Evelyn Ross knew any words from her would be futile.

These people would never believe her.

Just like the last class reunion…

She didn't want to waste her breath anymore.

She only wanted to present the evidence for Sophia Ashcroft to see the truth.

She gazed at Sophia, her voice calm. "Madam, Mr. Vance and I are indeed—"

Before she could finish, a hand suddenly reached over and snatched the marriage certificate from Sophia's grasp.

Isabella Ashcroft's sharp voice cut her off. "You think a fake document can fool everyone? Evelyn Ross, do you take us all for fools?"

She didn't even glance at the certificate.

She tried to tear it with force, but her manicure made it difficult.

She simply threw it to the ground violently.

Her high heel stomped on it, grinding it repeatedly.

Evelyn's pupils constricted sharply.

She grabbed Isabella's arm and slapped her across the face.

Slap!

The crisp sound of the slap echoed through the hallway.

A clear palm print immediately appeared on Isabella's cheek.

Evelyn's eyes were icy. "Isabella Ashcroft, do you believe I will call the police right now? Damaging a government document is a crime that can land you in jail."

Isabella's fingers tightened.

She glanced at Sophia, then straightened her back. "Fine! Call them! Better yet, call the reporters too! Let's see who should be condemned! A mistress like you, or a righteous person like me!"

Evelyn's voice was severe. "I said I am not a mistress! Alexander Vance and I are—"

Pat.

Something lightly brushed against her cheek.

Evelyn's words stopped abruptly.

She froze in place, turning her head slowly in disbelief towards Sophia, who had struck her.

Sophia's eyes were red-rimmed, her body trembling slightly.

She stared at Evelyn. "Evelyn, if you still listen to me, leave this place with me now!"

Evelyn's eyes widened in shock.

It didn't hurt at all…

Sophia ultimately couldn't bring herself to use force.

Her cheek had only been lightly grazed.

She had been beaten by Linda Lowell growing up.

This was the lightest slap she had ever received.

But Evelyn had never felt such heartache before.

Her heart felt like it had been brutally crushed.

The pain made it almost impossible to breathe.

She clenched her fists tightly, staring blankly at Sophia.

It took her a long moment to find her voice. "...You don't believe me either?"

Sophia hadn't expected to hit her either.

She looked down at her trembling fingers and smiled bitterly.

She had always believed in Evelyn's character.

As a child, this girl would rather starve and rummage through trash bins.

She was nearly dying of hunger, yet she wouldn't steal the cake on the table…

Back then, Sophia had held a special admiration for Evelyn.

She gradually grew fond of her.

She never expected her to do something like this…

Sophia had made inquiries during this time.

Alexander Vance had gotten married two years ago.

Evelyn only received her certificate this year.

It never occurred to her that they could be husband and wife.

The photo Isabella showed her last time wasn't doctored. It was real…

Anyone could see the affection in Evelyn and Alexander's eyes in that photo…

How could she believe it?!

Sophia closed her eyes, dizzy with anger.

A sense of powerlessness washed over her.

In the end, she could only say to Evelyn, "You should go…"

Evelyn was stunned. "Madam, it's not what you think. Mr. Vance and I—"

Seeing this, Isabella felt extremely pleased.

Evelyn was too good at fighting, making Isabella always feel helpless.

But there was one person Evelyn would never fight back against: Sophia Ashcroft!

She said sarcastically, "Can't you hear what my mother said? She wants you to get out! She never wants to see a rotten person like you again! You and your mother are both shady mistresses!"

Evelyn still looked at Sophia. "Madam…"

Isabella stepped forward, placing herself between them. "Are you leaving or not? Staying here to anger my mother to death so your mother can take her place? What are you really plotting?!"

As soon as she finished speaking, Sophia swayed and collapsed softly to the ground!

"Sophia!"

William Ashcroft hurried over, supporting Sophia's faltering body.

He looked around in shock. "What happened?"

Isabella immediately said, "Mom thinks it's too shameful for Evelyn to be Mr. Vance's mistress here. She told her to leave, but she refused. Mom got angry!"

William glared furiously at Evelyn. "You wretched girl! Sophia has been so good to you since you were little! Has your conscience been eaten by dogs?!"

Evelyn looked at them and suddenly felt she had nothing to say.

She let out a low laugh, finding it all rather pointless.

No one had patiently listened to her explanation…

She lowered her gaze, her expression faint. "Madam, please take care of your health. Don't get angry because of me."

After saying this, she turned and left.

Sophia leaned against William, watching her retreating figure.

She wanted to reach out and call her back but didn't know what to say…

Isabella pointed to the lounge. "Dad, Mom, please go in and rest for a while…"

William helped Sophia inside.

After a long while, Sophia finally caught her breath.

William angrily scolded, "Sophia, why are you getting so angry over an ungrateful girl like that? She's not worth it! Her mother is shameless. She only had her by scheming against me back then. She has Linda Lowell's blood in her veins. She's selfish and has no morals…"

Sophia's gaze was vacant, her heart filled with disappointment.

"You always said Isabella wasn't as good as her. Now look, Evelyn's moral compass is far worse than Isabella's! No matter what, Isabella would never stoop so low as to be a mistress!"

William held Sophia's hand. "Sophia, promise me, stop caring about Evelyn Ross from now on. Draw a clear line. Don't anger yourself anymore, okay?"

Sophia closed her eyes in pain.

Had Evelyn really gone astray?

She clenched her fists tightly, still unable to believe it, but the facts were right before her eyes…

Seeing her silent, William said decisively, "Are you feeling better? If you are, let's go. Showing our faces today is enough to satisfy the Vances."

Sophia stood up shakily.

With William's support, she walked out of the lounge.

The outside had quieted down. Everyone had gone to the main hall.

As soon as they stepped out, they saw a marriage certificate lying alone on the ground.

Sophia paused, then stepped forward and picked it up.