Mandy felt extremely wronged. "I didn’t originally plan to become friends with her. That day at the party, we chatted, and I felt her experiences were similar to mine. Slowly, we became familiar with each other." Alex, slightly reproachful, said, "She approached you because she needed something from you. As Mom said, you’re easy to use." Mandy’s tears flowed even more. "It’s all my fault." "I’m not blaming you. Stop crying. If our children see this, they’ll think something serious has happened." Alex hugged her tighter and said in a low voice, "Vincent already has a bride, but we still need to think about Bryden and Janet’s marriages. They’ve been spoiled too much by us. Their personalities and abilities aren’t as strong as Vincent’s. It worries me." Mandy was immediately unhappy. "Alex, Bryden and Janet are your biological children. Vincent is just an adopted son. Why do you favor him over your own children?" "What are you talking about?" Alex was also getting angry. "I’ve been Vincent’s father since he was five. I’ve known him longer than I’ve known you. Our bond is very deep!" "So, if you had to choose between me and Vincent, you’d choose Vincent, wouldn’t you? Alex, we’ve been married for 24 years. I’ve given so much to this family and borne you two children, and now I’m less important than an outsider!" Alex’s face darkened. "Who are you calling an outsider?" Mandy pursed her lips, tears streaming down. "You know who! Alex, I ask you, when you retire, are you planning to give all your assets to Vincent?" "You’re talking nonsense!" "I’m not. I’m standing up for my children! Bryden and Janet both carry the Norman name. What about Vincent? His official records only have Vincent; he doesn’t even want to write Norman. He doesn’t acknowledge he’s your son!" "Enough!" Alex’s patience had reached its limit. The veins on his neck were bulging with anger. "Vincent can use whatever name he wants. That’s his right! I raised him, and as long as he calls me Dad, he’ll always be my son!" "And what about me? Am I still your wife?" Mandy cried. "When you die, whose name will appear in your will? Me or him?" Alex turned away in fury. "You’re being ridiculous." In the empty bamboo grove, Mandy cried.She couldn’t understand why a man wouldn’t love his own children but would love an outsider instead. Was it because Bryden wasn’t as good as Vincent? But Bryden was his biological son! However, since things were like this, she had to make some preparations for her children. Now that Emily had won Meggie’s favor and was in love with Vincent, and Alex had approved their marriage, there was a chance that the Norman family’s assets would all go to Vincent and Emily. She needed to think carefully about how to reclaim what was rightfully hers! With this thought, Mandy wiped her tears and hurried back to her room. She locked the door and called Grace. Grace was at home, feeling helpless after being scolded by Logan, and eagerly waiting for Mandy’s call. She answered on the first ring, "Mrs. Norman, I’ve been waiting for your call…" Mandy was in no mood for pleasantries. "Grace, I considered you a friend, and you took me for a fool?" Grace was startled by Mandy’s harsh tone. "I don’t understand what you mean…" "Is your daughter still entangled with Nathan?" Grace’s heart sank. She had anticipated this exposure and had prepared for it, so she explained, "There’s a misunderstanding. I explained before, Nathan forced Sophia to be with him, and Sophia had no choice." Mandy sighed, "I can believe you, but Meggie won’t. Today she criticized me for being so close to you and Sophia. I didn’t even know how to explain!" Grace quickly apologized, "I’m really sorry. This is all my fault. But as a mother, I truly feel sorry for Sophia. Nathan couldn’t have Sophia, so he decided to ruin her. He spread rumors, even claiming Sophia had his child! Sophia is a young girl; people online have been cruel to her. She almost committed suicide!" "I won’t easily believe you anymore, Grace. I just want to know one thing. If Sophia has no relationship with Vincent, why was she wearing that white dress? Vincent sent that dress to your house, presumably for Emily. So why did Sophia wear it? Do you think I’m that easily fooled?" Mandy was now much clearer. Grace had told many lies, and she was starting to see through Grace.That dress was meant for Emily. Emily wasn’t stupid; she wouldn’t give the dress to Sophia. Grace must have found a way to take the dress from Emily! Grace wanted Mandy to think there was something between Sophia and Vincent! The more Mandy thought about it, the angrier she got. "Our relationship ends here. Don’t contact me again." "Hey? Hello? Hello?" Mandy had already hung up. Grace frowned and threw her phone onto the sofa. Logan asked, "What did Mandy say? Did Emily mention anything to Alex or Meggie?" Logan was only concerned about his reputation. Grace replied, "She didn’t say anything." "Good, as long as she didn’t say anything. I am her father, and even if I am strict with her, she wouldn’t ruin my reputation," Logan said with satisfaction. "Emily is a good child." Grace rolled her eyes inwardly countless times. Logan continued, "Emily is no longer who she used to be. She’s the future Mrs. Norman. From now on, both you and Sophia must treat her with respect. She can bring benefits to our family, which is good for both of you."