"Enough! A love child has turned this house upside down! Father-in-law, Mother-in-law, you really should reflect on this! I used to wonder why Isabella had changed. Now I understand. It's all because you favored her!"

Julian's status was noble. William Ashcroft didn't dare refute him.

Sophia wanted to defend herself, but seeing Isabella's aggrieved expression, she swallowed her words. She began to wonder: Had she really wronged Isabella?

Sophia looked dazed.

Julian pointed at Evelyn.

"And you! Do you think you're caring for Mother-in-law? What right do you have to care for her? Every word of your concern drives a wedge between them!"

His tone grew colder.

"A love child should stay in the shadows. Stop jumping out to disgust people!"

The words ostensibly criticized Evelyn, but seemed to secretly target someone else.

Evelyn clenched her fists.

Sophia immediately scolded him.

"Julian, watch your tone!"

She never bowed to anyone because of their status.

William hurriedly pulled at her. Sophia shook him off, frowning at Julian and Isabella.

"Evelyn didn't choose her birth. It's unfair of you to say that!"

Isabella cried out.

"Then is it fair for you to let her take my mother's love away from me?"

Julian sneered.

"Mother-in-law, get this straight. Isabella is your daughter! Evelyn is your enemy!"

Sophia was about to argue further when Evelyn gently stopped her.

"Madam, don't say anymore."

Sophia was taken aback.

Evelyn stood up, looking around, forcing a light tone.

"Madam, I just came to see you today. Since you're fine, I'll be going now."

Sophia pressed her lips together, finally saying helplessly.

"I'll see you out."

"Alright."

Sophia walked her to the door, watching Evelyn get into the car, and asked softly.

"Will you come again?"

"No."

Evelyn's answer made Sophia's heart sink. Then she heard her add with a smile,

"But we can meet outside. You haven't met my husband, right? I'll formally introduce him to you next time."

Sophia's lips curved upward.

"Alright."

The Vance family Bentley left the Ashcroft residence.

After it turned the corner and disappeared, Sophia suddenly turned and pressed a strand of hair into Nancy Ashcroft's hand.

"Go to an agency for a paternity test. Find out if Evelyn is really William's child."

Nancy was stunned.

"You mean...?"

Sophia lowered her eyes, silent.

Nancy understood, carefully storing the hair.

Sophia returned to the dining room. Isabella, Julian, and William were chatting and laughing. It was as if with Evelyn gone, the family had returned to harmony.

But for some reason, Sophia felt something was missing.

She didn't mention Evelyn again.

The family of four finished their meal and sat in the living room chatting for a while. When Isabella and Julian said their goodbyes, it was already eight in the evening.

Sophia and William saw them to the courtyard gate. Just as they stepped out, the nanny came running over in a panic.

"Madam, Miss Evelyn's husband is here!"

Sophia Ashcroft froze for a moment.

She realized that if Evelyn Ross hadn't left, his timing would have been perfect.

William Ashcroft frowned. "So he's here. Why the panic?"

The nanny gave an awkward smile. "I was just a bit startled."

Isabella Ashcroft sneered. "You're too easily frightened. What could her husband possibly look like? Dad, Mom, let's go see."

She linked arms with Julian Evans and followed William and Sophia to the entrance.

At the door, they all frowned at the sight before them.

A tall, well-built man stood there.

He wore work overalls, splattered with mud from head to toe.

Though his face was clean, revealing sharp, deep-set features, his hair was disheveled. He looked like he'd just come from a construction site.

Seeing them, his eyes lit up. "Excuse me, is this Evelyn Ross's home?"

Anthony Castillo was an overseas Chinese who had recently returned to participate in real estate projects.

He wasn't well-versed in local customs, and he didn't understand why the nanny had run off when he mentioned returning an umbrella to Evelyn.

His Mandarin was awkward, with a heavy accent.

Isabella frowned. "What kind of dialect is that? The accent is so thick."

Julian looked disdainful.

The man was handsome, with strong brows and eyes that held an exotic charm, but those work clothes...

So this was the boy toy Evelyn had found.

No wonder she was clinging to Alexander Vance.

This man's looks were on par with Alexander's, but his background was worlds apart!

Sophia spoke up. "Yes, are you here to pick up Evelyn? She's already left."

"Left?"

Anthony was taken aback. "She's not here anymore? My apologies. I'll come another day."

He nodded and turned to leave when Isabella suddenly called out. "Wait."

Anthony turned back, puzzled.

Isabella approached him. "Hello, I'm Evelyn's half-sister. Let's exchange WhatsApp? It'll be easier to stay in touch since we're family."

Anthony nodded. "Sure, I have WhatsApp!"

He'd set up the app when he returned but had few contacts.

He readily took out his phone, scanned Isabella's code, and added her. In his broken Mandarin, he said, "Feel free to message anytime."

"Okay."

After exchanging contacts, Anthony nodded to Sophia and William, then walked away regretfully, holding the small blue umbrella.

William snorted. "And I thought she'd married someone impressive. Now she's too good for criticism? She used to be so obedient. And this is what she ends up with?"

Sophia looked at him. "William, don't judge a book by its cover. Evelyn and her husband are both young. They have promising futures!"

William muttered under his breath. "A construction worker? What future does he have?"

Sophia was about to reply when Isabella laughed. "Dad, don't say that. Maybe Evelyn will fund him, and he'll become a contractor. We could hire him for home renovations."

Sophia frowned. "Isabella, watch your words."

Isabella pouted.

With the family drama over, Isabella and Julian left in their sports car.

On the road, Julian couldn't help asking. "Why add him? What possible connection could we have with such lowlife?"

Isabella was typing on her phone. She looked up and smiled. "Tomorrow is Professor Lowell's birthday. Aren't you hosting a party? You invited many classmates and said they could bring partners. Evelyn will definitely be there. We should notify her husband to join."

She showed him her phone.

She had sent Anthony a message: [There's a class gathering tomorrow. You should come too!]

Anthony replied: [Is Evelyn going?]

Isabella: [Of course. Would I invite you if she weren't?]

Anthony: [Okay, I'll be there. Smiley.jpg]

Isabella sent him the hotel address: [See you tomorrow.]

Julian understood instantly and smirked.

So what if Evelyn was Dr. Nan? Her company wasn't public yet, with annual profits barely reaching ten million.

In this city, a decent house costs two or three million. What could her meager earnings accomplish?

And she married such a husband...

Julian grew eager for tomorrow's birthday party.

...

At the Ashcroft residence.

After everyone left, Sophia wandered upstairs in a daze.

William glanced outside and asked, puzzled. "Where's Nancy?"

Sophia paused, then lied inexplicably. "I sent her out to buy something for me."

William assumed it was a personal feminine item and didn't press further. "Alright. I'll be in the study working."

"Okay. I'll be fine."

Sophia watched William enter the study before returning to the bedroom.

She sat quietly on the sofa, staring ahead.

Due to her health, she'd neglected Isabella's upbringing, allowing her to become who she was now.

It was her fault...

There was movement outside. Nancy had returned.

She warmed herself up before entering Sophia's room to avoid bringing in chill air that might trigger Sophia's cough.

Sophia immediately stood up. "What were the DNA test results?"