Evelyn ignored Isabella and walked straight toward Sophia Watson.

She was about to push the door open when Sophia spoke timidly. "May I ask who you are?"

Her voice was so soft it was almost inaudible.

Evelyn paused, frowning slightly.

Isabella immediately cut in. "Aunt Sophia, this is Evelyn Ross. Great-grandmother was confused and mistook her for you. Mr. Vance let her stay. Now everyone outside is saying she's the mistress Uncle Alexander keeps..."

"Isabella!" Sophia Ashcroft snapped sharply.

Isabella pouted but didn't continue.

The implication was crystal clear.

Evelyn ignored her, focusing only on Sophia Watson. "Miss Watson, are you truly Mrs. Vance?"

She couldn't figure this woman out.

The question was a test, and an opportunity for the other to clarify.

Isabella scoffed nearby. "Evelyn, you've outdone your mother. Daring to be this insolent in front of the lawful wife? Your mother wouldn't even dare breathe heavily in front of mine. If you want to be a mistress, at least learn your mother's ways!"

Sophia Ashcroft's face paled, her voice trembling. "Isabella!"

She didn't understand why her daughter had become so venomous.

Isabella seemed oblivious, raising her voice instead. "Am I wrong? What right does she have to question Aunt Sophia? Mom, you only tell me to shut up. Why don't you tell her to shut up?"

Sophia Ashcroft clutched her chest, shaking with anger.

Evelyn kept her eyes locked on Sophia Watson. "Answer me."

Sophia Watson looked terrified.

Her innocent deer-like eyes darted around nervously. "I... please don't be angry... My health is poor, I won't compete with you... As long as Alexander is willing to provide for me... Thank you for taking care of grandmother for me during this time..."

She lowered her head, twisting the hem of her dress. "Alexander has to take care of me, so he has no time for grandmother. I'm grateful you've been keeping her company. Alexander is grateful too..."

Evelyn clenched her fists, stepping forward. "So, are you Mrs. Vance or not?"

She had lost all patience.

This woman appeared fragile, but every word carried a sting.

She never explicitly confirmed her status, yet every statement implied she was Mrs. Vance.

Evelyn hated this ambiguity.

Sophia Watson flinched, hastily hiding behind Isabella. "I... I won't fight you... Please don't..."

Isabella immediately shielded her, accusing sharply. "What do you think you're doing? I know you have a quick temper, but this is Aunt Sophia! She's frail. If you lay a finger on her, Mr. Vance will never forgive you!"

Evelyn frowned. "I didn't touch her..."

Sophia Watson quickly agreed. "She didn't, really she didn't..."

Isabella sneered. "Only because you moved fast! Evelyn, you're getting more arrogant! Daring to threaten Mrs. Vance in front of everyone? Pressing her like this, do you want her to give up Mr. Vance for you? How shameless can you be? Bullying a sick person?!"

Rage burned in Evelyn's chest.

She took another step forward. "I just want a clear answer. You've been doing all the talking. Let her tell me herself. Is she Mrs. Vance or not?"

Isabella laughed coldly, turning back. "Aunt Sophia, don't be afraid! Show her the authority of the lawful wife! This is the Vance residence. We won't tolerate a mistress causing trouble!"

Sophia Watson nervously clutched her skirt, head bowed. "Miss Ross, I truly thank you..."

Isabella was exasperated. "Why thank her? She's stealing your husband! Stealing grandmother's affection! You're so weak, no wonder Uncle dares to fool around outside!"

Sophia Watson murmured meekly. "Don't say that... As long as Alexander doesn't abandon me..."

Isabella retorted. "If you keep this up, he'll abandon you sooner or later!"

"Slap!"

Sophia Ashcroft could take no more. She slapped Isabella across the face. "I told you to shut up! Stop stirring up trouble!"

Isabella covered her cheek, stunned. Then she roared. "Why should I shut up? She's the one in the wrong! Mom, in your eyes, I'm always wrong? I'm just helping Aunt Sophia defend her dignity! I want Evelyn to admit her mistake!"

She glared fiercely at Sophia Ashcroft. "You'd even stop this? You favor her even when she's a mistress? Have you ever considered me? How can I maintain my position in the Vance family if she acts like this here?!"

Isabella's self-righteousness made Sophia Ashcroft tremble. "You... Don't pretend to be noble! You're just targeting Evelyn!"

"Yes, I'm targeting her! So what? But if she did nothing wrong, could I target her? This time, I'm in the right! What did I do wrong?!"

Isabella pressed on aggressively. "Should we call everyone over to see this?"

Sophia Ashcroft clutched her chest, stumbling back.

"Madam!"

Evelyn moved to support her.

But Sophia Ashcroft pushed her away.

Evelyn looked up, startled, meeting Sophia Ashcroft's red-rimmed eyes.

Sophia Ashcroft seemed on the verge of collapse. "It's my fault... I failed to raise you both properly. That's why you've become like this!"

She looked at Evelyn with disappointment. "I always thought you were a good child... But today, Evelyn, you've disappointed me so much!"

Sophia Ashcroft's choked voice, her disappointed gaze...

It felt like an invisible hand squeezing Evelyn's heart.

She clenched her fists tightly, suddenly turning and rushing into the lounge.

She grabbed her bag and strode back out.

Feeling wronged, she pulled her marriage certificate from the bag and thrust it toward Sophia Ashcroft.