Evelyn's words left William Ashcroft frozen in place.

Sophia Ashcroft also looked stunned.

She had already arranged for Nancy to conduct a DNA test, with results expected tomorrow.

Hearing Evelyn's claim now, she didn't doubt it. "Why do you say that?"

Evelyn was about to explain when William cut her off coldly. "You don't want to acknowledge me as your father, and I never acknowledged you as my daughter! From now on, you have no connection to the Ashcroft family. Do not set foot in this house again!"

He took Sophia's arm. "Let's go, A-Shu."

Sophia wanted to press further, but remembering the imminent test results, she held her tongue.

She handed the marriage certificate back to Evelyn. "Be happy, Evelyn."

Evelyn's gaze softened. "I will, Madam."

She personally saw them to the door, watching as William helped Sophia into their car.

Turning back, she noticed a tall man raising a glass to her from a distance.

It was Anthony Castillo.

He pointed to his phone.

Puzzled, Evelyn took out her own phone and saw his message: [So you really are Mrs. Vance. But I still want your life. Is that alright?]

Her eyes turned icy. She shot him a glare and walked away.

Anthony sighed and looked at his assistant. "I just wanted to keep an umbrella as a souvenir. Why did Miss Ross glare at me?"

The assistant chose his words carefully. "Perhaps she feared Mr. Vance might misunderstand. Women here can be quite conservative."

"I see..." Anthony murmured softly.

Evelyn quickly put the incident out of her mind.

Returning to the ballroom, she found Eleanor Vance's birthday gala in full swing.

Eleanor, finally back from the restroom, stood in the main hall accepting guests' well-wishes.

Evelyn realized Alexander had arranged for his grandmother's absence earlier.

He likely wanted to spare the sweet old lady from witnessing the open conflict between him and the main branch of the family.

Now, blissfully unaware, Eleanor was beaming with joy.

Chloe Roland linked arms with Evelyn. "My savior, I knew you wouldn't be the other woman! To think you're actually Mrs. Vance!"

Evelyn smiled at her.

Chloe was the only one who had believed in her from start to finish.

She patted Chloe's hand gratefully. "You seem very happy."

Chloe nodded. "My brother just texted. He arrives the day after tomorrow. He said the photo of our father seems to be restored."

Evelyn was about to respond when she caught sight of Alexander and a slender woman heading towards the balcony.

The frail woman in the matching evening gown was Sophia Watson!

Evelyn's eyes narrowed.

After a moment's hesitation, she followed them.

On the balcony, Sophia swayed unsteadily, her voice choked with tears. "Alexander, you promised to marry me! How could you marry someone else?"

Alexander's jaw tightened. Just as he was about to speak, Sophia's legs gave way, and she collapsed sideways.

His expression changed instantly. He swiftly scooped her into his arms. "To the hospital."

Thomas, standing behind him, responded immediately. "Yes, sir!"

Evelyn emerged from the shadows, watching them silently.

Suddenly, Sophia, cradled in Alexander's arms, opened her eyes and shot Evelyn a look of pure triumph.

It clearly said: So what if he married you? The moment I have an episode, he comes running to me!

Evelyn frowned.

She followed as Alexander carried Sophia outside. He placed her in the car but did not get in himself, instructing Thomas, "You take her back."

Evelyn noticed, with sharp clarity, how Sophia's body instantly stiffened.

…

A sense of relief washed over her.

As the car drove away, Fiona approached.

Evelyn walked up to Alexander. "Care to explain, Mr. Vance? You promised to marry her?"

Alexander pressed his lips together. "It was a childhood promise."

Childhood…

Evelyn froze, suddenly remembering the big brother who had promised to come marry her…

That promise had been her lifeline, the most persistent hope of her childhood.

Every time Linda abused her, every time she felt life wasn't worth living, the thought that a big brother had promised to take her away got her through the darkness…

Even though she knew better now, understanding childhood promises often meant little, those words, "I will come for you," had genuinely sustained her through her entire youth.

She asked softly, "Should childhood promises be kept?"

Alexander looked down. "I intended to keep it. But not anymore."

Evelyn was taken aback. "Why?"

Alexander looked at her deeply.

His parents' failed marriage had made him distrust love, and he never planned to marry. Back then, he thought a mere piece of paper, giving Sophia a name, wouldn't matter.

But meeting Evelyn changed everything.

Though the origin of their marriage was unclear, Alexander was grateful he hadn't treated it lightly.

He didn't answer her question. Instead, he took her hand. "Let's find Grandmother."

"Alright."

They turned and walked back into the ballroom.

The gala soon concluded.

Sitting in the car home, Chloe was still worried about Evelyn.

She clung to her mother's arm, chattering. "That Sophia Watson is clearly trouble! Is Mr. Vance really two-timing? If he wrongs my savior, I'll have my brother teach him a lesson!"

She realized her mother wasn't responding, instead staring blankly out the car window.

Outside the Vance estate gates, a figure was shouting curses.

Linda Lowell stood with hands on her hips, yelling furiously. "Evelyn Ross! You ate the Ashcrofts' food, used the Ashcrofts' things! Now you've landed Isabella in jail! You ungrateful wretch! Heartless monster! Come out here! I'm your mother! You can't treat me like this!"

She tried to charge inside but was firmly blocked by security.

The departing guests ignored the spectacle entirely.

"Stop the car," Mrs. Roland suddenly said.

The driver pulled over to the side of the road.

The road outside the Vance estate was wide, a four-lane design allowing temporary parking without disrupting traffic.

Mr. Roland looked at his wife, confused.

Mrs. Roland pushed the car door open. He quickly reassured Chloe and followed her out.

"What is it?"

Mrs. Roland frowned. "Old Roland, I suddenly think your intuition might be right. What mother treats her child like this? Don't speak. Let me test her."

Mr. Roland stared as his wife quietly approached Linda from behind.

Mrs. Roland spoke abruptly. "Isabella is actually your daughter, isn't she?!"

Linda's body jolted violently. She spun around, her face a mask of utter disbelief.