Scheme!

Alexander Vance's words left the entire hall in dead silence.

Sophia Ashcroft's footsteps halted abruptly.

She turned back, disbelief written all over her face.

Her eyes locked onto Evelyn Ross with shock and confusion.

Her lips trembled, but no sound came out.

Finally, her gaze fell upon the marriage certificate in Evelyn's hand.

Evelyn's fingertips tightened slightly.

She stepped forward and handed the certificate to Sophia.

Around them, murmurs of doubt began to rise.

Isabella Ashcroft was the first to scream. "Impossible! Uncle, Mrs. Vance is right here!"

She pointed at Sophia Watson.

Sophia Watson's face turned deathly pale.

She clutched her skirt tightly, her voice shaking. "Alexander, you're joking, right?"

Her pitiful appearance drew sympathy from the crowd.

"Mrs. Vance looks completely unaware…"

"Is Mr. Vance planning to abandon his lawful wife for his mistress?"

"Women without connections are so pitiful."

"For wealthy families like the Vances, changing wives is like changing clothes."

"Mrs. Vance's eyes are red…"

Richard Evans frowned and spoke. "Alexander, what do you mean? Do you want a divorce to marry Evelyn Ross? You must complete the legal procedures first! The Vance family does not tolerate infidelity!"

Robert Vance stepped forward at that moment.

The man in his sixties was energetic and elegant in his tailored suit.

He scowled and scolded, "You unfilial son! Vance men never cheat! Are you going to abandon your wife for this married woman?"

A mocking smile touched Alexander Vance's lips.

He looked at Richard Evans. "Vance men never cheat?"

Outsiders might not know, but the Vance family was well aware that Richard not only cheated but also had a beloved love child.

Richard had fought with Margaret Evans countless times over this, even considering divorce.

This was also why Julian Evans hated love children so much.

Yet Richard put on a righteous face. "Of course! The family rule states that men are not allowed to cheat."

His hypocritical demeanor only amused Alexander.

This was his wonderful older brother.

The one who bullied him as a child, sold him to traffickers at age nine, and sent assassins after him all these years.

Robert Vance always favored the eldest branch, always standing against him.

Alexander had long given up on these so-called relatives.

He spoke coldly. "Who said I cheated?"

Richard was taken aback, then sneered. "You just admitted your relationship with Miss Ross. Are you taking it back now?"

Alexander looked at Sophia Watson. "Miss Watson, tell everyone. Are we married?"

All eyes focused on Sophia Watson.

Evelyn also looked at her.

This seemingly fragile woman had always presented herself as Mrs. Vance, causing Evelyn to suffer endless insults.

Evelyn didn't know the exact relationship between Sophia Watson and Alexander, but she always trusted Alexander.

Isabella asked in confusion, "Aunt, aren't you married to Uncle?"

Sophia Watson twisted her fingers. "I… Alexander, you promised you would marry me…"

A wife in name only…

Before the crowd could process this, Julian Evans suddenly understood. "Uncle, you never got married at all! Grandpa required the CEO to be married. You've been lying to us all along!"

Richard Evans had a sudden realization. "Alexander, the marital status of the Vance Group CEO affects the entire corporation. How could you lie about this!"

Robert Vance was furious. "I required the CEO to be married to ensure family stability and protect the company's reputation! Alexander Vance, are you married or not!"

Alexander looked at them coldly.

There was no legal requirement for a CEO to be married.

The old man had made that rule simply to block his path to power.

He had fabricated a wife but never confirmed it was Sophia Watson.

The public had assumed.

He couldn't be bothered to clarify.

But now things were different…

Alexander's gaze swept through the crowd and landed on Evelyn. His voice was clear and firm. "I just said it. Miss Ross and I are married!"

The hall fell silent once more.

Isabella shrieked in denial. "Impossible! Evelyn Ross just had a shotgun wedding last month! She married some lowlife!"

Julian Evans, eyes red, added, "Uncle, you said you got married two years ago. Now you claim you're married to Evelyn Ross… Are you breaking up someone's marriage? Are you lying again?"

He stared intently at Alexander.

How could Evelyn become his aunt?

He refused to accept it!

Richard Evans sighed. "Alexander, your constant lies will make people think the Vance Group is a fraudulent company when the reporters spread this!"

Robert Vance seized the opportunity to attack. "Alexander Vance, your marital status is unclear. I propose convening the board of directors to remove you from your position as CEO!"

The scheme was finally revealed.

Alexander looked at his aging father and let out a cold laugh. "Who said my marriage is unstable?"

The image on the projection screen changed instantly.

A bright red marriage certificate appeared.

It showed a photo of him and Evelyn Ross.

The date displayed was two years ago.