Evelyn stared at the note, her fingertips trembling.
William Ashcroft.
The name sent a chill down her spine.
She thought of Sophia, living in seclusion all these years.
Brilliant, yet choosing to endure in silence.
Her father, William, was always a vague figure in her memory.
To go this far, he was either deeply hidden or had powerful backing.
Evelyn clenched her fist.
She hadn't taken Grace Nan seriously last time.
Then Grace taught her a final lesson with her life.
That girl could have lived.
A heavy weight pressed on Evelyn's chest.
She couldn't take any more risks.
Her mother couldn't wait.
Evelyn took a deep breath.
She needed help now.
Alexander Vance?
She dismissed the thought immediately.
The only person she could trust right now was Mr. Valentine.
She didn't know his history with her mother.
But Evelyn trusted her instincts.
Mr. Valentine would never harm Sophia.
Evelyn looked up. Noise came from the memorial hall.
The service had ended. The body was being prepared for cremation.
She quickly messaged Mr. Valentine. ["Mrs. Ashcroft passed a note. It names William Ashcroft as the killer. She might be controlled. Needs rescue!"]
The message sent. The ice coffin was loaded into the hearse.
Alexander stood alone, his figure desolate.
Someone carried Evelyn's portrait, following the hearse.
Whispers surrounded them.
"Isn't Mrs. Vance being buried in the family plot?"
"Mr. Vance doesn't acknowledge her as his wife…"
"Look at him. It's heartbreaking."
Evelyn ignored them.
She urgently searched for William and Sophia.
William was helping Sophia into a car.
"Mrs. Ashcroft is overwhelmed with grief. They're leaving early."
"I heard they're flying abroad tomorrow."
Evelyn's heart tightened.
She hurried toward the parking lot.
...
Outside the Vance estate, inside a black SUV.
Mr. Valentine gazed toward the house, his eyes dark.
Marcus Valentine spoke up. "Uncle, if you want to pay respects, just go in."
Mr. Valentine remained silent.
His phone screen glowed, showing his messages with Sophia.
["Could you do me a favor?"]
["Anything you ask. Just name it."]
That was from yesterday.
Today, she had replied.
["Please leave San Francisco immediately. Don't disturb my life anymore."]
Mr. Valentine smiled bitterly.
After over twenty years, she was still this resolute.
And he still couldn't forget.
The Ashcroft car drove slowly past.
Mr. Valentine stared greedily at the blurred figure behind the window.
This farewell might be forever.
He only looked away after the car disappeared.
"Let's go."
Marcus got out. "I'll check on Alexander."
The door closed. The car started moving.
Mr. Valentine glanced at his WhatsApp message. His pupils constricted.
"Stop the car!"
Marcus had just waved goodbye. He approached, confused. "Uncle, what's wrong?"
The window rolled down. Mr. Valentine's face was grave. "Mobilize everyone. To the Ashcroft residence!"