Evelyn's sudden appearance made Isabella's heart jump.

She immediately looked at Leo, panic flashing in her eyes.

Leo grinned, about to speak.

Isabella struck first. "Evelyn, you were eavesdropping on us!"

Evelyn's gaze swept over them. "Don't change the subject."

She looked at Leo. "What truth?"

Her intuition told her this secret involved her.

She added, "I can pay."

Leo's eyes lit up. "How much?"

Evelyn glanced at Isabella, noticing her clenched sleeves and nervous expression.

She said calmly, "Name your price. The Vance family can afford it."

Leo's small eyes darted. He smiled at Isabella. "I think Isabella is richer, right?"

Isabella relaxed. She told Leo, "I'll find a way to get the money. You can go now."

Leo chuckled. "Alright, I'll take my leave then."

He paused beside Evelyn. "Dear niece, this offer stands forever. If the price is right, I'll sell it to you!"

He left in high spirits.

Evelyn watched his retreating back, her eyes narrowing.

She took out her phone and sent a WhatsApp message to James. [Investigate Leo Lowell.]

James replied quickly. [Received.]

He sent another message. [Boss, the industry gathering is tomorrow. The invitation is in your email. Are you going?]

Evelyn replied briefly. [No.]

After sending the message, she looked up to see Isabella walking past her with her head down.

Evelyn said calmly, "If you don't want people to know, don't do it. Do you think I can't find out about you and Leo?"

Isabella stiffened. She lifted her head, forcing composure. "Evelyn, what are you talking about? I don't understand..."

"No wonder the Ashcroft heiress is short on cash. Giving him money every month. What does he have on you?"

Isabella retorted immediately, "Nonsense! What could he possibly have on me!"

Her eyes turned fierce. "Evelyn, you should focus on your own future instead of wasting time on me!"

Evelyn's face turned cold.

As Isabella tried to leave again, Evelyn asked, "Where is Linda?"

Isabella exploded instantly. "She's your mother! Why are you asking me?!"

After learning the truth from Leo, Isabella had kept it from Linda, pretending not to know.

That woman was too foolish! Isabella feared reuniting would make Linda slip up.

So, Linda had no idea Isabella already knew the truth.

After saying this, Isabella walked away.

Evelyn followed her to Mrs. Ashcroft's hospital room.

Through the window, she saw Linda was not inside.

She didn't enter to disturb Mrs. Ashcroft and turned to go downstairs.

She called Linda. "Where are you?"

Linda's voice was panicked. "Evelyn, what do you want?"

"Come back and apologize to Mr. Vance."

Linda's voice turned shrill. "No! Mr. Vance won't let me off! You're my daughter. You apologize for me!"

Evelyn sneered. "Then don't blame me for calling the police."

Linda yelled, "Call the police for what? I'm your mother! Hitting your child is natural!!"

Evelyn's tone was indifferent. "But you hurt Mr. Vance. Everyone must face the consequences of their mistakes."

"Ungrateful daughter! I should have drowned you at birth! Thrown you in a sewer! Sold you to a brothel! You little bitch!..."

Evelyn didn't listen further and hung up.

Their past conflicts would only be considered family disputes by the police.

But this was different.

Linda's accidental injury to Alexander resulted in 48 hours of detention, plus a fine and medical fees.

The Vance family didn't care about the money.

After handling this, Evelyn returned to Grandma Eleanor's room.

Alexander was not there.

Grandma Eleanor explained, "He said he had an important meeting. He went to the RV downstairs."

Evelyn nodded. After a moment of silence, she said, "Grandma, I'm sorry."

Grandma Eleanor waved her hand. "Granddaughter-in-law, family doesn't say such things. I'm overjoyed to see that rascal standing up for you!"

Evelyn was slightly stunned.

Family...

In this chaotic world, she had always known she had no home.

But now, it truly felt like she did.

…

Isabella sold a bag on the second-hand market and scraped together fifty thousand dollars for Leo.

She sent a message. [Keep your mouth shut! Or we'll both suffer!]

Leo replied quickly. [Don't worry, dear niece. Even if I can't tell who's closer, I know who has more money.]

Isabella still felt uneasy.

She needed to marry Julian quickly. Even if her identity was exposed, she would still be Mrs. Evans!

At nine p.m., Julian suddenly came to see her.

Isabella was delighted. "Julian, what brings you here?"

Julian asked sharply, "Did you really speak to Dr. Nan?"

Evelyn's words today had made him uneasy.

Isabella's eyes flickered. "Of course."

"Then arrange a meeting with Dr. Nan for me."

Isabella nervously twisted her fingers. "Dr. Nan is abroad. I'll arrange it when he returns. Julian, do you have a problem? I can contact him for you."

Julian eyed Isabella suspiciously. "I sent the problem to your email. Forward it to Dr. Nan and ask him to solve it."

"Okay, I'll send it right away."

To prove herself, Isabella immediately sent the email from her phone. "Dr. Nan usually replies instantly. Just wait a moment, Julian."

In the VIP suite, Evelyn's phone vibrated.

She glanced at it and saw an email from Mrs. Ashcroft.

[Evelyn, can you help solve this problem?]

Evelyn guessed what it was. She opened the attachment. It was indeed a technical problem from the Vance Group!!

This Isabella… was using Mrs. Ashcroft's name to ask for help!!

Evelyn scoffed and replied.

"Beep."

The email notification sounded. Isabella relaxed. "See, Dr. Nan replies very quickly. He's responded!"

Then, Isabella opened the email…