Evelyn Ross knew little about Sophia Ashcroft's background.

She only vaguely understood that Sophia's family had some influence in New York.

But all these years in San Francisco, Sophia had never contacted her New York relatives.

Her maternal family from New York had never visited her either.

Last time Sophia intervened, the Roland family immediately showed respect.

This time, Evelyn wondered what Sophia said to make Margaret Evans change her attitude so drastically.

She was genuinely curious about what kind of family could raise a woman like Sophia.

Eleanor Vance shook her head. "What is your mother-in-law's background?"

Margaret wore a smug smile. "She didn't specify. But she said she knows several influential families in New York and can introduce connections for Julian. Because of Alexander, our family has always had distant relations with New York. If Julian can break into the New York market, it would surely elevate the Vance Group. Don't you agree, Grandma?"

Evelyn finally understood.

Margaret accepted Isabella because of those New York connections.

Most wealthy families in New York held significant power.

Years ago, the Vance family arranged Alexander's parents' marriage to access those connections.

Unfortunately, that marriage brought no benefits. Instead, it made the Vance family a target for certain New York factions.

If Julian could now open that pathway, his standing in the Vance Group would rise dramatically.

As long as he brought sufficient benefits to the family, he could replace Alexander as the next CEO, even without majority shares.

Ultimately, Margaret accepted Isabella for profit.

Their earlier conversation was merely a transaction between Margaret and Eleanor.

Eleanor wouldn't block Isabella's entry into the family. In return, Margaret gave up the five percent shares.

As Margaret prepared to leave, Eleanor couldn't help advising, "A marriage built on利益 will never be as reliable as one built on genuine affection. You should discuss this with Julian again."

Margaret misinterpreted Eleanor's concern as an attempt to hinder the elder branch's rise. She narrowed her eyes. "Grandma, Alexander married for love. Look how that turned out. They live apart and still have no children. Perhaps you should focus on his personal life. Especially since he keeps this woman around as a mistress... We don't need another scandal."

She shot a contemptuous glance at Evelyn, then left with a cold laugh.

Eleanor looked puzzled. "Living apart? Don't you live here with that rascal, dear granddaughter-in-law? How strange!"

Evelyn gently reassured her. "Grandma, she's talking nonsense. Don't take it to heart."

Eleanor sighed. "But she's right about one thing. You two have been married for two years. Why no good news yet? Is that rascal incapable, dear granddaughter-in-law?"

Evelyn was speechless.

How would she know if Alexander was capable!

She quickly changed the subject. "Grandma, what should we have for dinner tonight?"

"Yes, what should we eat?"

Evelyn thought she had successfully diverted the conversation. But then Eleanor continued, "What foods are good for virility? Scallions?"

"..."

Evelyn wished she could disappear into the floor.

That evening, when Alexander returned home, he found a table laden with ten dishes: scallions with sea cucumber, braised lamb, sautéed pork kidneys, lychee shrimp balls...

At first, Alexander noticed nothing unusual. He washed his hands, changed clothes, and sat down at the table.

Eleanor eagerly served him food with serving chopsticks. "Eat more, you rascal!"

Alexander's bowl quickly piled high with food.

He protested, "Grandma, that's enough. I can't finish all this."

"Of course you can," Eleanor insisted, studying him seriously. "You're too thin. No wonder you're incapable. You need more nourishment."

Alexander was taken aback. "Incapable of what?"

Just as Eleanor was about to explain, Evelyn panicked and interrupted, "Incapable of eating! Yes, eating too much!"

Alexander looked confusedly at his grandmother.

Eleanor played along. "Yes, you need to eat more."

Evelyn breathed a sigh of relief. But then the elderly woman added, "If you don't eat more, how will you give me a great-grandchild?"

Evelyn was speechless.

Alexander glanced over the dishes on the table and suddenly understood.

His cheeks flushed slightly. He coughed lightly and lowered his head to eat in silence.

After dinner, they intended to keep Eleanor company.

But Eleanor pointed toward Alexander's room. "No need to stay with me. You newlyweds should go make a baby!"

"..."

Evelyn couldn't handle this. She said helplessly, "Grandma, Mr. Vance and I..."

"Oh, my chest hurts." Eleanor suddenly frowned and pressed a hand to her heart. She looked at Evelyn. "What were you going to say, dear granddaughter-in-law?"

"..." Evelyn remembered the last time she mentioned divorce. Eleanor had fainted and needed emergency care. She quickly backtracked, "It's nothing."

She glared at Alexander, but the man's lips curved slightly upward. He didn't refute anything.

Eleanor leaned on Fiona's arm. "I'll rest here for a while. You two should go to bed early. Go on, go..."

Under Eleanor's intense gaze, Evelyn awkwardly walked to Alexander's door.

They both turned back to see Eleanor watching them eagerly, clenching her fists. "Go for it! Go for it!"

Then she clutched her chest again. "Oh, I'm not feeling well."

Evelyn wanted to say more, but Alexander took her wrist.

The man looked down and whispered, "Miss Ross, Grandma can't handle any excitement."

"..."

Evelyn had no choice but to follow him inside.

The moment the door closed, the little old lady immediately jumped up from the sofa. She pulled Fiona to the door and pressed her ear against it, listening for any sounds inside.

"Fiona, do you think I'll get my great-grandchild tonight?"

"If they work hard, it's sure to happen!"

Evelyn, watching everything through the peephole, was speechless.

She cleared her throat softly. "I think Isabella's pregnancy has affected Grandma."

Alexander raised an eyebrow, his gaze deep and thoughtful.

He walked over and sat on the sofa.

Whether it was the effect of tonight's dishes or something else, the room felt unusually warm and stuffy.

The usually spacious bedroom now felt somewhat cramped and oppressive.

He loosened his tie, trying to change the subject. "I heard Mrs. Ashcroft came today and saved this marriage?"

"Yes." Evelyn briefly explained the situation. Then she asked, "Should I expose that the child isn't Julian's?"

"No need." Alexander's voice was low and husky. "Do you think the Vance family bloodline can be so easily混淆?"

Evelyn was startled.

Alexander said calmly, "What Margaret values are Mrs. Ashcroft's connections."

He paused, then added, "By the way, I looked into Mrs. Ashcroft's background today. Are you interested?"

Of course she was interested.

Evelyn walked over and sat opposite him. She felt the man's gaze was intense, as if it could devour her.

She also felt a wave of heat rising to her cheeks.

She hurriedly asked, "What did you find out?"

But Alexander didn't answer.

She turned to look and saw the man clenching his fists tightly, fine beads of sweat forming on his forehead.

Evelyn was alarmed and quickly approached him. "What's wrong?"

In the next moment, a large hand pressed against her waist.

The world spun around her as he pinned her beneath him.

His breath was scorching hot, his eyes burning with a suppressed redness.

Evelyn tried to push him away but found herself weak and powerless.

This was...

Her pupils constricted sharply.

Both of them were in an unusual state!

Had the little old lady tampered with something?

Panic surged within her. She struggled to push the man away.

But Alexander seemed to have lost all control. He lowered his head abruptly, swallowing all her words...