The moon climbed into the night sky, glowing pearly and serene. Kayla stood on the balcony of their new apartment, taking in the view. She gazed out at the quiet night, feeling a wave of emotion wash over her. She married the right man. Tuff would go to war for her.

“Honey, everything’s all set. You can get some rest now,” Tuff said, wiping the sweat from his brow. He wasn’t one to own multiple properties, but he’d bought this hundred-square-meter apartment early in his career because it was close to the office. As his role in the Flying Tiger Sect grew, he spent less time at the office, and the apartment had been sitting empty. Fortunately, the cleaning service had kept it in good shape, or they’d still be up all night.

“Honey, why aren’t you talking to me? Are you still upset?” Tuff asked, wiping the sweat from his forehead, his voice cautious.

“No,” Kayla replied. She shook her head and turned to face him.

“Is this place too small for you? Just wait, I’ll get us a mansion tomorrow,” Tuff said. He couldn’t help but think—this apartment was way beneath what Kayla deserved.

“No, really, it’s good,” Kayla replied, shaking her head once more.

Tuff felt unsettled. His wife was definitely still worried about Joyce’s pregnancy. He let out a helpless sigh. No matter what he did, he couldn’t clear his name—unless Joyce had the baby and they did a paternity test.

“Honey…” Tuff said softly.

“Thank you for everything you’ve done for me,” Kayla said. Then she threw herself into his arms, holding him tight.

“Honey…” Tuff said softly.

“Did you have a fight with your mom?” Kayla asked.

“Yeah. She’s gone way too far. How could she scheme against her own son like that?” Tuff said, his anger flaring up again. Just thinking about it made him furious. If it weren’t for Kayla’s faith in him, he wouldn’t even have a place to cry.

“Let’s have a baby,” Kayla whispered, snuggling up to him.

“I’m not ready for that yet…” Tuff replied. He thought that was not fair. They were still newlyweds—he just wanted to live it up a little longer. If Kayla got pregnant, his perks would take a hit. Just look at Daniel, having to watch his pregnant wife all day and not getting any. That must have been frustrating.

“Besides, you just got your strength back. You need to rest up a bit more,” Tuff said, wrapping his arms around her waist. “Don’t worry about my mom. She’s clueless.”

“You’re just so playful!” Kayla teased, giving him a mock glare.

Tuff chuckled, nibbling on her earlobe. “How about we try a different position tonight?”

“Joyce is still going to stir up drama,” Kayla warned.

“Let her do whatever she wants. I can’t wait for that paternity test,” Tuff said with a smirk.

“But…” Kayla hesitated.

“Tonight, you’ll be on top, okay?” Tuff cut in, his tone playful.

Kayla’s cheeks flushed as she gave him a light punch. “I’m talking about serious matters!”

“Why are we even talking about her? Forget it, let’s get back to our room,” Tuff deliberately used his actions to cut the topic short. He didn’t even want to hear Joyce’s name right now.

The apartment was small, but it was just right for the three of them. Tuff worked his nine-to-five at Project Azureveil, while Kayla stayed home, looking after the child, doing laundry, and cooking. Tuff felt sorry for her and offered to hire a nanny, but she refused.

“I’ve never done laundry or cooked for any guy before. You should be grateful,” Kayla teased.

Ordinary days like these were real happiness.

‘Still… whose kid is Joyce actually pregnant with?’ Kayla wondered, a knot of doubt twisting in her chest.

After a few days without seeing her son and daughter-in-law, Maggie was feeling pretty lonely. She even missed Landen. That kid was sharp as a tack, and his little mouth never stopped—he could talk circles around anyone.

“What’s gotten into you? Why did those two insist on moving out?” Betty snapped, clearly annoyed.

Maggie didn’t dare bring up Joyce, so she just said, “Mom, kids these days want their own space. They don’t like living with their in-laws.”

“Were you like that when you were young?” Betty shot back.

Maggie stiffened on the spot. She let out a sigh and put on a smile. “Of course not. I’m old-fashioned.”

“Fine, let the kids have their fun. But make sure they come back to visit often,” Betty said, tossing an invitation over. “This is the Carter family’s party—bring Kayla along.”

“Mom, does she really have to go?” Maggie hesitated, looking uncomfortable. The Carter family was Diane’s family, and since they were close with the Lamberts, she could bet Joyce would be invited too. If Kayla and Joyce bumped into each other again, things could get ugly.

“Maggie, you’re missing the point here. I know you’re not thrilled about your daughter-in-law, but now that she’s married to Tuff, we need to accept her as family. You should introduce her to our connections and teach her how things work, so she can really support Tuff. Just like I did with you back then,” Betty said.

As she brought up the past, Maggie felt a pang of guilt. “Okay, Mom. I understand.”

Back in her room, Maggie stared at the invitation, feeling stuck between a rock and a hard place. She picked up the phone and called Diane. “Hey Diane, did your brother invite the Lambert family to the party?”

“Yeah, for sure,” Diane answered.

“Do you know if Joyce will be there?” Maggie pressed.

“I’m not sure about that,” Diane replied.

“Can you check for me? If Joyce isn’t going, I’ll bring Kayla,” Maggie said.

“Sure!” Diane agreed.

Anything for Kayla—Diane agreed right away. But when it came to Joyce’s pregnancy, Diane couldn’t help but ask, “Maggie, is that baby really Tuff’s?”

“I really hope not,” Maggie replied with a bitter smile.

But it was clear to Diane now—Joyce really was pregnant with Tuff’s kid.

‘What a headache,’ she thought.

‘The Lamberts are always scheming.’

“Maggie, you really ought to convince Joyce to have an abortion. Otherwise, the Prescott family will never know peace,” Diane advised.

Maggie let out a bitter laugh. “She won’t listen to me now, either.”

“What’s Kayla’s take on all this?” Diane asked.

“She’s already moved out of this house. And today, Mom even scolded me about it,” Maggie said.

Diane was stunned. Just as she thought—no one in this family was easy to mess with.