The butler hurried away.

Alexander Vance moved to follow but paused.

He turned back to Evelyn Ross. "I studied under Third Master for a time abroad in my youth."

"He is something of a mentor to me."

Understanding dawned on Evelyn.

Alexander knew she wished to avoid Mr.Valentine.

He was explaining why he had to go.

A slight smile touched her lips. "I understand. Go ahead."

Alexander gave her hand a gentle squeeze.

He turned and quickly left.

Evelyn lingered outside for a moment.

She pulled out her phone and saw a message from Frank Melville.

[Dr. Nora, I'm outside the Vance estate.]

[Shall I bring the medicine in, or will you come out?]

She stared at the screen, thoughtful.

Alexander was aware of the situation.

The elderly lady was fine.

It was better to keep her identity concealed for now.

The name 'Researcher Nora' drew far too much attention.

Global health awareness had risen in recent years.

Viruses were frequent.

Her specialized medicine was remarkably effective.

It had already made her a target for various factions.

Rumors even circulated on the dark web.

A certain queen from Country Y had declared her intention.

She would spare no expense to "invite" Nora for a visit.

Evelyn had no desire to spend her life confined to a lab.

She refused to be reduced to a tool for making medicine.

She had just found her mother.

She had met the love of her life.

She was enjoying a fulfilling existence.

With this in mind, she replied to the message.

She sent the location of the private dining room, Le Jardin Secret.

[Let's meet here tonight.]

She needed to discuss the internal theft at the research institute with Frank.

After sending the message, she put her phone away.

She returned to the living room.

Robert Vance and Richard Evans had clearly heard the commotion outside.

They stood up excitedly.

Seeing Evelyn enter, they immediately asked, "Was that Mr.Valentine arriving outside?"

Evelyn replied calmly, "It seems so."

Robert's face lit up with joy. "A truly esteemed guest has arrived!"

The Xu family was one of the five great elite families of New York.

They were on par with the Sherwoods.

The Vance Group had a partnership with the Rolands.

But the Roland family's influence was far less than that of the five elites.

If they could gain Mr.Valentine's favor, they would have nothing to fear from the Sherwoods' pressure.

Their delighted expressions made Evelyn scoff inwardly.

Richard's eyes shifted craftily.

He looked at Evelyn and ventured, "Mr.Valentine wouldn't be here for you, would he?"

Evelyn found the idea absurd.

A man of his importance wouldn't have such free time.

Just look at how busy Alexander was!

She stated firmly, "No."

Richard immediately breathed a sigh of relief.

If Mr.Valentine was here to support Mrs. Ashcroft and stand up for Evelyn, the main branch would be at a disadvantage again.

He couldn't help pressing further. "At the hospital back then, Mr.Valentine came specifically to back your mother."

"What is their relationship?"

"Could your mother be Mr.Valentine's mistress?"

Evelyn's face turned icy. "How dare you say that?"

A chilling aura instantly radiated from her.

Insulting her was one thing.

But slandering her mother was absolutely intolerable.

Richard was intimidated by her presence and took a step back.

He muttered, "If she's not, then she's not. Why get so worked up?"

"Your mother is past her prime anyway. Mr.Valentine wouldn't be interested in…"

Thwack!

Evelyn's fist connected with his face.

Richard's head snapped to the side.

His cheek immediately swelled.

Robert was furious. "How dare you hit your elder brother?!"

"Guards! Seize this shrew! Today, I will teach her what manners are!"

The security outside looked in but didn't dare move.

The ones who had laid hands on Evelyn last time, not knowing she was Alexander's wife, were still recovering at home.

They couldn't find work anywhere.

Who would dare risk it now?

Seeing no one step forward, Evelyn said coldly, "If you dare insult my mother again, I will hit you every time I see you."

"I won't hold back."

Robert was also intimidated by her.

What daughter-in-law resorted to fists so readily?

She was utterly unreasonable!

Feeling his pride wounded, he flicked his sleeve angrily. "Richard, our esteemed guest has arrived. Let's go greet him!"

"We'll deal with this shrew later!"

Richard's face burned with pain.

The taste of blood filled his mouth.

He trembled with rage.

But he was no match for her in a fight.

He could only glare viciously at Evelyn.

He then turned his anger on Julian Evans, who had remained silent the whole time.

Slap!

He struck Julian across the face.

Richard roared, "Useless fool! Watching your father get beaten?"

"Worthless! If your sister were here, she would have protected me with her life!"

After venting his fury, he sullenly followed Robert out the door.

Evelyn glanced indifferently at Julian.

Since Isabella Ashcroft's true identity had been exposed, Julian had been listless and despondent.

Even after being hit, he showed no reaction.

He just numbly touched his face.

Noticing Evelyn's gaze, he stubbornly turned his head away.

Evelyn paid him no mind and walked toward the bedroom.

She hesitated slightly.

Earlier, she had seen that Eleanor Vance was lucid.

She wanted to seize the chance to ask about the truth behind the marriage certificate.

This marriage had come about strangely.

Though she was very satisfied with her "heaven-sent husband" Alexander, she always felt a sword hanging over her head.

She didn't know when it might fall.

After a moment's thought, she finally raised her hand and knocked on the door.

Meanwhile.

Alexander personally welcomed Mr.Valentine into the parking lot.

After getting out of the car, Mr.Valentine said, "I heard Mrs. Vance is unwell."

"As a junior, I've come specifically to pay my respects."

Alexander glanced at him. "Are you really here to see my grandmother?"

"Of course," Mr.Valentine replied, his expression frank.

His cold, imposing demeanor didn't seem feigned. "Miss Evelyn Ross must be attending to her at the bedside?"

Alexander fell silent.

His true purpose was indeed not his grandmother!

After a moment's consideration, he stepped aside. "Please."

Evelyn had just been mocked for having no backing.

Now, wasn't this backing arriving?

Once Robert and his son saw how Mr.Valentine treated Evelyn, let's see who would still dare look down on her!