Mr. Ashcroft frowned deeply. "Your sister has been wronged. As her brother, how can you stand by and do nothing?"

Mrs. Ashcroft quickly tried to mediate. "Marcus has been busy helping his uncle manage the company lately. He definitely doesn't have time for this. Let's not bother him..."

Mr. Ashcroft nodded grimly. "That girl from the Sherwood family can be let off out of respect for her family. But that Grace is far too arrogant. She needs to be taught a lesson!"

A flash of delight crossed Isabella's eyes.

Just as she was about to speak, Marcus cut her off coldly. "No one is to touch Grace."

The living room fell silent instantly.

Mr. and Mrs. Ashcroft exchanged a look.

Isabella asked cautiously, "Big brother, are you protecting her because of Mina? Do you really have feelings for her?"

Hearing Mina's name, Marcus irritably loosened his tie. "No."

The fact that Grace was his uncle's daughter hadn't been made public yet. He couldn't reveal it without permission.

He offered no explanation and turned to go upstairs.

As the Ashcroft family heir, his authority left the three of them speechless.

Only after his figure disappeared around the stairwell did Mr. and Mrs. Ashcroft snap out of it.

Mrs. Ashcroft excitedly grabbed Isabella's arm. "Marcus was in a strange mood today... Has he really taken a liking to that Sherwood girl? He's finally come around after all these years. We need to start preparing for the wedding immediately..."

Mr. Ashcroft nodded repeatedly. "Mina is quite pretty. Her reputation isn't the best, but what matters most is that the young people like each other..."

The two began discussing happily.

Isabella's expression grew increasingly unpleasant.

She clenched her fists tightly. "Mom, Dad, what about that Grace..."

Mrs. Ashcroft cut her off. "Since Mina might become your sister-in-law, and Grace is her best friend, let's just drop it. Give your brother some face."

Mr. Ashcroft agreed. "Your brother's marriage is what's important now. Don't make such a big deal out of some petty squabble between girls."

Mrs. Ashcroft suddenly stood up. "I need to go find the family heirloom bracelet... Dear, come help me decide what would be an appropriate dowry for the Sherwoods?"

They continued talking as they went upstairs, completely forgetting about Isabella.

Isabella stared at their retreating backs, her eyes dark and resentful.

It really is different when you're not their biological child.

Even after being hit, I have to swallow my pride.

They won't even call me by my pet name, always the distant 'Isabella'...

If I were their real daughter, would I have to suffer this humiliation?

Isabella stormed out, slamming the door behind her.

As soon as she got into her car, her assistant handed her a file. "Miss, this is the information on Grace. She has had very little social activity these past few years. There isn't much useful information to be found."

Isabella narrowed her eyes.

Mina might be untouchable, but Grace must pay the price!

Otherwise, anyone would think they can walk all over me!

She flipped through the documents, her gaze suddenly stopping on one particular section. A cold smile curled her lips.

...

When Evelyn returned to the Nan family villa, Alexander's car pulled up at the same time.

They got out together and saw Alexander's assistant standing at the villa entrance with a suitcase.

Evelyn was taken aback. "Are you going on a business trip?"

"No."

Alexander's voice was low.

Evelyn was puzzled. "Then what is this..."

The assistant handed the suitcase to Alexander. "Mr. Vance, all the daily necessities are prepared."

Alexander took the suitcase and walked straight into the villa.

Evelyn finally understood and followed him, amused. "Are you really going to live here?"

"Yes."

Alexander's reply was straightforward.

The nanny stood to the side, looking like she wanted to say something. "Miss Nan..."

Evelyn raised an eyebrow. "What is it?"

The servant glanced toward the second floor. Alexander's assistant chose that moment to report, "Mr. Vance, the bed and bedding in the master bedroom have all been replaced with new ones."

Evelyn was speechless.

Alexander explained calmly, "I'm not used to sleeping in a bed someone else has used."

Evelyn understood.

That was Grace and Zack's bed. She hadn't been used to it when she first arrived either.

She had only changed the sheets at the time. This man was more direct; he replaced the entire bed.

Alexander opened the suitcase and started unpacking his clothes. He threw out all the unused men's toiletries that belonged to Zack, instructing his assistant, "Trash belongs in the trash can."

Evelyn couldn't help but laugh.

She had already cleared out all of Zack's belongings during the divorce. These were just unopened daily necessities...

This man's possessiveness was almost childishly adorable.

She indulged Alexander as he rearranged the master bedroom, not minding even if he decided to renovate the entire thing. She turned and walked into the study.

Picking up the diary she had found under the tree yesterday, she gently opened it.

The content on the first page made her pupils contract sharply.

This notebook indeed held Grace's secrets!

A date from ten years ago was clearly written: