ruled out possibilities.

Then Isabella gasped.

Damn, no wonder she can't have children! It's Jasper's fault too!

The Quirks were flabbergasted.

Nine years… Jasper came home only a few days each month. How many times were they intimate? If they conceived, he might have been cuckolded.

This was breaking news. The Quirk family stared at Evian.

Evian's face flushed. How did Isabella know? She was naturally shy; how could she voice it? She believed the problem was her own.

The Quirks seethed. How dare Jasper blame Evian when he hadn't even tried!

They deemed confronting him inappropriate and unnecessary.

This marriage must end. Jasper was too much. If Evian remained infatuated, a forced separation would be necessary.

However, Isabella's thoughts strayed. Even if he didn't love Evian, where else could he have gone? The hospital? Was he truly that busy? He's the director…but something doesn't add up…

Unease gripped the Quirks.

Isabella didn't let preconceived notions of Jasper's nobility cloud her judgment. She followed her gut feeling—he's secretly raising a child elsewhere. She could hypothesize, but verification was crucial.

Fck! Darn it!*

The Quirks knew this was serious. They held their breath awaiting Isabella's revelation. Even Evian was lost in thought.

On the eighteenth floor of the upscale apartment next to the hospital, for the past nine years…Jasper and Sienna had been living together as a married couple!