In the hospital corridor.

Evelyn grabbed Isabella's wrist.

Isabella turned back. "What are you doing?"

Evelyn hung her head.

Her shoulders trembled slightly.

Her voice was choked with sobs. "I won't tell."

Isabella was stunned.

Linda rushed forward and tried to hit her. "How dare you disobey Miss Isabella? I'll beat you to death, you bastard child!"

Evelyn shoved her away violently.

Linda stumbled and fell to the ground.

She shrieked. "How dare you! I'm your mother!"

William finally stood up.

He walked over, his face pale.

His gaze swept over the three of them.

He suddenly raised his hand.

"Smack!"

A harsh slap landed on Evelyn's face.

Evelyn covered her cheek.

She looked at William in disbelief.

William's eyes were icy. "You're always the one causing trouble. Evelyn, why don't you just die?"

Evelyn lowered her hand.

Her fists were clenched tightly. "Isabella framed me. She was pregnant with another man's child and falsely accused me of causing her miscarriage."

"So what?" William roared. "She is Sophia's daughter, so she is my daughter. You are nothing. Even if Isabella is wrong, you have to take the blame for her!"

Linda scrambled to her feet and shouted. "Yes! This is what you owe the Ashcroft family! Want to cut ties? Unless you die!"

She grinned viciously. "I gave you this life. Unless you die, you'll never shake me off! You'll have to support me in my old age! Otherwise, I'll sue you! Filial piety is paramount. Let's see what you can do then!"

Evelyn's eyes were cold. "We'll deal with the future later. Today, I must clear my name."

She looked at the three of them.

Her voice was resolute. "I, Evelyn Ross, will not bear any debt that isn't mine. Nor will I bear any crime that isn't mine!"

She advanced on Linda. "I owe you a life. If you have the guts, take it now."

Linda retreated in fear.

Evelyn turned to William. "I am not your daughter. The Ashcroft money has long been repaid. I owe you nothing. The lie was fabricated by Linda. It has nothing to do with me."

She turned to leave.

Isabella panicked and screamed. "Evelyn! You are not allowed to tell!"

William frowned.

Isabella cried out. "If you tell, the Vances will divorce me! Then I won't want to live!"

Linda suddenly grabbed a fruit knife.

She pressed the tip against her own neck. "If you dare tell the truth, I'll die right here! Evelyn, are you going to force your own mother to her death?"

Evelyn's steps halted.

She looked back at Linda.

Only mockery remained in her eyes.

This was her mother.

Unable to control her, she used her life as a threat.

Evelyn let out a soft laugh. "Then go ahead and die."

Linda's pupils constricted violently.

Evelyn pulled the door open without hesitation.

A crowd stood outside.

Julian, Margaret, Richard, Robert.

And several reporters.

Margaret was sobbing to the reporters. "Friends from the press, you must help us! Alexander Vance's wife killed my grandson and shows no remorse! Our branch of the family can't go on like this!"

The reporters looked grave.

Richard and Robert exchanged glances.

Excitement flashed in their eyes.

The court of public opinion was their weapon. This time, Alexander Vance would definitely be forced to step down!

The reporters saw Evelyn and immediately swarmed her.

Microphones were shoved in her face.

"Mrs. Vance, is it true you harmed your niece's child?"

"Why did you do it?"

"Were you acting on Mr. Vance's orders?"

In the parking lot.

A police car screeched to a halt.

Grace Lorenz jumped out.

She sprinted upstairs.