"How did you know?!"

Linda Lowell felt a chill run through her.

Only she and Leo Lowell knew about that matter.

Even Isabella Ashcroft wasn't aware of the details.

How did Eleanor Vance know?

Her tone was so certain, not a guess at all!

Evelyn Ross and Alexander Vance were approaching. Linda's heart raced.

They couldn't have heard, right?

Eleanor Vance huffed angrily. "You're the bad one! Bullying my granddaughter-in-law!"

The old lady was confused, her words all jumbled...

Linda felt relieved. She stepped toward Evelyn, offering a thermos. "Evelyn, Mom made you chicken soup. You must be tired from caring for Mrs. Eleanor. You need to replenish..."

The soup smelled rich, but Evelyn only found it ridiculous.

This was the first time Linda had ever cooked for her.

Her voice was cold. "Just say it. What do you want?"

Linda forced a smile. "It's about Isabella's two percent shares... The老夫人 dotes on you so much. She'll agree if you ask. Help your sister. Otherwise, life is too hard for her in the Vance family..."

Evelyn's gaze turned icy. "Impossible."

Linda's expression instantly darkened. She glared viciously. "I gave birth to you and raised you! Now you've flown up the branch and don't acknowledge your mother?!"

She suddenly sat on the floor, wailing loudly. "Everyone, come see! This ungrateful daughter! Ashamed of me, currying favor with a rich old lady, even abandoning her own mother!"

People nearby pointed and whispered.

"She looks pretty, but who knew she'd be so heartless..."

"What a waste, having a daughter like this!"

Evelyn's face remained expressionless.

She truly wished she didn't have a mother like this.

But blood ties cannot be severed.

A deep sense of powerlessness washed over her.

Evelyn's lips curved slightly. "Make a scene all you want. Security will handle it."

She turned to leave.

Linda flew into a rage. "You heartless thing!"

She scrambled up and flung the scalding soup at Evelyn!

"Watch out!"

A deep male voice rang out. Evelyn was pulled into a solid embrace.

Alexander Vance used his back to shield her from the hot liquid...

His black suit steamed.

Evelyn quickly turned. "Are you okay?"

"Fine."

The man frowned at Linda.

Linda paled in fear. "Mr. Vance, it was an accident, I..."

She fled in a panic, vanishing instantly.

Everyone crowded around Alexander, ushering him into the hospital room.

Eleanor rushed over, pulling at his clothes. "Take it off! Let me see the burns! Are there blisters?"

Alexander calmly removed his suit jacket and shirt, revealing his well-built torso.

Evelyn instinctively averted her eyes, but caught a glimpse of his red, blistered back...

This wasn't "fine." It was serious!

"Oh dear, does it hurt? Granddaughter-in-law, quickly, apply the medicine..."

Eleanor snatched the ointment from a nurse and shoved it into Evelyn's hands. She pushed Evelyn behind Alexander and shooed everyone else away. "Out, all of you! The boy is shy, being half-naked!"

She leaned close to Evelyn, whispering. "Granddaughter-in-law, I leave it to you!"

Evelyn fell silent.

Only the two of them remained in the room.

The atmosphere grew subtle.

Alexander spoke softly. "Grandma is being unreasonable. I'll call a nurse..."

"I'll do it."

Evelyn interrupted him, stepping behind him.

The evening sun streamed through the window, stretching their shadows.

Alexander stood in the halo of light, his broad back outlined with clean lines, his trousers emphasizing his slim waist.

Evelyn lowered her gaze.

Her heart stirred.

She dipped her fingers in the ointment and gently applied it to his burns.

The man remained silent, his muscles tensing momentarily at her touch.

Her soft breath brushed his back, bringing a scorching sensation.

Evelyn noticed his tension and asked quietly, "Does it hurt?"

Alexander looked up. The window reflected her focused expression, as if tending to something precious.

His eyes were drawn to her. The corner of his mouth lifted. "No."

After applying the medicine, Alexander changed into a clean shirt. His long fingers buttoned it. "Miss Ross, thank you."

"You're welcome."

Evelyn hesitated, then looked up. "You didn't have to take that for me. Grandma will be upset that you're hurt."

"She'd be more upset if you were hurt."

"I'm just an outsider, after all."

The man's dark eyes held hers. He spoke slowly. "Don't forget. You're my wife now."

Evelyn's breath caught. The air suddenly felt thin.

Her heart skipped a beat. Her long lashes fluttered.

"I need to step out."

Evelyn turned to leave.

Alexander asked, "Where to?"

"Revenge."

Linda could do whatever she wanted to her. But hurting Alexander was unforgivable.

Evelyn went to Mrs. Ashcroft's room, looking for Linda.

But she saw Isabella and a man slip into the stairwell.

The man looked shifty, very much like her uncle Leo Lowell?

Puzzled, she moved closer.

Inside the stairwell.

Leo rubbed his hands together. "Niece, your uncle is a bit short on cash..."

Isabella suppressed her anger. "I already gave you your allowance for this month!"

Leo was her nightmare.

He showed up suddenly when she was in seventh grade, saying she was Linda's daughter. He threatened to tell William Ashcroft and Mrs. Ashcroft if she didn't pay up...

Leo grinned cheekily. "I've got nothing to lose. If you don't pay, I'll go to Evelyn Ross. Tell her the truth. I bet she'd pay more!"

The door pushed open.

Evelyn stood in the light, her voice icy. "What truth?"