Marcus Valentine narrowed his eyes, his gaze settling on Evelyn Ross.

Why did this woman look so familiar?

There was something in her eyes that reminded him of his Third Uncle…

He pulled his attention away and turned to Isabella Ashcroft. "Third Uncle mentioned your mother was an old friend. Told me to look after the Ashcroft family."

He raised an eyebrow. "Surely your family isn't so hard up that you can't afford equestrian lessons? You have a sister who doesn't know how to ride?"

Isabella immediately lowered her head, adopting a pained expression.

Her silence prompted someone else to speak up. "Mr. Valentine, that's not Miss Ashcroft's real sister. Her mother was the other woman. She's the love child."

The person added, "She was never valued in the Ashcroft family. Of course she never learned to ride."

Marcus's face darkened.

Third Uncle had spoken of Sophia Ashcroft with such fondness. He had specifically asked Marcus to visit her as a respectful晚辈, to see if she was well.

How could she be well when her husband had a love child running around?

Marcus let out a derisive snort. "A love child has the audacity to come to our party? Isabella, your mother is far too tolerant."

Isabella gave a bitter shake of her head, a look of helplessness on her face. "Mr. Valentine, she's not just the Ashcroft love child anymore. She's Alexander Vance's wife now…"

Marcus's eyes went wide. "What? Alexander Vance married a love child?"

Isabella nodded.

Marcus burst out laughing. "Ha! That hypocrite finally got what he deserved!"

Julian Evans caught the implication in his words. "You know Alexander, Mr. Valentine?"

"Of course I know him. We were classmates abroad!" Marcus sneered. "Back then, I thought he looked decent enough. Even considered introducing him to a few of my cousins."

He scoffed. "But that self-righteous prude turned me down flat…"

"Come on." Marcus gestured for the group to follow him. "Let's go see what kind of woman he rejected my cousins for. Alexander Vance!"

Evelyn saw the group approaching from a distance and prepared to dismount.

As the owners of the equestrian club, she and Alexander were expected to greet guests.

But before they could get close, a flamboyantly dressed man strode forward. His peach-blossom eyes were full of arrogance.

He planted his hands on his hips. "Alexander Vance! You turned down my cousins for this? A woman who can't even ride? Your taste is appalling!"

Alexander's brow furrowed deeply. "Marcus Valentine, if you can't speak respectfully, don't speak at all."

Evelyn understood their relationship from Alexander's tone.

His voice was thick with disgust and impatience. This man was clearly an adversary.

She immediately categorized Marcus as an enemy.

Marcus was not about to obey. He took two steps forward, eyeing Evelyn brazenly with a deliberately lecherous look.

"Alexander, your wife is quite the looker. But I didn't take you for such a shallow man. Is it really just about the face?"

Alexander's frown deepened.

He and Marcus had been classmates. They had never gotten along.

Marcus was a social butterfly who loved parties. He had constantly invited Alexander, who always refused. The resentment had built over time.

Even so, Marcus had usually been somewhat civil in the past.

Today's comments were clearly intentional.

Alexander glanced at Isabella standing nearby and understood instantly. Marcus was here to cause trouble for Evelyn on Isabella's behalf.

His face turned stern. "Marcus, if you disrespect my wife again, I won't be held responsible for my actions."

"Oh, I'm so scared!" Marcus theatrically patted his chest before laughing. "But you know me. I only respect strength."

He smirked. "We were classmates. By rights, I should show your wife some courtesy. How about this? Let your wife race me for a lap."

Alexander refused immediately. "I'll race you. She doesn't know how to ride."

Marcus made an exaggerated sound of disbelief. "You're kidding? Someone who doesn't know how to ride in this day and age?"

He turned to Isabella. "Isabella, your family is too harsh on the love child. Not even equestrian lessons? How embarrassing to bring her to a club!"

Isabella hurried to explain. "Mr. Valentine, that was my father's decision…"

The young masters from New York began chattering amongst themselves. "Wasn't she his love child? He didn't like her either?"

Someone quickly added, "Mr. William Ashcroft is famous in San Francisco for doting on his wife. He was tricked by her mother."

The person continued, "She used her pregnancy to force her way into the Ashcroft family and refused to leave…"

A sharp glint flashed in Marcus's eyes.

He was no simple character to be friends with Alexander Vance. He just had a flamboyant style.

Third Uncle wanted to protect Mrs. Sophia Ashcroft's dignity. This love child's existence was a stain on that dignity.

Today, he would vent Third Uncle's anger for him!

He glanced at the people beside him.

They understood immediately and began pointing fingers at Evelyn.

"No wonder she never had equestrian lessons. A pitiful thing neither father nor mother loved. The Ashcrofts raising her was charity enough…"

"I heard when Isabella rode as a child, she had to wait on her. Even knelt down to be a mounting block!"

"Mr. Vance, your taste is truly terrible. Marrying a wife like this? She's completely useless…"

Marcus looked at Evelyn, who had remained expressionless throughout. He had to admit this love child had some nerve.

At least her composure was something Isabella couldn't match.

He let out a contemptuous laugh and said slowly, "Never learned? So what? Miss, is it? Just race me for one lap. Grit your teeth and finish it. I guarantee no one will say another word about you!"

He challenged her, "Dare you?"

The crowd erupted in laughter.

"Mr. Valentine, stop teasing her! She needed someone to lead the reins just to walk slowly. You want her to race? What if she gets scared out of her wits?"

"It's dangerous for someone who can't ride. These are powerful horses. A fall could be fatal!"

"Mr. Vance would be heartbroken. A widower so soon!"

"Don't say that. Look, Miss is already scared stiff. Her face is pale…"

Alexander's expression was extremely dark.

In San Francisco, people showed him respect and wouldn't dare say such things to his face.

But these people from New York were unrestrained.

He clenched his fist, ready to teach these people a lesson, when a soft hand grasped his wrist.

Alexander paused slightly. He watched as Evelyn stepped out from beside him.

"Then let's race for a lap."