Mom...

Evelyn Ross hung up the phone, her fingers trembling slightly.

She looked at Alexander Vance, her eyes reddening. "Mrs. Ashcroft is awake."

Alexander's gaze swept toward the bedroom, his tone hesitant. "I..."

"Stay here," Evelyn interrupted him. "Grandmother needs you."

She turned and left, her steps hurried.

Alexander signaled to Thomas Watson. "Take her to the hospital."

The atmosphere in the car was tense.

Evelyn clenched her fingers, her eyes fixed on the window outside.

She had never wished for the car to go faster so desperately.

Half an hour later, the hospital inpatient building came into view.

Evelyn pushed the door open and got out, about to rush into the building, but she suddenly stopped.

She instinctively looked toward the parking lot.

Mr. Valentine's parking space was already empty.

He had returned to New York.

The thought flashed through her mind as Evelyn quickly entered the elevator.

The third-floor corridor was so quiet she could hear her own heartbeat.

The door to the hospital room was slightly ajar.

Evelyn stopped at the doorway, her breathing slightly ragged.

Through the crack in the door, she saw William Ashcroft carefully feeding Mrs. Ashcroft water.

Mrs. Ashcroft smiled helplessly, her gaze gentle.

Evelyn pushed the door open and entered.

The sound of footsteps startled the two people inside.

Mrs. Ashcroft slowly turned her head, her eyes landing on her.

Their eyes met.

Evelyn froze in place, unsure whether to advance or retreat.

She looked at Mrs. Ashcroft, her heart pounding wildly.

Moments from her childhood when she envied Isabella Ashcroft flooded her mind.

She had never dreamed that her wish would come true.

Mrs. Ashcroft's eyes were filled with heartache and tenderness, along with the gentleness she was familiar with.

Evelyn's nose tingled, and her eyes grew warm.

She wanted to speak, but no sound came out.

Mrs. Ashcroft suddenly smiled.

She had just woken up, her complexion rosy, her voice soft. "Evelyn, come here."

Evelyn walked closer step by step, stopping by the bed.

Mrs. Ashcroft patted the edge of the bed. "Sit."

Evelyn obeyed and sat down, still staring at her dazedly.

It all felt too good to be true.

Mrs. Ashcroft said softly, "Evelyn, I'm sorry."

Evelyn was stunned. "Why are you apologizing?"

"I failed to protect you." Mrs. Ashcroft's voice choked. "I let you be switched, let you suffer so much injustice... I don't ask for your forgiveness. It's all my fault."

Mom...

Tears welled up in Evelyn's eyes and spilled over.

She threw herself into Mrs. Ashcroft's arms, holding her tightly. "I never blamed you. When I found out I was your daughter, I was so happy..."

Mrs. Ashcroft gently stroked her hair. "Still calling me Mrs. Ashcroft?"

Evelyn paused, then called out softly, "Mom."

"Yes."

Evelyn called out again, "Mom?"

"I'm here."

Evelyn tightened her arms, her voice tearful. "Mom..."

"I'm here."

Evelyn suddenly felt wronged.

Wronged for the hardships of the past twenty-two years.

William Ashcroft spoke up适时地. "Evelyn, your mother just woke up. She shouldn't get too emotional."

Evelyn hurriedly wiped her tears and let go of Mrs. Ashcroft.

She forced a smile. "How are you feeling?"

Mrs. Ashcroft touched her face. "I'm fine. It's just thinking about what you suffered that makes my heart ache... I never thought Linda Lowell would do this to my daughter!"

Mrs. Ashcroft started coughing.

William Ashcroft gently patted her back. "Don't be angry. She's already gotten her punishment. She'll suffer in the hospital for the rest of her life."

Evelyn looked at Mrs. Ashcroft. "Mom, and about Isabella..."

She didn't know how to bring it up.

Mrs. Ashcroft's eyes softened for a moment, then turned firm. "I know her fate. She chose her own path. She can't blame anyone else."

Mrs. Ashcroft coughed twice more.

William Ashcroft hurriedly handed her water.

Mrs. Ashcroft took a few sips and looked at him. "William, go home and rest. You've been staying up for so long. Your body can't take it."

William Ashcroft shook his head. "I want to stay with you."

Mrs. Ashcroft smiled lightly. "You haven't showered. You're starting to smell."

William Ashcroft lowered his head to smell himself and took a step back. "Then I'll go home to shower. I'll be back soon."

He stood up, reluctant to leave.

Mrs. Ashcroft added, "Have Nancy Ashcroft make some seafood porridge. Eat some and bring the rest over."

William Ashcroft nodded, looking back every few steps as he left.

His demeanor made Evelyn feel somewhat helpless.

The hospital room door closed.

Mrs. Ashcroft took Evelyn's hand. "Evelyn, don't blame William. He always thought Isabella was my daughter, which is why he neglected you..."

Evelyn lowered her eyes. "I don't blame him, but I have no feelings for him."

Sophia Ashcroft sighed softly. "Forget it. You two don't have a father-daughter bond. Besides, he isn't your real father to begin with."

Evelyn seized the opportunity to ask. "Mom, is my biological father Mr. Valentine?"