Evelyn Ross stared at the girl before her.

"What's your name?"

The girl hesitated for a moment.

She smiled bitterly. "We're connected by fate, in a way. My name is Grace Nan."

Evelyn was slightly taken aback.

"Nan?"

The same surname as her mother, Sophia Ashcroft.

Was it a coincidence?

The girl nodded. "My surname is Nan. My given name is Gege. It was fine when I was little, but as I grew up, everyone just called me Evelyn."

Evelyn… Evelyn…

No wonder she said they were connected.

The girl's eyes were clear and gentle.

Evelyn found it hard not to feel a connection to her.

She had always been strong and resilient.

But she had a soft spot for gentle, delicate girls like this.

Evelyn was about to speak.

Grace Nan spoke first. "Evelyn, I've told you everything I can. Do you believe me now?"

Her eyes were timid yet urgent.

Evelyn pressed her lips together and nodded.

Grace Nan immediately looked relieved.

"Then don't go through with the divorce!"

Evelyn gave a bitter smile.

"At this point, the divorce is out of my hands."

Grace Nan froze.

"Is there no room for negotiation?"

"No."

Evelyn lowered her gaze.

A shadow passed through her eyes.

Just yesterday, Alexander Vance was still being difficult.

He clearly had the documents but claimed he didn't.

Today, he was the one who initiated contact.

Evelyn suppressed her bitter smile.

She looked up to see Grace Nan's anxious, worried expression.

It was as if some great danger was approaching.

She couldn't help but ask, "What exactly are you so afraid of?"

Grace Nan nervously clenched her fingers.

She released them, then clenched them again.

After repeating this several times, she seemed on the verge of tears.

"I… I can't say…"

Evelyn frowned.

She checked the time.

It was almost time for her lunch with the handsome older man.

She looked at Grace Nan. "Will you come with me to see Mom?"

Grace Nan immediately shook her head.

She hurriedly put on her mask and hat.

Her eyes filled with regret.

"I can't. Reuniting with Mom would put her in danger. Evelyn, you must remember, there are dangers in this world beyond your imagination. Please, beg Alexander Vance again. If you can avoid divorce, do it. If he refuses, go to Eleanor Vance. She likes you…"

Grace Nan's voice was choked with tears.

She sounded utterly desperate.

Evelyn's warm hand closed around Grace's wrist.

Grace Nan stopped speaking and looked at her.

Evelyn spoke calmly. "Don't be afraid. We'll face whatever comes. I'll remember your warning."

Grace Nan's panic gradually subsided under Evelyn's steady gaze.

Evelyn continued, "I don't know what difficulties you're facing. But if you need help, you can tell me directly."

Grace Nan opened her mouth.

Finally, she just patted Evelyn's shoulder.

"Evelyn, I'm your older sister. I should be the one protecting you."

Evelyn felt a warmth in her heart.

This fragile girl was saying she would protect her…

She patted Grace Nan's shoulder.

She looked down with a light laugh. "Okay. Then… thank you, sister?"

The word "sister" made Grace Nan blush.

She shyly lowered her head.

"You're… you're welcome."

Seeing Evelyn check the time again, Grace Nan said, "You must be busy. You should go. I need to head home too."

She glanced at her watch.

"I have to pick up my daughter from school at five."

Evelyn nodded. "Alright. You go first."

Grace Nan opened the door to leave.

It was lunchtime.

A strange, fragrant scent wafted in from outside.

Evelyn's body stiffened slightly.

…

Elsewhere.

In front of City Hall.

Thomas Watson had brought everything Alexander Vance requested.

He had just parked the car.

He saw his boss standing in the parking lot waiting for him.

Alexander walked over as soon as he saw the car.

"Did you bring everything?"

Thomas was speechless. "Boss, if I recall correctly, your appointment with Evelyn Ross is at two PM, not noon, right?"

It was only eleven-thirty.

Why the hurry?

Alexander gave him a cool glance.

He went straight to his own car and opened the trunk.

"Stop wasting time. Bring the stuff over."

Thomas immediately carried two boxes over.

"Boss, I specifically asked when I bought them. They can decorate it for you. Just drive the car over. You're…"

"Doing it myself makes it more meaningful."

Alexander only said that.

He opened the boxes and looked at the white and pink balloons inside.

He took out a pump and started inflating them one by one.

Then he used double-sided tape to attach the balloons together.

As he worked, Alexander thought about the surprise scenes he'd seen online.

A smile touched his lips.

Would Evelyn be surprised when she saw all this romance?

She was so brave.

She probably wouldn't be surprised.

Just pleased?

Thinking this, Alexander pumped the balloons with more vigor.

When he had enough, he stood up.

He took a small box from his pocket.

He opened it.

Inside was a jade thumb ring.

He tied the ring to a red string.

Then he attached it to a balloon.

It was a helium balloon that could float in the air.

He placed the balloon in the trunk.

He secured it under the trunk lid.

This way, when the trunk opened…

It would be filled with pink and white balloons.

And beautiful roses.

Add some lights…

Alexander coughed at the thought.

He cleared his throat and said softly, "Little bun, big brother is here to take you home."

Then he chuckled softly.

It felt a bit embarrassing.

Alexander sighed quietly.

Suddenly, he realized something.

He slowly turned his head.

He saw Thomas and the driver standing not far away.

They were both staring at him as if they'd seen a ghost.

When he looked over, Thomas and the driver immediately averted their eyes.

They looked elsewhere, clearly pretending they hadn't heard anything.

Thomas said, "Hey, Old Li, I suddenly had a ringing in my ears just now. Didn't hear a thing."

Driver Old Li looked particularly earnest. "Mr. Watson, you only had ringing? I suddenly went deaf! I need to go to the hospital after work!"

Thomas: "?? You win!"

Alexander: "…"

…

Le Jardin Secret.

Mr. Valentine sat in private room number eight.

Marcus Valentine was with him.

They both stared intently at the door.

Mr. Valentine checked the time.

It was already noon.

It seemed the young lady was going to be late?

Outside.

Sophia Ashcroft stepped out of her family car.

She looked at the name "Le Jardin Secret."

She smiled slightly and entered.

She headed for private room number eight.

She kept her head down.

Debating in her heart whether she should wait for Evelyn…

She checked the time.

Evelyn was already late.

As her mother, she should entertain the guests on Evelyn's behalf.

She couldn't let the guests wait too long in the room.

That would be impolite.

Sophia pushed the door open…

Inside.

Mr. Valentine paused at the sound of the door opening.

He looked up.

When he saw the figure in the doorway—one that had appeared in his dreams countless times—he froze completely!!

He pulled back his chair and stood up instantly.

Sophia's pupils contracted when she saw him!

Over twenty years had passed.

Mr. Valentine bore the marks of time.

But he still looked exactly as she remembered.