Bullying with Power?

Her clear, young voice rang out.

Zephyr began to move, trotting at a leisurely pace.

Evelyn had no intention of showing off.

She just wanted to complete one lap.

Finish the task.

Avoid embarrassing Alexander.

And make Marcus back off a little.

The white riding outfit accentuated her upright posture.

The tall horse ambled along casually.

Yet this relaxed, unhurried demeanor attracted everyone's attention.

Isabella also mounted her horse.

Marcus entered the riding arena.

Everyone wanted to accompany them.

Riding slowly shouldn't be a problem.

As long as she didn't run, it wouldn't harm the fetus.

Several sycophants gathered around her, offering flattery.

"Miss Isabella, your mother is truly impressive, even inviting Young Master Marcus from New York!"

"Besides Marcus, the other young masters have significant backgrounds too!"

"Isabella, we always thought your family was just middle-class. We had no idea your connections were this strong. You've been so low-key!"

"Your family name is Ashcroft too. Could you be related to the New York Ashcrofts?"

Isabella had already looked into it.

There was indeed a distant connection.

William Ashcroft was a distant relative of the New York Ashcrofts.

Too many generations separated them, and they usually had no contact.

William grew up in San Francisco.

He attended university in New York.

After graduating, he returned to San Francisco upon marrying Sophia.

Sophia had extensive connections during her time in New York.

She was on good terms with many scions of prominent families.

A few text messages were all it took to invite so many people.

Some came out of respect for Marcus.

Others came as a favor to Sophia.

These rich heirs were all valuable resources.

Isabella glanced at Marcus.

Julian had already mingled into the group, chatting and laughing.

Marcus lived up to being an outstanding member of the Ashcroft family.

Though flamboyant in his actions, he showed Sophia due respect.

He was quite considerate towards Julian.

His surface-level courtesy was impeccable.

Julian, young and impulsive, already looked smug.

He lacked Alexander's steadiness and experience.

Isabella's eyes darkened slightly.

If she had known about Sophia's extensive network earlier.

Why would she have set her sights on Julian?

If she had married Alexander instead…

Evelyn was just so lucky!

Isabella shot a look at Evelyn, gently nudged her horse's flank, and caught up.

"Evelyn, Uncle's Zephyr is so intelligent. It's so steady even on your first ride. It didn't even get angry."

The young socialites who followed scoffed.

"Pretending to be a beginner? Who isn't scared on their first time riding?"

"It can't be her first time. Didn't we just hear? When Miss Isabella took equestrian lessons, she was the human mounting block!"

"Huh? That still exists? I've only seen eunuchs acting as footstools for emperors on TV. Miss Isabella, care to give us a demonstration?"

Isabella's smile widened. "Don't say that. Times are different now. She's my aunt now, and Uncle is watching…"

"A love child is just a love child! I heard she even used to bring you foot wash water when you were little?"

"Ew, a foot-washing maid. How disgusting!"

Evelyn's eyes turned cold instantly. She stared directly at Isabella. "Did you push me earlier?"

Isabella narrowed her eyes. "Evelyn, what are you talking about? I don't understand… But Mr. Vance's horse is quite spirited. You should be careful…"

Evelyn gently tugged the reins.

Zephyr immediately became agitated, snorting aggressively at Isabella's horse.

Isabella's horse, startled, reared up and knelt on its front legs.

Isabella was thrown directly from the saddle.

Her riding clothes were covered in dust.

The ground was soft, so the fetus was unharmed.

But she was utterly disheveled and humiliated.

"Miss Ashcroft!"

Staff and sycophants rushed to surround her.

Isabella clenched her fists. "Evelyn, you did that on purpose!"

Evelyn leisurely adjusted the reins. "What are you talking about? I don't understand. It's my first time riding; I can't control the direction well. Mr. Vance's horse is very spirited. You're a skilled rider, why did you get so close? That was very careless of you."

Isabella trembled with rage.

Julian and Marcus noticed the commotion and galloped over.

Julian dismounted and helped Isabella up. "Is the baby alright?"

Isabella barely suppressed the urge to roll her eyes.

She looked at Marcus, bit her lip, and said to Evelyn, "Aunt, it was my fault. I shouldn't have disrespected you. I shouldn't have brought up your status as a love child…"

She lowered her head, feigning grievance. "I'll persuade Mother to accept you. You can return to the Ashcroft family whenever you wish. I won't dare to stop you. But please, don't harm my child. It's innocent!"

Her eyes reddened, looking pitiful and vulnerable.

Evelyn frowned. "What nonsense are you spouting? I've never wanted to return to the Ashcroft family. Mrs. Ashcroft has never blamed me…"

Isabella immediately nodded. "Yes, Mother doesn't dare blame you… After all, you are now Uncle's legal wife…"

Marcus's frown deepened.

He suddenly urged his horse toward Evelyn and lashed Zephyr's hindquarters hard with his crop!

Zephyr, startled, reared up and bolted forward.

Marcus kept pace beside her, sneering. "Miss Ross, you enjoy bullying others with your power? Let me give you a taste of your own medicine!"

Evelyn: ?