Inside the car.

William Ashcroft watched Sophia's tense expression.

He reached out to smooth the furrow between her brows.

"I know you're grieving, Sophia."

"But we must be there for Evelyn's final farewell."

His tone was gentle, but his eyes held a cold glint.

Sophia clenched her fists.

William sighed softly.

He knew she was resisting.

As long as she complied outwardly, it was enough.

The Ashcroft car entered the Vance family parking lot.

William unfolded the wheelchair and settled Sophia into it.

He pushed her toward the funeral hall.

Guests offered condolences along the way.

"Mrs. Ashcroft, please accept our sympathies."

William wore a sorrowful expression. "Sophia is overwhelmed with grief. She has no strength left."

People offered comfort. "Mrs. Vance wouldn't want you to harm yourself like this in the afterlife..."

No one suspected William.

Everyone in San Francisco knew him as the famously devoted husband.

Twenty-two years and four months of maintaining that image had made it impervious.

Sophia glared at the crowd, but only received more pity in return.

William wheeled her into the funeral hall.

Sophia's eyes immediately found the Vance servants hanging Evelyn's portrait.

Someone nearby murmured an explanation. "Mr. Vance refused to acknowledge her death before. He finally agreed today..."

William crouched down to meet Sophia's gaze.

"Sophia, are you worried Third Uncle will expose everything when he sees the photo?"

Sophia stared at him intently.

William smiled faintly. "He won't come."

"You messaged him yesterday saying you would be here and asked him to stay away."

Sophia's pupils contracted sharply.

Her phone had been strictly controlled.

This was another one of William's tricks!

He killed Evelyn, and now he prevented Third Uncle from appearing...

Sophia wished she could tear him apart with her teeth!

A sudden commotion arose at the entrance.

Alexander Vance appeared outside the funeral hall.

He looked gaunt and haggard, with deep shadows under his eyes.

After returning last night, he had locked himself in his study.

The DNA test report lay on his desk.

The deceased's name clearly stated: Evelyn Ross.

He had stared at it all night.

By dawn, he finally accepted the truth.

He even considered joining her.

But he couldn't.

Grandmother Eleanor still needed him.

She had already lost too many loved ones.

He couldn't make her worry about him too.

So he stood here.

Facing Evelyn's funeral for the first time.

The girl in the black and white photo smiled radiantly.

Memories flooded back.

Their first meeting at the Ashcroft residence, her raising an eyebrow and calling him "husband."

Seeing her again at the company, standing defiantly in her delivery uniform.

Their reunion at the restaurant, wearing an apron and inviting him with a smile.

And when she was angry, enunciating his full name deliberately.

Her voice seemed to echo in his ears.

But that person now lay in a cold coffin, unrecognizable.

Alexander stared blankly ahead.

Guests approached to offer condolences, but he remained silent.

At that moment, Evelyn and Zack entered the funeral hall.

Evelyn still wore her mask and baseball cap.

Zack spotted Alexander immediately and grabbed Evelyn's arm.

"Look! It's that guy who harassed you last night!"

Evelyn shook off his grip.

Her eyes quickly found Mrs. Ashcroft.

She hurried over.

Zack was about to question her when he overheard people talking.

"Mr. Vance is so devoted... He hasn't said a word..."

He froze.

Realizing the man from last night was Alexander Vance.

Alexander Vance, the richest man in San Francisco?

Harassing his wife?

As Zack stood shocked, he heard another感叹.

"So this is what Mrs. Vance looked like... No wonder Mr. Vance can't forget her..."

Curious, he looked at the portrait.

His jaw dropped.

"Grace?!"

Wasn't that his wife?!

Meanwhile.

Evelyn took advantage of the chaos to approach Mrs. Ashcroft.

Sophia recognized her daughter instantly.

Her gaze burned with intensity.

Evelyn!

This was definitely her Evelyn!

William immediately blocked Evelyn's path.

"Miss, did Third Uncle send you again?"

Evelyn pressed her lips together. "Third Uncle asked me to pay my respects to Mrs. Ashcroft."

William prevented her from getting closer. "Please thank him for his concern."

Just then, another guest came to offer condolences.

Evelyn seized the chance to crouch down.

"Mom, how are you?"

That single word "Mom" made tears stream down Sophia's face.

Her lips trembled, but no sound emerged.

William's voice cut in. "Sophia had a stroke. She needs rest."

A stroke?

Evelyn's eyes reddened.

It was all her fault for not revealing herself sooner...

Evelyn grasped her mother's hand.

Her fingers brushed against a small piece of paper.

She quickly concealed it in her palm.

William glanced over suspiciously.

Evelyn stood up calmly and walked away.

She hurried to a corner.

No one was around.

She unfolded the note quickly.

Eight words leaped out at her: William is the murderer. Save me!