Chapter 16 — Post-Divorce Rebound: Claiming My Daughter and Starting Over

We do not need it.

Tran Mac seemed poised to speak further, but in the end, he simply let out a quiet sigh. He tucked the bag away, bowed his head slightly, and turned to climb into his car, driving off into the night. I held little Nuan Nuan close, walking step by weary step back to our small apartment. Once inside, I shut the door, threw the deadbolt, and meticulously checked every window. Then, I sat in the dark with Nuan Nuan cradled in my lap, refusing to switch on the lights.

Indignation, terror, heartache, and burning resentment collided within my chest like a storm, threatening to tear me apart. But slowly, the turmoil began to subside, calcifying into a block of ice—cold, rigid, and unbreakable. Concessions? Retreating? Trying to keep the peace? No more. The Gu family, Chu Bich Hoa, Gu Dinh Tham, Lam Vy Vy—they had devoured five years of my youth, deceived me, and exploited me. And now, they dared to cross my final boundary: Nuan Nuan. If that was how they wanted it, I would leave them absolutely no path of retreat.

I gently laid my sleeping daughter onto her bed and tucked her in with the utmost care. I walked to my desk, opened my laptop, and inserted an old thumb drive. Beyond the documents I had already handed over to Attorney Tham, there was a hidden, encrypted folder. I entered the password and opened it. Inside were several photographs and a collection of audio recordings. The images were slightly blurry, captured years ago on an old phone by pure chance. In them, Gu Dinh Tham was raising a glass at a private club with several high-ranking executives from the Gu Group, seated alongside a government official who had since been investigated for corruption. In the background, stacks of cash and prepared gift boxes were clearly visible.

As for the recordings—they were fragments of Gu Dinh Tham’s drunken admissions, mentioning the illegal shifting of assets and tax evasion. There was even a conversation between him and Lam Vy Vy, where the two of them schemed on how to keep me shackled, ensuring I would continue to willingly serve as the nominal mother to his three children.

In the past, I was timid and weak, hoping only to preserve a facade of tranquility. I had never dreamed of using these weapons. I once believed that simply filing for divorce and taking Nuan Nuan away would be enough to secure my freedom. Today, however, I finally understood: when facing wolves as greedy and shameless as these, every step I retreated was an invitation for them to advance, until they had gnawed me down to the very marrow.

I picked up my phone and dialed Tham Du Minh.

Attorney Tham. I am sorry for calling so late. I want to add more evidence to the case. Furthermore, I once mentioned that I suspected Gu Dinh Tham of irregular practices regarding certain Gu Group projects. Now, I have concrete leads. Also, regarding Chu Bich Hoa’s unlawful detention of Nuan Nuan today—an act that threatened my daughter's safety—I want to pursue legal action against her with the utmost severity. I will not accept any form of mediation or settlement.

In the darkened room, my voice was clear and frigid, devoid of hesitation. On the other end of the line, Tham Du Minh was silent for a long moment. When he finally spoke, his voice was graver than I had ever heard it, sharpened with a rare edge.

Miss Diep, are you certain? Doing this means there is no path left for reconciliation between you and the Gu family. It may even mean...

I am certain.

I cut him off, my gaze fixed on the sliver of the bedroom door, where the small silhouette of Nuan Nuan slept in peace.

Attorney Tham, I have no path left to retreat. For Nuan Nuan’s sake, I fear nothing anymore.

Very well, Tham Du Minh replied in a low tone. Prepare all the materials. We will discuss the details tomorrow. Also...