Evelyn Ross turned to Mina Sherwood, assuming Marcus Valentine had come to pick her up.

Mina froze for a moment, her eyes darting toward the entrance.

A flicker of hope crossed her gaze before fading just as quickly.

It couldn't be him…

Footsteps echoed closer as two figures swept into the living room.

Fiona Valentine and Penelope Valentine stormed in, radiating hostility.

Little Chloe Davis clung tightly to Evelyn's leg, her small face pale with fear.

Evelyn gently passed the child to Alexander Vance. "Take her upstairs."

Alexander glanced at the intruders. "Can you handle this?"

"Don't worry."

Evelyn's lips curved into a cold smile. "I used to hold back for Grandma's sake. Not anymore."

She flexed her wrists.

Alexander raised an eyebrow, then turned and carried Chloe upstairs.

Mina looked bewildered, but Chloe Roland's eyes shone with excitement.

Her savior was truly impressive!

She immediately stepped in front of Evelyn. "What do you think you're doing?"

Fiona sneered. "Chloe Roland, stay out of this!"

"You wouldn't dare lay a hand on me."

"Who says I wouldn't?" Fiona's expression dripped with contempt. "Fourth in line at the Roland family, and you think you're royalty?"

Chloe's face flushed with anger.

Fiona continued her taunts. "Everyone knows you were tricked into a marriage and nearly died abroad. A lovesick fool, now duped by Grace Nan again?"

Evelyn's voice cut through coldly. "Are you both planning to never marry?"

"We'd never be as stupid as her!" Fiona rolled her eyes dramatically. "The whole city knows about her scandal."

Penelope added softly, "Sister, don't say that. She publicly declared she'd marry Mr. Vance."

"Her?" Fiona laughed exaggeratedly. "Mr. Vance is a widower. She's divorced. It's not the same! Our families have an arranged marriage. Penelope and Mr. Vance are the perfect match!"

Chloe trembled with rage.

Evelyn squeezed her hand and addressed the sisters. "Get to the point. Who are you here for?"

Feeling the warmth of Evelyn's hand, Chloe gradually calmed down.

Her savior was right. She shouldn't let rumors affect her.

Penelope smirked. "You'll find out soon enough."

Before she finished speaking, more noise came from the entrance.

The flustered nanny explained, "They barged in with bodyguards…"

Evelyn frowned and looked toward the door.

Mrs. Lawrence hurried in, holding her son Benny Lawrence's hand.

The little boy's eyes were red and swollen, still sniffling.

Mrs. Lawrence looked anxious. "Miss Nan, I'm sorry to intrude. It's about the children…"

She paused, noticing the tense scene in the living room.

Evelyn stepped forward. "What happened?"

Mrs. Lawrence glanced at the Valentine sisters, hesitating. "The preschool… expelled Benny and Chloe."

Evelyn was stunned. "What?"

She had recently requested leave for Chloe, wanting her daughter to adjust.

Why would they be expelled suddenly?

Admission to this preschool was extremely competitive…

Mrs. Lawrence glared at the Valentine sisters, her eyes welling up. "The school board has new directors."

Evelyn understood immediately. "Who?"

"The Valentine family took over." Mrs. Lawrence's voice trembled.

Fiona stepped forward triumphantly. "That's right. I'm the chairwoman now. Grace Nan, your daughter and Benny Lawrence have been expelled for misconduct, by board decision!"