Eighty Percent Resemblance!

Related?

Evelyn Ross's eyes flashed with confusion. "What relation?"

Ryan Roland thought of his parents' interest in her. "It's a long story," he said quietly. "It seems to involve the previous generation's grudges. My father knows the details. Chloe said you agreed to meet tonight? After the event, we can go see them together?"

"Alright."

Evelyn wasn't in a hurry.

Ryan studied her. "I heard you are Mrs. Vance?"

Evelyn raised an eyebrow. "Is there a problem?"

Ryan stepped closer, lowering his voice. "I didn't come alone. Several heirs from New York's prominent families are here. Their family influence is no less than the Vances', some even stronger. Should I introduce you later?"

His gaze was deep.

Chloe had pestered him all last night. She said despite Alexander Vance publicly acknowledging Evelyn, the gala was still full of nasty whispers.

People mocked Evelyn's lowly background. A love child was utterly unworthy of the Vance family.

They said the high-society ladies' circle would never accept a mistress's daughter...

Chloe was worried. She insisted he help.

These New York socialites were Ryan's personal connections. Introducing them to Evelyn would at least improve her standing within the Vance household...

He was still thinking when the girl replied calmly, "No need."

Ryan was taken aback.

Evelyn's tone was even. "Thank you for your kindness. But Mr. Vance seems reluctant to engage too much with New York."

Ryan frowned. Behind his gold-rimmed glasses, his eyes held concern. "That's his prejudice. You should understand, Miss Ross, business knows no borders. The most elite families and corporations in the country are in New York. Alexander Vance's stubbornness will eventually cost him his position with the board! As his wife, if you can help him secure connections in New York, the Vances will surely accept you."

Evelyn knew Ryan meant well, but she smiled. "Really, it's not necessary. Thank you."

Ryan saw her calm expression and thought she didn't understand the struggles of the wealthy. He patiently explained, "From what I know, the elder branch is already contacting New York connections. They want to break into the New York market to use against Alexander Vance. These New York heirs suddenly showing up in San Francisco seem to be the elder branch's doing. I heard it was Mrs. Ashcroft's achievement..."

Evelyn started. "What?"

Ryan sighed helplessly. "How can you be so unconcerned about the Vance family affairs? How many scandals has Isabella Ashcroft from the elder branch been involved in! Taking credit for a brave act, having a criminal record... Why does the elder branch still tolerate her? Do you really think it's just because she's pregnant?"

He glanced around and lowered his voice further. "When Mrs. Ashcroft personally visited the Vances, they allowed Isabella in because Mrs. Ashcroft holds important connections. This equestrian event is part of Mrs. Ashcroft's deal with the Vances! The condition for Julian Evans marrying Isabella was that Mrs. Ashcroft would introduce the elder branch to New York's social circles."

Evelyn fell silent.

She had been there when Mrs. Ashcroft, in poor health, visited the Vances. She didn't know what was discussed between Mrs. Ashcroft and Margaret Evans the next day. But Isabella and Julian registered their marriage and entered the Vance household.

So Mrs. Ashcroft arranged this equestrian club gathering to introduce Julian to the New York heirs?

She pressed her lips together, feeling a pang of worry for Alexander Vance.

A faint ache also bloomed in her heart...

Mrs. Ashcroft hadn't openly taken sides in the conflict between the elder branch and Alexander Vance. But this move undoubtedly aided the elder branch and helped Isabella.

Of course...

Isabella was her biological daughter. Besides, her relationship with Alexander Vance wasn't public then.

Mrs. Ashcroft choosing to help the elder branch was only natural.

Her downcast expression made Ryan think she was finally worried. He comforted her, "Don't worry. Given Chloe's relationship with you, the Roland family will be your support in New York."

Evelyn couldn't help but laugh. "You've really misunderstood. I don't—"

The words "need to" were cut off as Alexander Vance, changed into his riding clothes, approached.

He immediately saw Ryan and Evelyn together.

Evelyn wore white riding gear. Ryan was in blue. They stood side by side... strikingly well-matched.

Ryan wore a gentle smile.

A sharp sense of crisis surged in Alexander's heart. He strode over, took Evelyn's hand, and eyed Ryan warily, asserting his claim. "Mr. Roland, do you need something from my wife?"

Ryan was baffled. "Nothing urgent, just—"

"If it's not urgent, then don't keep us from riding."

Alexander's tone was icy. He turned to Evelyn. "Didn't you want to learn to ride? I'll teach you."

Evelyn raised an eyebrow. "...Alright."

Hand in hand, they walked away, leaving Ryan utterly bewildered!

This couple still had the mind to go riding?!

Was today about riding horses?!

It was like the emperor wasn't anxious, but the eunuch was!

Bah!

He was no eunuch.

Ryan frowned, muttering to himself, then called out, "You're leaving just like that?"

Alexander paused and looked back. "Or what?"

Ryan frowned. "The people from New York. I can introduce you."

Alexander's gaze turned cold. "Not needed."

"Why are you so stubborn!" Ryan was genuinely annoyed. "The Watsons are the Watsons. The others have no grudge against you. If this continues, how will you secure your position as chairman!"

Alexander's expression remained aloof, radiating powerful confidence. "Whether I secure my position or not won't affect the cooperation between the Vance and Roland families."

Ryan: "...That's not what I meant!"

"Oh." Alexander's attitude was distant. "Is there anything else, Mr. Roland?"

Seeing his cold demeanor, Ryan sighed inwardly.

He understood. Alexander deeply resented his maternal relatives.

Putting himself in those shoes, anyone cut out of their mother's womb at seven months, nearly dying, would hold no love for their birth mother.

Watching the couple head towards a secluded corner, he could only remind them, "Miss Ross, don't forget our appointment to see the photo tonight."

Alexander stopped walking, frowning. "What photo?"

Evelyn explained calmly, "Mrs. Roland said there's a photo related to me. I'm going to take a look."

Alexander looked displeased at Ryan. "Will he be there?"

Evelyn didn't understand. "Yes."

Alexander said directly, "Can't we see it now?"

"We can..."

Ryan smiled.

He leisurely took out his phone and opened the photographed image.

In the photo, a twenty-years-younger Mr. Roland stood beside a well-preserved woman in her forties.

The woman bore an eighty percent resemblance to Evelyn Ross!