Sophia Ashcroft’s gaze was sharp.

Outwardly gentle and delicate, she was inwardly resilient and strong-willed.

William Ashcroft knew her temperament well. He quickly explained, "I never considered her my own daughter. Sophia, you know my heart belongs only to the daughters you bore me."

Sophia’s jaw tightened. "Is that true?"

William sighed. "I opposed bringing her and her mother into our home from the start. You know how I feel."

Sophia’s expression softened slightly.

Isabella Ashcroft grew impatient with their conversation. She cut in abruptly, "Mom, Evelyn listens to you. Please talk some sense into her. She’s living at the Vance estate now, and even the housekeepers look down on her…"

Sophia lowered her eyes.

She had always been open-minded.

This applied to both Isabella and Evelyn Ross.

She never interfered in her children’s marriages.

Isabella’s scheming to marry into the Vance family had already disappointed her.

As for Evelyn…

When Sophia learned she was Dr. Nan, she felt immense pride. It was like watching a pearl she had polished finally shine.

Now one daughter had let her down, and the other seemed to be making reckless choices.

Evelyn had always been sensible. This was out of character. Perhaps there was more to the story?

Unable to set her worries aside, Sophia pondered for a moment. She took out her phone and sent Evelyn a message: "Evelyn, I haven’t met your husband since your wedding. Bring him home for dinner tonight."

She set her phone down, her eyes darkening.

She needed to see for herself what kind of man Evelyn had married.

If he was unreliable, she would find a way to annul the marriage. She would help Evelyn start over.

If he was dependable, she would encourage them to live together. A separated couple could not build a lasting future.

…

Evelyn received the message just after lunch with Eleanor Vance.

The morning’s events had left her drained. After the meal, Eleanor refused to rest. She fixed her gaze on Alexander Vance. "Why didn’t you tell everyone today that your wife is lawfully wedded?"

Evelyn looked up, about to speak, but Eleanor pressed on urgently. "Are you still planning to divorce her?"

Alexander was taken aback. "You worry too much, Grandmother."

Eleanor turned to Evelyn. "And you, my dear?"

Evelyn pressed her lips together. Feeling Alexander’s eyes on her, she replied softly, "No."

"Good!"

Eleanor took Alexander’s hand and Evelyn’s, placing them together. Her tone was earnest. "Finding someone you truly love is rare. Finding mutual love is even rarer. Cherish this bond. Never let go easily."

Evelyn instinctively glanced at Alexander.

He was already looking at her.

Their eyes met.

Evelyn caught a flicker of hesitation in his gaze.

He wasn’t fully committed yet.

The realization chilled her. She tried to pull her hand back, but his warm palm held it firmly.

Evelyn looked up at him. His jaw was tight.

She raised an eyebrow in silent question.

Alexander averted his eyes.

Eleanor interrupted their silent exchange. "Tell me honestly, do you love her or not?"

Evelyn’s heart skipped a beat.

Alexander hesitated, caught off guard by the directness.

Disappointment washed over Evelyn.

Had all their recent closeness been one-sided?

She had felt his affection…

She lowered her eyes, about to speak, when Alexander’s deep voice answered, "Yes."

Evelyn froze.

Her heart raced.

Eleanor turned to her. "And you, my dear—"

Evelyn cut in quickly. "Grandmother, it’s time for your nap."

Eleanor smiled knowingly. "Alright, alright. I’ll rest. My dear is shy. I won’t ask anymore."

She leaned on Fiona Vance and walked toward her bedroom, smiling.

Once inside, the elderly woman shed her confused demeanor. She peered through the peephole shrewdly. "Fiona, they’ve both confessed. It’s finally happening, right?"

Fiona remained silent.

Outside, the atmosphere was charged.

Alexander stood tall and impeccable in his suit. He was dazzling wherever he went. His striking looks and composed demeanor made it hard for Evelyn not to be drawn to him.

Avoiding his eyes, she cleared her throat softly. "Were you just saying that to comfort Grandmother?"

His jaw tightened. "I meant it."

Evelyn replied with a faint "Oh," her ears tinged with pink.

Her phone chimed.

Evelyn checked it. It was a message from Sophia. She raised an eyebrow. "Isabella must have complained. Sophia is worried I’ve actually become your mistress. She wants to talk."

Alexander chuckled. "Will you go?"

Evelyn typed a reply as she spoke. "I should check on her. I’m still concerned about her fainting spell yesterday."

"Good." His gaze softened. "I’ll go with you."

Evelyn looked up, surprised. "What?"

"I’ll accompany you," he said, looking down at her with amusement. "Didn’t she ask you to bring your husband to meet her? Or don’t you want to bring me?"

Evelyn was speechless.

It wasn’t that!

She took a half-step back, swallowing hard. She forced herself to sound calm. "Fine. I’ll reply."

Alexander added, "I’ll have gifts prepared. You see her as a mother. I can’t meet my mother-in-law empty-handed."

Mother-in-law…

Evelyn’s cheeks grew warmer. She turned aside to reply to Sophia: "Alright. See you tonight."