Chapter 28 — Post-Divorce Rebound: Claiming My Daughter and Starting Over

Her mood tends to plummet during certain times. She often isolates herself in her room for hours on end. And there is more. Whenever the birthday of Dinh Tham approaches, or following any significant business milestone for the conglomerate, she becomes visibly on edge. She obsessively opens that box to check its contents, over and over again.

I struggled to recall every minute detail. That is right. About two years ago, when Dinh Tham was abroad on a business trip, she received a phone call that lasted quite a while. Afterward, she was incredibly unsettled, locking herself in her room for the entire day. When she finally emerged, her eyes were swollen and red. That evening, as I walked past her door, I could vaguely hear the sound of paper being shuffled, and... was it sobbing? At the time, I did not pay much attention to it, but looking back now, it was truly strange. The end of October...

Tinh quickly typed notes onto her tablet. Dinh Tham was born in May. The anniversary of the corporation is in March. So, what could October possibly signify?

Minh fell into deep thought. If Vy Vy’s identity is a fabrication, then perhaps October is her actual date of birth, or perhaps it is a date of profound personal significance to her. And what about that phone call? The weeping? I continued, Normally, within the household, she is always gentle and refined. She has almost never lost her composure. That was the only time I felt her true emotions had completely collapsed.

Tinh nodded, her fingers gliding rapidly across the screen. These insights are highly valuable. We will use these timelines to cross-reference her social network and her financial flow. Furthermore, Ms. Diep, if the opportunity arises, we will need you to attempt to get closer to Vy Vy.

Get closer to her? I was startled.

Correct, but not right now, Minh explained. Currently, Dinh Tham is keeping a very close watch on you. Vy Vy is undoubtedly hiding many things from him as well. If you try to approach her now, you will surely alert them. We must wait for the right moment—for instance, when the rift between Dinh Tham and Vy Vy grows wide enough to be irreparable.

He looked at me, his gaze inquisitive. This task will be extremely dangerous, but it is also the best opportunity to secure direct evidence and dismantle their entire defensive line. Of course, whether you choose to participate and how you choose to do so is entirely up to you. Your safety remains our highest priority.

I looked into Minh’s steady eyes, then shifted my gaze to Tinh. Her expression was sharp, professional. I understood. I had already boarded a ship with no way back. Either I would weather the storm and reach the shore, or the ship would shatter, and I would be dragged down into the abyss forever. For the sake of Noan, and for the sake of the person I have been these past five years—deceived and trampled—I had no room to retreat.

I agree, I said clearly and decisively. Lawyer Minh, Ms. Tinh, please make the arrangements. Whatever you need me to do, I will cooperate. But there is one condition: regardless of the plan, Noan must never be placed in any danger.

Of course, Minh nodded solemnly. I give you my word.

Tinh gave a slight nod as well. We will construct a watertight plan to ensure the safety of both you and your daughter.

By the time I left the teahouse, it was already noon. The sunlight was blindingly bright. I squinted, watching the bustling crowds on the street. A sense of unreality welled up within me. In just one brief morning, the world I thought I knew had once again been completely upended. The deceit and calculations of Dinh Tham, the bitterness and cruelty of Bich Hoa—now, everything felt different.