Sophia Ashcroft spun around.

"What did you say?"

Isabella Ashcroft clenched her fists.

She rushed forward to interrupt.

"Mom, Evelyn, I—"

"Your matter can wait," Sophia cut her off sharply.

Her gaze remained fixed on Evelyn.

"What did you just say?"

Evelyn's voice was calm.

"Madam, I don't want to lie to you.

You can send Linda Lowell away now.

I am not William Ashcroft's daughter—"

Before she could finish, Sophia's vision darkened.

She collapsed softly.

"Madam!"

Evelyn cried out in alarm.

...

"Mrs. Ashcroft is simply overworked.

She just needs rest."

The family doctor finished his examination.

He delivered his diagnosis.

Evelyn's anxious heart finally settled.

Eleanor Vance patted her arm.

"Look how worried you are!

Your mother is still young.

Her health is perfectly fine."

She then frowned.

"But she is far too thin.

She needs more nourishment."

Evelyn offered a bitter smile but didn't respond.

Isabella's sharp voice cut in.

"Great-grandmother, that is my mother!

Not Evelyn's!"

Eleanor shot her a dismissive look.

"She's my granddaughter-in-law's mother.

You wicked girl!"

Isabella trembled with rage.

She glared venomously at Evelyn.

"Have you no shame?

Going around claiming other people's mothers!"

Evelyn ignored her.

Sophia had fainted.

Isabella showed no concern for her health.

Instead, she argued over a title...

Evelyn turned to the doctor.

"When will the Madam wake up?"

"In about two hours."

Evelyn nodded and looked at Eleanor.

"Grandmother, could the Madam possibly stay—"

"Of course!

My granddaughter-in-law's mother is family.

She can stay as long as she needs!"

Eleanor agreed readily.

Isabella immediately interrupted.

"That won't be necessary.

My father is coming to pick her up.

We won't trouble you further, Great-grandmother."

Evelyn frowned.

"There is medical equipment here.

The doctor is present.

It's safer to wait until she wakes before moving her."

Isabella was adamant.

"She is my mother.

I decide what's best for her!"

Evelyn pressed her lips together.

It was the depths of winter.

A bitter cold wind blew outside.

The walk from the villa to the parking lot was considerable...

She was about to insist when hurried footsteps sounded at the door.

William Ashcroft rushed in.

"How is A-Shu?"

He hurried to the bedside.

Only after confirming Sophia was unharmed did he relax.

He then realized his rudeness.

He turned to thank Eleanor.

"Thank you for looking after A-Shu, Madam..."

Eleanor snorted.

"Granddaughter-in-law, your terrible father is here."

William looked embarrassed.

He knew the old lady still remembered the clothing incident.

He didn't dare say more.

He simply pleaded,

"Madam, the parking lot is quite far.

Might it be possible to have the car brought closer..."

Eleanor valued her peace.

She had specifically designed the estate without a front driveway.

She disliked the noise of vehicles.

Though she disliked William, it concerned Sophia.

The old lady nodded.

"Very well."

William sighed in relief.

He called his driver to bring the car around.

He carefully removed his coat and wrapped it around Sophia.

He gently lifted her into his arms.

The look in his eyes was one of cherishing a priceless treasure.

It was not an act.

Evelyn had always been confident in his feelings for Sophia.

All these years, William had only had eyes for Sophia.

He had refused to accept Linda Lowell back then.

Even when they lived in the Ashcroft home, he never looked at them.

Even his paternal love for Isabella stemmed from his love for Sophia...

Now he was being so considerate.

Evelyn couldn't bring herself to object further.

She silently followed them to the entrance.

Margaret Evans happened to be walking over.

Her previous arrogance was gone.

She looked somewhat nervous.

"What's wrong with your mother, dear?"

Isabella quickly answered.

"It's nothing..."

William, however, didn't stop.

"It's too cold outside.

I need to get A-Shu to the car first."

His discourtesy left Margaret stunned.

Isabella hurriedly smoothed things over.

"Father is just too worried about Mother..."

Margaret pursed her lips.

She took Isabella's hand.

"Isabella, why didn't you tell me sooner about your mother's background?

Very well, I'll have Julian pick you up tomorrow morning.

You can go to City Hall and get your marriage certificate."

She gave an awkward smile.

"The online舆论 isn't favorable right now.

The Vance family cares about its reputation.

A wedding might not be possible immediately.

We can have a ceremony later!"

Isabella was overjoyed.

"Wonderful!

I'll wait for Julian!"

She wanted to say more, but the Ashcroft car horn sounded.

William impatiently called out,

"Isabella, are you coming?

The car is cramped.

Your mother needs space to lie down comfortably."

Isabella responded,

"Coming."

Evelyn stood by the car.

She watched Sophia with concern through the window.

Just before getting in, Isabella suddenly turned back.

Her gaze was sharp.

"Evelyn, my mother despises homewreckers.

If you want to give her one less thing to worry about, leave the Vance family immediately.

Go back to your husband."

Evelyn remained silent.

The Ashcroft car drove away from the Vance estate.

Margaret walked back into the villa.

She smiled at Eleanor.

"Grandmother, Isabella is pregnant with Julian's child.

The marriage will proceed.

For the child's legitimacy, I've arranged for them to get their certificate tomorrow.

You have no objections, I hope?"

Evelyn hesitated.

Should she stop this marriage?

Or pretend she knew nothing?

Isabella was carrying Liam Lowell's child...

In principle, she should tell the truth.

But if the Vance family objected, Sophia would inevitably plead for mercy.

Evelyn couldn't bear to cause her that pain.

As she wavered, Eleanor spoke.

"I've said I don't involve myself in Julian's marital affairs.

But her reputation is damaged.

She may enter the family, but she gets no Shares."

Margaret frowned.

She seemed to struggle with this for a moment before finally nodding.

"Agreed."

Then, she couldn't help adding with a hint of pride,

"Grandmother, do you know the background of Julian's future mother-in-law?"

Evelyn looked up.

She was equally curious.

Sophia had always seemed different.

There was a natural pride in her bearing.

Evelyn also very much wanted to know.

What kind of family did Sophia truly come from?