The three of them entered the restaurant.

Julian Evans scanned the room but didn't find the person he was looking for.

He collected his thoughts and looked at Isabella. "Is Dr. Nan really coming to Vance Group?"

Isabella glanced at Sophia and lowered her voice. "Julian, go in and talk to Dr. Nan first. With enough sincerity, Dr. Nan will definitely be interested."

She turned to Sophia. "Mom, my bra strap is loose. Come help me fix it."

Sophia followed her toward the restroom.

Julian walked alone to the private room door.

His first assignment at Vance Group was in the R&D department. If he could persuade Dr. Nan to join, it would greatly boost his standing in the company.

He straightened his collar and pushed the door open.

A slender back came into view. A woman was facing away from the door, preparing tea.

The renowned Dr. Nan was a young woman?

Julian suppressed his surprise and spoke respectfully. "Dr. Nan, I'm Julian Evans from Vance Group. I've long admired your work."

The woman turned around slowly.

The moment he saw her face, Julian's pupils constricted sharply. "Evelyn Ross? What are you doing here?"

Evelyn had just poured tea for Sophia when she heard the door open.

Seeing Julian, she raised an eyebrow. "I should be asking you that."

She had clearly arranged to meet only Sophia...

Julian's face darkened. "I'm not here for you."

He looked around the room. "Where is Dr. Nan?"

Evelyn narrowed her eyes. "Who?"

Julian said impatiently, "The guest reserved this private room. Where did they go?"

Evelyn remained silent.

Footsteps sounded at the door as Sophia and Isabella entered.

Seeing Evelyn, they both stopped in their tracks.

Isabella's face instantly turned ugly.

Sophia's eyes reddened slightly. "Is that... Evelyn?"

Evelyn had left the Ashcroft family ten years ago. Sophia hadn't seen her since.

That little girl had now grown into an elegant young woman.

Warmth bloomed in Evelyn's chest.

Seeing her, Sophia showed neither awkwardness nor distance, only pure joy.

Perhaps she shouldn't have deliberately avoided her all these years.

She suppressed the moisture in her eyes and stepped forward with a smile. "How have you been, Madam?"

"Well... cough... I've been well." Sophia sat in the main seat, holding Evelyn's hand tightly. "I heard you got married?"

Evelyn nodded gently, saying no more.

Sophia looked wistful. She wanted to ask about her husband, but remembered William's attitude yesterday and swallowed her words.

A dark glint flashed in Isabella's eyes. "Evelyn, what are you doing here?"

Julian sneered. "She works here."

Isabella feigned surprise. "Works here? Are you a waitress?"

Sophia gripped Evelyn's hand, concerned. "Weren't you working at Vance Group? Why are you working here too... Is money tight?"

Evelyn said calmly, "No, I—"

"Mom, let's focus on business first. We have an important guest today."

Isabella interrupted, turning to Evelyn. "We should invite you to join us, but since you're working, it might not be appropriate. We'll leave a generous tip later to help you out."

"Enough!" Sophia scolded Isabella, quickly looking at Evelyn.

Both were William's daughters, yet one was高高在上 while the other was a waitress. This must be painful for Evelyn.

Unexpectedly, Evelyn remained calm, seemingly unbothered by the status difference.

Sophia's eyes showed approval.

She said directly, "Evelyn, we're meeting Dr. Nan today. You study new energy too. Meeting them would be good for you!"

Isabella clenched her fist.

Dr. Nan was her bargaining chip. Why should she be introduced to Evelyn?

What if Dr. Nan was also captivated by that pretty face...

Her gaze swept across the table, settling on the cup of scalding tea.

She picked up the teacup and walked to Evelyn's side. "Evelyn, Mom wants me to apologize. Let me offer you tea instead of wine."

She loosened her fingers, splashing the scalding tea directly at Evelyn—

Evelyn had been prepared.

Isabella had always tried to outdo her since childhood. A sincere apology was unlikely.

Seeing the tea coming, she sidestepped, her elbow seemingly accidentally bumping the cup—

"Ah!"

The tea splashed onto Isabella's chest, making her scream.

Isabella endured the pain,委屈地说, "Evelyn, I know you dislike me, but how could you do this?"

Evelyn lowered her eyes, looking innocent. "Sorry, I wasn't paying attention."

Isabella's eyes welled with tears, on the verge of crying.

Julian怒said, "Evelyn, is this how you work as a waitress? Clumsy and hurting guests! Call your manager. I want to complain about you!"

Sophia hurriedly stopped him. "Enough, we're family..."

Isabella's eyes flickered. "Evelyn might have gotten too excited hearing about meeting Dr. Nan..."

Knowing Dr. Nan... she would be harder to control!

This thought flashed through Julian's mind. He immediately said, "Aunt Sophia, Isabella is my fiancée. I can't let her be wronged."

He glared at Evelyn. "Someone like you deserves to meet Dr. Nan? Get out now, or I'll make you leave!"

Sophia frowned, about to speak, but Isabella挽住her arm. "Mom, Julian is angry. Let Evelyn leave first to avoid more conflict."

Sophia nodded helplessly, looking apologetically at Evelyn. "Evelyn, come home sometime. I'll introduce you to Dr. Nan next time."

Evelyn was about to speak when Isabella quickly changed the subject. "Mom, why hasn't Dr. Nan arrived yet?"

Sophia sighed. "Let me send a message to ask."

"No need."

Evelyn smiled faintly. "They're already here."