The Aunt

Isabella finished speaking and immediately dialed the number.

A smug smile curled her lips, as if victory was already assured.

This number wasn't the one everyone knew for Evelyn Ross.

Evelyn had multiple numbers. One for daily use, known to all.

The others corresponded to different identities.

One exclusively for Dr. Nan, another for Researcher Nora, and several more whose purposes even she sometimes forgot. So she simply kept them all powered off.

Anything urgent could be sent via email. Her peace was not to be disturbed.

The moment Isabella's call connected, a cold automated voice responded: "The number you have dialed is currently switched off…"

Evelyn's eyebrow quirked slightly.

Isabella put her phone down but pressed on relentlessly. "Evelyn, what are you so smug about? I've done my homework. My aunt dislikes being disturbed, hence the switched-off phone, right? But since she's attending Great-grandmother's birthday gala, that means Uncle is preparing to publicly acknowledge her! Let's see how you handle things then!"

Evelyn shrugged. "No need for your concern."

Seeing her remain unfazed, Isabella suddenly laughed. "You don't actually believe Uncle is deeply devoted to you, do you? Evelyn, care to guess who that call was from, the one that just pulled Uncle away?!"

Evelyn paused slightly.

Isabella raised her voice. "From what I know, my aunt has poor health. She's been living in a sanatorium abroad and hasn't left it since returning. Uncle has visited her several times. Their bond is profound. He defied all opposition to marry her back then. Him being with you today is just an act! One call from my aunt, and he immediately abandons you!"

Evelyn's fingers tightened.

She suddenly remembered the night after her release from jail, in the hospital, when Alexander was called away and didn't return all night. Then last night, he couldn't accompany her to the Ashcroft residence after receiving a call…

And again, just now…

No one's career, no matter how demanding, should involve such frequent emergencies.

Unless…

The emergency was always the same matter. Or the same person!

Was he in some kind of trouble?

Evelyn's brow furrowed slightly, a thread of worry weaving through her.

But her expression was misinterpreted by those watching.

Isabella laughed triumphantly. "Speechless, are you?"

She turned to the others, her eyes reddening slightly. "I know everyone might think I'm being too aggressive today. But I just don't want my aunt to repeat my mother's mistake, to have her life invaded by a third party. Evelyn was the biggest crack between my parents. They spent a lifetime trying to mend it. Evelyn, I hope you stop this mistake. Live properly with your husband. Don't let your future child become a scar between Uncle and my aunt!"

This emotional appeal made it impossible for anyone at the table to criticize her further.

Yes, Isabella was a victim herself. Her targeting of Evelyn seemed understandable.

Even Jason Lawrence opened his mouth, unsure how to defend Dr. Nan, finally mumbling, "I believe Dr. Nan isn't that kind of person."

Julian Evans scoffed. "Actions speak louder than words! If you don't believe Isabella, I can have invitations sent to you all! See for yourselves who the aunt really is!"

Isabella and Julian's confident assertions forced everyone to believe.

Evelyn couldn't exactly produce her marriage certificate on the spot to prove her innocence. She simply lowered her gaze and said calmly, "Then we'll wait and see."

She had long understood that some truths, when spoken, aren't necessarily believed.

The birthday gathering ended on a sour note.

Classmates departed one after another. Professor Lowell looked at Evelyn with concern. "Evelyn, is it true? You and Mr. Vance?"

Evelyn sighed softly. "Professor, it's true."

Professor Lowell still looked worried. "Evelyn, you're young. Your future is bright. Don't be led astray by Mr. Vance's handsome face."

"…"

Evelyn's mouth twitched. If Alexander knew he was being compared to a seductive temptress, he'd probably be furious.

After seeing Professor Lowell off, Evelyn turned to find Jason standing not far away, hesitating, his face full of concern. "Dr. Nan…"

Evelyn spoke. "Just call me Evelyn. We're classmates. No need for formality."

Jason coughed awkwardly. "Well, Evelyn, if you need help, or if there are… extenuating circumstances, you can tell me. I'll help clarify things among the classmates…"

Evelyn rubbed her temple.

She understood Jason's meaning. He was always responsible among classmates, excelling which was why James Klein selected him for her company. He also didn't believe she and Alexander were married, worried she'd be maligned and wanting to help explain…

Evelyn sighed softly. "Julian gave you an invitation too, right? See you at the gala."

Jason still looked worried. "Are you sure?"

"Sure."

"…Alright."

Jason left, half-convinced, half-doubting.

Then, Evelyn's phone rang. Answering, she heard James Klein's voice. "Boss, about your classmate, Sophia Watson. I was about to act, but found someone beat me to it. She's been fired. She won't find work in San Francisco again."

A sharp glint flashed in Evelyn's eyes.

She was never one to turn the other cheek. Sophia had repeatedly humiliated her at the gathering today. Letting it slide wasn't an option.

This was just a minor lesson.

Evelyn asked, "Can you find out who did it?"

"Two parties. One is the Vance family, likely Alexander's doing. The other is a overseas Chinese named Anthony Castillo. A well-known real estate tycoon abroad, making quite a splash on his return to the country. But why would he help you?"

Evelyn: "…Who knows."

Hanging up, she noticed a new message on WhatsApp from Anthony Castillo: 【Miss Evelyn, I like you very much. Can you give me your life?】

Evelyn: ???

A murderous intent suddenly flashed in her eyes.

Who exactly was this Anthony Castillo? Helping her one moment, then sending threatening messages demanding her life the next?!

…

Meanwhile, in a luxury car, Anthony Castillo smiled delightedly at the umbrella in his hands, telling his assistant, "This umbrella marks the beginning of our connection. Asking her for it as a memento isn't too much, is it?"

Assistant: "…Not too much. But boss, are you sure you didn't make a mistake typing the message?"

"Of course," Anthony said with full confidence. "I might not know Pinyin, but I've studied Chinese characters. I used handwriting input. Absolutely no problem!"

"…"

The assistant was skeptical of his boss's confidence.

But text messages were private for people like them. He couldn't exactly check his boss's phone.

Anthony carefully set the umbrella aside and addressed his assistant. "Get me an invitation to the Vance matriarch's birthday gala."

He had left the private room, but what happened inside wasn't hidden from him.

Miss Evelyn and Alexander Vance didn't seem to be a real couple.

If Alexander showed up with his wife at the gala, he, Anthony, would be there to support Miss Evelyn!

Beep

His phone chimed. Anthony's eyes lit up. "See! Miss Evelyn replied!"