Evelyn ignored the argument behind her.

Her gaze fell on the nanny.

She moved to step around Marcus and enter.

Marcus frowned and blocked her. "Love child, you are not permitted to enter."

Evelyn looked at the nanny. "Did Mrs. Ashcroft say we could come in?"

Marcus paused, slightly stunned.

He had assumed Evelyn was here to gloat.

Love children and lawful wives were natural enemies.

Isabella always said she acted arrogantly based on someone else's power.

But there was no smugness on Evelyn's face now.

Only urgency.

This emotion was wrong.

The nanny spoke. "The Master said Madam is asleep and not receiving guests. Please come another day, Miss Evelyn."

Asleep?

Evelyn was taken aback. "Is Mrs. Ashcroft unwell? Why would she be asleep so early?"

The nanny was about to answer.

Isabella interrupted. "Evelyn, how could my mother be asleep this early? Can't you take a hint? Stop making a scene."

Evelyn remembered how Mrs. Ashcroft had nearly fainted several times during the birthday gala.

Her health seemed to be deteriorating.

Evelyn frowned and asked the nanny. "What is really wrong with Madam?"

The nanny hesitated. "Madam is... fine. The Master and Madam are having dinner. The Master said every time he sees you, something bad happens. It upsets Madam..."

Evelyn breathed a sigh of relief.

It was good that Madam was alright.

She insisted. "I have something very important to discuss. I must see Madam today."

The nanny hesitated for a moment, then turned and went back inside.

Isabella said plaintively, "Evelyn, my mother suffers from insomnia. Could you please not cause a disturbance at the door?"

Julian shielded Isabella. "Don't think just because you married Alexander you can do whatever you want! Madam clearly doesn't want to see you. Can't you understand? Don't anger your elders!"

Evelyn gave them a cool glance. "Madam didn't say she wouldn't see me."

It was William who had said that.

Her eyesight was excellent.

The dining room lights were on in the evening gloom.

The nanny had barely entered and spoken before William approached with a frown.

After a brief exchange, William waved his hand and followed her out.

Throughout this, Mrs. Ashcroft, who was dining, remained unaware of her arrival.

William arrived at the door. Seeing Isabella and Julian, he was startled. "Isabella, why aren't you coming in?"

Isabella shot a glance at Evelyn. "Waiting for the nanny to ask for permission."

"Nonsense! Why would you need permission to enter your own home? Mr. Evans, please, come in."

William's words made Isabella look at Evelyn triumphantly.

Her eyes taunted: This is my home, I can come and go as I please. What are you?

Evelyn's jaw tightened. Her fists clenched.

William noticed Marcus and asked tentatively, "And this is...?"

Isabella explained. "Father, this is Young Master Marcus from the New York Valentine family!"

Hearing "Valentine family," William's pupils constricted. His gaze fixed on Marcus, profound and deep.

In an instant, he smiled bitterly. "The New York Valentines... I haven't seen them in over twenty years. Young Master Marcus is here to see Sophia? Please, come in."

Marcus nodded. The group entered the courtyard.

Evelyn followed behind.

The moment she stepped into the yard, William's furious shout came. "Wretch! Who gave you permission to enter?"

Evelyn's steps halted.

William glared at her. "I told you, the Ashcroft family is not welcome to you. Do not appear before Sophia again! Sophia is having dinner. The sight of you would ruin her appetite!"

Evelyn's face darkened. "I have something important to tell Madam..."

"I said, Sophia is busy!"

William commanded. "Get out immediately!"

Evelyn ignored him and took another step forward. "I must see Madam."

"Wretch!"

William was so angry he raised his hand to strike. Mr. Roland stepped forward to block him. "Mr. Ashcroft, it's not appropriate to raise a hand against a young lady."

The Roland family was powerful. William gave him face, lowering his hand with a frown. "Mr. Roland, are you using your influence to pressure me?"

Mr. Roland sighed. "Evelyn is always sensible. She must have a genuine matter today."

"Hah, her so-called important matter is just coming to demand a dowry because she married Alexander Vance? Let me tell you, everything in the Ashcroft family belongs to Sophia! It has nothing to do with her! Want a dowry? Not a chance!"

William stared darkly at Evelyn. "Don't waste your effort! I won't let you see Sophia again!"

Evelyn took another step forward. "I will see her today."

"You...!"

William was too angry to speak.

Marcus cut in. "Hey, love child, don't go too far! Even if you saved me, that's one thing. This is another. I can't stand by and watch. Take one more step, and I'll act. I'm not in the habit of hitting women, but I will."

Evelyn took another step.

Marcus: ??

He frowned, about to move, but his vision blurred. Evelyn was suddenly beside him, grabbing his shoulder and spinning him around.

Evelyn used him like a revolving door, spinning him twice, and seized the chance to enter.

"Wretch!"

William roared in fury.

Marcus, his face dark, followed closely.

He had decided. If Mrs. Ashcroft showed even a hint of displeasure, he would throw Evelyn out immediately! No mercy!

Marcus followed into the dining room and was shocked by the scene before him.

Evelyn went straight to the dining room.

The gentle Mrs. Ashcroft looked towards the door in surprise. Seeing her, her eyes softened with tenderness and delight.

"Evelyn? What brings you here?"

Her tone and expression held no anger at all.

Marcus was dumbfounded.

Evelyn ignored the people behind her and quickly went to Mrs. Ashcroft's side. "Madam, I apologize for disturbing your meal. I came today to show you a photo."

She handed the photo to Mrs. Ashcroft.