Evelyn turned around.
She saw Mr. Roland looking utterly devastated.
She frowned slightly.
"Uncle Roland, what did you just call me?"
Mr. Roland snapped back to reality.
He stared blankly at Evelyn, his eyes dazed.
"Nan..."
His sleeve was gently tugged.
Mrs. Roland walked to his side and interrupted him.
"It's nothing. Your Uncle Roland's eyesight is failing. He mistook you for someone else."
"Evelyn, what are you doing here?"
Evelyn replied calmly.
"Mr. Ashcroft was hospitalized. I brought him here."
She glanced upstairs.
"I'm leaving now."
"Alright." Mrs. Roland smiled warmly. "It's dark outside. Head back and rest early."
Evelyn asked, "When are you returning to New York?"
Mrs. Roland smiled.
"No rush. San Francisco's rehabilitation care isn't as good as New York's, but it's sufficient for Chloe."
"Chloe was worried about you before and didn't want to leave. Now that you're fine, but the rehab plan is already set, we won't change it."
Evelyn nodded.
"I'll visit Chloe when I have time."
"Okay."
After Evelyn and Alexander walked away, Mrs. Roland glared at her husband.
"What were you shouting about?"
Mr. Roland said defensively, "What do you mean?"
Mrs. Roland sighed.
"I've looked into the Ashcroft family's situation. Evelyn's position is awkward."
"She and Sophia look similar at first glance, but upon closer inspection, it's just their aura that's alike."
"Mrs. Nan is Sophia's mother. Evelyn shares a similar aura with her."
"You have no evidence. What if it's just a misunderstanding?"
Mr. Roland pouted.
"But we can't just not say anything?"
Mrs. Roland said impatiently, "I'm not telling you not to say anything."
"Isn't the photo being restored? Once it's fixed, take it to Evelyn. It'll be more convincing."
Mr. Roland muttered, "So you just don't believe me."
Mrs. Roland shook her head.
"Every family's child is precious. During childbirth, nurses, nannies, and doctors are all present."
"Even if Sophia came to San Francisco alone, at least the child's father would be by the hospital bed."
"Do you know how difficult it is to mix up babies? This is too unbelievable. It's very likely just a misunderstanding."
Mr. Roland said discontentedly, "Fine, fine, you're right. I'll wait for the photo!"
He took out his phone and tagged Ryan Roland in the group chat.
[How much longer for the photo restoration? Can you hurry it up?]
Ryan replied quickly.
[The photo is severely damaged. The restorer said it will take at least five days.]
For the first time, Mr. Roland felt five days was so long.
"Five days it is then!"
…
Evelyn and Alexander returned to the Vance estate.
The car stopped at Eleanor Vance's courtyard.
When they entered, the old lady was still dozing on the sofa, her head nodding.
The housekeeper, Fiona, stood nearby.
She sighed in relief when she saw them.
"Madam, Mr. Vance and Miss Ross are back! Can you rest easy now and go to sleep?"
Eleanor woke with a start.
She quickly stood up and walked toward them.
Alexander stepped forward to support her.
"Grandmother, take it slow…"
Eleanor bypassed him and grabbed Evelyn's wrist.
"Granddaughter-in-law, you're finally back!"
Alexander fell silent.
Fiona couldn't help but laugh.
"Miss Ross, the madam has been talking about you a hundred times tonight."
"Anyone would think you're her biological granddaughter! Even Mr. Vance takes a back seat when you're around."
Eleanor immediately said, "How can that stinky boy compare to my sweet granddaughter-in-law?"
Alexander raised an eyebrow.
"Grandmother, now that you have a granddaughter-in-law, you've forgotten your grandson."
Eleanor's eyes lit up.
"So you admit she's your wife?"
Alexander was immediately speechless.
Eleanor ignored him and looked at Evelyn.
"Granddaughter-in-law, this stinky boy has fallen for you. What about you? Do you like him?"
Alexander rubbed his nose, his gaze falling on Evelyn.
Evelyn felt his burning stare, her cheeks flushing.
She coughed lightly.
"Grandmother, it's late. Let me light some lavender essential oil for you. You should rest first."
Eleanor didn't want to put her granddaughter-in-law in a difficult position.
She nodded in agreement.
"Alright."
Evelyn helped the old lady into her bedroom.
Only Alexander remained in the living room.
He looked in the direction they had left.
Thinking of Evelyn's evasion earlier, a faint disappointment rose in his heart.
Fiona suddenly spoke.
"Sir, will you be staying here tonight? Or returning to the main residence?"
The Vance estate was very large.
Eleanor needed peace and quiet, so she had a separate courtyard with a three-story villa.
The family doctor and nannies lived here.
After Alexander returned to take over the Vance Group, he had been staying in the master bedroom of the main residence to consolidate his position as head of the family.
Alexander coughed lightly.
"Grandmother's condition is unstable. I'm worried. I'll stay here tonight."
Fiona lowered her head to hide a smile, seeing through him but not saying anything.
"Alright."
Alexander had a bedroom here.
He walked to the door and paused.
Fiona immediately understood.
"Miss Ross's room is next to yours."
Alexander lowered his gaze.
"Fiona, you're being quite talkative tonight."
Fiona continued to smile.
Evelyn coaxed the old lady to sleep and followed Fiona to a temporary room.
The night passed without incident.
The next morning, Eleanor was still asleep.
Evelyn tiptoed in to check on her.
As she approached, Eleanor opened her eyes.
Seeing her, the old lady broke into a delighted smile.
"Granddaughter-in-law, you're back!"
Evelyn was taken aback.
"Back?"
"Yes!" Eleanor grasped her hand.
"You disappeared after marrying that stinky boy. I looked for you for a month. Now you're finally back!"
Evelyn realized the old lady's Alzheimer's was acting up again.
Her memory had returned to the month after she and Alexander had gotten their marriage certificate.
Evelyn's eyes flickered.
She asked softly, "Grandmother, do you remember how Alexander and I got our marriage certificate?"
She hadn't expected an answer.
But Eleanor replied with certainty, "Of course I remember!"