Evelyn Ross turned her gaze to Alexander Vance, raising an eyebrow. "She says she wants an arranged marriage with Mr. Vance."

Alexander immediately shot Penelope Valentine a look of disgust. "Absolutely not."

Fiona Valentine scrutinized Alexander, taking in his casual athletic wear. She sneered dismissively. "Grace, is this your new boy toy after the divorce? Tsk. How audacious to say it's impossible… Do you even understand what an arranged marriage between powerful families entails?"

Mrs. Lawrence hesitated. "I haven't heard anything…"

Fiona cut her off sharply. "The alliance between the Vance and Valentine families has a long history! It was only put on hold because Mr. Vance was married. Now that his wife has passed, the arrangement naturally resumes!"

She pointed at Penelope. "My sister is the only unmarried daughter of the Valentine family. She is the obvious choice for this union. How could it be impossible?"

Penelope lowered her head shyly. "Sister, this matter hasn't been announced yet…"

"It's a done deal!"

Fiona glared at Mrs. Lawrence. "My sister is about to become the lady of the Vance household. Are you sure you still want to testify for them?"

Mrs. Lawrence fell silent.

Fiona looked at Evelyn triumphantly. "See? Now there are no witnesses. Stop causing trouble here! This preschool is a top-tier institution in New York. There is absolutely no possibility of child abuse!"

Evelyn frowned.

Just as she was about to speak, Mrs. Lawrence suddenly spoke up. "Who says there are no witnesses? My son is a witness! Many children in his class saw it…"

Evelyn was slightly taken aback and looked at Mrs. Lawrence.

Mrs. Lawrence gave her a gentle smile and led Benny Lawrence toward the police. "My son is willing to cooperate with the investigation."

Fiona's eyes widened in disbelief. "Mrs. Lawrence, are you insane?! Do you know the consequences of meddling? Does your husband approve?"

Mrs. Lawrence gave her a calm glance. "I am fully aware of what I am doing."

Fiona was speechless.

Mrs. Lawrence said no more, allowing her son to provide his statement to the police alone.

The teacher, seeing this, began to tremble…

Evelyn was moved by Mrs. Lawrence's sense of justice.

She looked at Mrs. Lawrence in surprise, who then asked, "You really don't remember me?"

Evelyn was puzzled.

Mrs. Lawrence chuckled softly. "Four years ago, at San Francisco Bay, we went scuba diving together…"

Evelyn suddenly remembered. "You were the one… who tied rocks to yourself for a deep dive?"

Mrs. Lawrence nodded repeatedly. "Yes! That was me!"

Alexander rarely interjected. "Tied rocks?"

Mrs. Lawrence explained, "I always had trouble descending while diving. That time, I came up with an idea to tie a rock to my back. It worked perfectly, and I went down immediately!"

She coughed lightly. "Of course, when I wanted to come back up, I realized the rock was too heavy. I kept sinking deeper… If this young lady hadn't saved me, the bay would have been my final resting place."

Alexander fell silent.

His earlier shock was precisely because of this!

Who in their right mind ties rocks to themselves while diving?!

Mrs. Lawrence took Evelyn's hand. "You saved my life back then and didn't even leave your name. I've always wanted to thank you but couldn't find you. I never expected to meet you again in New York!"

Evelyn didn't think much of it.

But Alexander frowned at Evelyn, scolding her in a low voice. "She was in danger, but did you know saving her was even more dangerous?!"

His tone was laced with fear for what could have happened.

Divers are deep underwater. If Mrs. Lawrence couldn't surface with the rocks, it meant she had gone extremely deep!

How could Evelyn dare to attempt a rescue under those circumstances? Was she trying to get herself killed?

Mrs. Lawrence also said gratefully, "Yes, it was incredibly dangerous. Saving me was like tying your own life to mine…"

Her tone was filled with emotion.

Evelyn coughed lightly. "Well, is it possible I had no choice but to save you?"

Both Alexander and Mrs. Lawrence were stunned.

Evelyn explained, "There were only the two of us on the beach that day, no instructors. She sank with the rocks. If the police investigated, I wouldn't have been able to clear my name no matter what I said…"

Alexander fell silent.

Mrs. Lawrence fell silent.

Everyone understood this was just a small joke Evelyn made to ease Alexander's tension and fear.

The police finished their questioning quickly. Benny Lawrence spoke clearly and logically. Combined with Chloe Davis's testimony, it was basically confirmed the teacher had engaged in child abuse. They took her away directly.

Before leaving, the teacher pleaded with Fiona Valentine. "Miss Valentine, you must help me…"

Fiona glared furiously at Mrs. Lawrence, her chest heaving with anger.

Mindful of the public setting and remembering the last time Grace had threatened her, she couldn't act too outrageously as an adopted daughter. She could only grit her teeth and say, "Mrs. Lawrence, just wait for the Vance family to cancel their cooperation with you!"

After throwing down these words, she dragged Penelope away.

Mrs. Lawrence forced a smile. "Why would the Vance family's decisions depend on a woman's whims?"

Despite her words, worry was evident in her eyes.

Her husband's collaboration with the Vance family was still in the negotiation stage.

The Vance family needed channels to enter the New York market. They were selecting partners among smaller families like theirs. Her husband had been working hard to secure the deal.

Even if Penelope didn't marry Mr. Vance, it was said Mr. Vance was close to the Valentine family. If the Valentine sisters said a few bad words, it could really ruin her husband's opportunity.

After all, the Vance family had many potential partners to choose from. Theirs was just one of them.

Mrs. Lawrence was worried internally but maintained a relaxed demeanor. "Don't worry about me. This won't affect me at all."

Evelyn nodded. "Don't worry. It absolutely will not affect you."

Mrs. Lawrence smiled. "I know. Since Chloe is fine, I'll take my son home now. Let's meet up another day."

She took her son's hand and turned to leave.

The moment she turned around, her smile became strained, and worry surfaced in her eyes.

Just then, Alexander's voice came from behind. "Mrs. Lawrence…"

Mrs. Lawrence paused and turned back in confusion.

The man standing behind Grace stepped forward. "Have your husband prepare the contract. He can proceed with signing it."

Mrs. Lawrence was stunned.