Evelyn's gaze sharpened.

What had Isabella stolen from her?

She held her breath.

Liam's voice was crazed. "Hit a nerve?"

Isabella refuted in panic. "Nonsense!"

Liam sneered. "You stole her identity as Dr. Nan to latch onto Julian!"

"Do you really think Julian wants you? He wants Dr. Nan!"

"And the Roland family! You stole the title of their savior too!"

"Isabella, are you addicted to stealing?"

Isabella shrieked. "Shut up!"

Liam mocked her. "I have something even juicier. Want to hear it?"

Something more important?

Evelyn clenched her fingers.

Isabella roared. "Liam Lowell! Shut your mouth!"

Liam's tone suddenly shifted. "Isabella, I won't say anymore."

"Just come away with me. Let's elope."

"I'll give you a good life…"

Isabella scoffed. "You didn't even finish college. What can you give me?"

"I'm going to be the lady of the Vance household!"

"Liam, stop dreaming."

Liam threatened her. "Aren't you afraid I'll reveal your secrets?"

Isabella leisurely turned on her voice recorder.

After a burst of static, Liam's voice played.

"Isabella, my dad is dead! I killed him for you!"

Isabella gasped on the recording. "Murder means prison!"

Liam's recorded voice replied. "I framed Evelyn for it! Isabella, I love you…"

The recording cut off abruptly.

Isabella chuckled. "Liam Lowell."

"Dare to reveal my secrets, and I'll give this recording to the police."

"If I go down, you'll fall harder."

Liam sounded terrified. "Isabella! You can't do this!"

Isabella's voice was ice cold. "Your father forced my hand first."

"We both have leverage. It's best if we leave each other alone."

Liam broke down. "Reporters are hounding me day and night!"

"My aunt is trying to destroy me! I'm losing my mind!"

Isabella snapped. "Endure it!"

Liam sobbed. "Isabella, don't you care about me at all?"

"Didn't you love me?"

Isabella laughed scornfully. "Love you?"

"If your father hadn't forced me to tutor you, I would've been sickened by the sight of you!"

"You and your father are nothing but bloodsuckers!"

"Stop pestering me!"

Liam was stunned. "You never loved me?"

Isabella stated coldly. "I only love myself."

"Behave, and we can maintain appearances."

"Threaten me again, and I won't be responsible for my actions."

Liam choked back a sob. "Isabella, don't push me!"

"If the police arrest me, I'm taking you down with me!"

The call ended abruptly.

Evelyn removed her earphones. A cold glint flashed in her eyes.

She picked up her phone and texted Grace. [Arrest him.]

After sending the message, she looked at Alexander.

Alexander gave a slight nod.

Their understanding needed no words.

Julian found the sight irritating.

His uncle and Evelyn were definitely involved!

But Evelyn should have been his!

He clenched his fists, his eyes reddening. "Uncle, with Evelyn staying here…"

"Won't Great-Grandmother misunderstand? Won't your wife be angry?"

Alexander smiled. "She probably doesn't mind. Right, Miss Ross?"

Evelyn raised an eyebrow. "Of course, Mr. Vance."

Their tones were distant, yet held an undertone of intimacy.

Julian's anger burned hotter.

Isabella walked in. "Mr. Vance, the focus shouldn't be on your wife's feelings."

"It should be on Evelyn's scandal. I just saw the news."

"She assaulted reporters and harmed her mother. The video of you taking her away is circulating."

"The entire internet is saying the Vance family is shielding her…"

She handed her phone to Julian.

The screen was filled with comments attacking the Vances.

—No wonder a murderer can live there. They have powerful backing!

—The person who rescued her was pixelated, but it looked like someone from the H family…

—The Vance family, San Francisco's richest?

—Yes, it's them…

…

Isabella spoke softly. "Vance Group stock is already fluctuating."

"If reporters confirm Evelyn is here, the share price will plummet."

"Mr. Vance, you wouldn't harm the corporation for a woman, would you?"

Julian agreed. "Uncle, Grandfather and the shareholders won't let this slide!"

Alexander adjusted his cuff, smiling without a word.

Isabella turned to Evelyn. "Evelyn, you can't return to your apartment."

"Why not come back to the Ashcroft residence with me?"

"The Ashcrofts have already been exposed. Don't drag the Vances down further…"

"Grandmother and Mr. Vance have been so kind to you. You wouldn't want to cause them trouble, would you?"

Julian snorted. "Isabella knows what's important."

"Unlike some murderer who latches onto the Vances and won't let go."

Grandmother Vance said angrily. "I begged my granddaughter-in-law to come!"

"Besides, she is not a murderer! The police haven't convicted her!"

Isabella sighed. "Great-Grandmother, until the suspicion is cleared…"

"She will always carry that reputation…"

Evelyn chuckled. "What a coincidence. It's cleared now."

She turned her phone screen toward Isabella.

On it was a clear image of Liam Lowell being arrested by the police.

Isabella's face instantly turned deathly pale.