Chapter 17 — Post-Divorce Rebound: Claiming My Daughter and Starting Over

If the clues you just mentioned are true, then the nature of this case may be far more serious than a mere property dispute following a divorce. I need to consult with my team and other professional partners to re-evaluate the entire situation. Miss Diep, are you ready for a real battle?

A real battle. I gazed out at the pitch-black night sky beyond the window. In the distance, toward the Co family mansion, the lights were still brilliant—opulent and seemingly eternal. Where I stood, there was only a small nightlight, kept on for the sake of my daughter. But that was enough.

I am ready, I murmured. My voice was soft, yet unshakeably firm. After hanging up, I began to organize all the data stored on the USB drive: photos, audio recordings, and every detail of time, place, and character that I could recall. I tried to make my notes as meticulous as possible. I knew that what I was about to release was perhaps more than just a stone; it was a bomb, potent enough to trigger an earthquake beneath the magnificent, seemingly impenetrable fortress of the Co family. That bomb might end up harming me as well, but what did that matter? When there was no path of retreat left, other than to pick up my weapons and strike back with all my might, I had no other choice. That night, the light in my room burned until the early hours.

On the other side of the city, in the study of the Co mansion, the atmosphere was no less oppressive. Co Dinh Tham irritably loosened his tie and flung a stack of documents onto the mahogany desk. Mother, look at what you have done! Who gave you permission to touch that child? And to stage this ridiculous fire safety inspection—are you afraid that people do not already have enough leverage against us?

Chu Bich Hoa sat opposite him, her expression unsightly, yet she stubbornly attempted to justify herself. I only wanted to frighten her, to make her realize she should back off. Who would have thought she would be so stubborn, or that she would find such a formidable lawyer? That girl is detestable. What if I pinched her a few times? She didn't lose a piece of flesh!

Mother! Co Dinh Tham felt the veins in his forehead pulsing with rage. Diep Thanh Uyen is clinging to this matter without letting go. She wants to sue you for unlawful detention and child abuse. Tham Du Minh has already officially sent the legal notices. Do you have any idea how much trouble this is going to cause?

She dares to sue me? Chu Bich Hoa immediately raised her voice. I am her mother-in-law! What is wrong with an elder disciplining a child who does not understand the situation? Furthermore, nothing even happened. Hasn't Tran Mac already brought the child back? Where would she even find evidence?

Evidence? Co Dinh Tham rubbed the bridge of his nose, feeling utterly powerless. The kindergarten teacher, the surveillance cameras in the residential area, and even Tran Mac—they are all evidence.

It was the first time he had realized that his mother, usually regarded as intelligent and formidable, could occasionally be so shortsighted and foolish.

Then... what are we supposed to do now? Only then did Chu Bich Hoa truly begin to panic. Dinh Tham, I did all of this for you, for the sake of the Co family. That Diep Thanh Uyen is a plague, and so is that parasitic child...

Enough! Co Dinh Tham coldly interrupted, a flicker of darkness passing through his eyes. He realized that Diep Thanh Uyen had changed; she had become difficult to handle and was no longer under his control. Especially the fact that she had truly sought out someone like Tham Du Minh, coupled with the desperate, all-or-nothing tone of her threat on the phone today—all of it made it impossible for him to take her lightly any longer.

Where is Vy Vy? he suddenly asked.

She is upstairs, coaxing Tu Hien and the children to sleep. All three of them were terrified today, especially Tu Thuy, who has been crying incessantly. As she mentioned the three grandchildren, Chu Bich Hoa’s expression softened slightly. In my opinion, Vy Vy is still the best.