Alexander Vance found this task quite challenging.

He cleared his throat. "It seems Marcus Valentine doesn't want to let go."

"He has to let go." Evelyn Ross's eyes turned sharp. "Forcing Mina to take that medicine last time completely broke her heart. She personally asked me to handle this matter a few days ago."

Alexander frowned slightly. "If they divorce, your first mission will fail."

Evelyn suddenly looked at him. "Guess why my first mission was to have Mina Sherwood marry into the Valentine family?"

Alexander was taken aback.

Both knew all too well the methods of the Nan family. Outside, Evelyn had always operated under the identity of Grace Nan.

After a moment's thought, Alexander spoke. "They wanted you to secure cooperation with both the Valentine and Sherwood families simultaneously?"

Evelyn nodded. "I believe so. My friendship with Mina was probably arranged by the Nan family long ago."

Grace Nan was sent to an elite kindergarten as a child. Her family's financial situation at the time couldn't possibly afford it.

This was clearly deliberate.

Parents can easily guide their children's friendships.

Becoming friends with Mina made securing the Sherwood cooperation effortless.

Through marriage, they could also connect with the Valentine family.

Before seeing the second mission, she hadn't understood the purpose of the first.

Now everything was clear.

Evelyn said softly, "Mina always insisted on divorcing after having the baby. She must have overheard our conversation. She knew the content of my mission. That's why she endured the humiliation and married Marcus Valentine."

She lowered her eyes. "Otherwise, with her savings, she wouldn't have needed to suffer like this."

This friendship was a two-way street.

Grace Nan considered Mina her most important person.

Didn't Mina sacrifice her own happiness for Grace Nan's sake?

Alexander frowned. "Mina truly wants a divorce?"

"Yes." Evelyn's tone was firm. "She's wanted it for a long time. Setting the divorce date after the birth was to buy me time to save Mom."

Alexander understood Mina's good intentions. "Alright. I'll help her deliver it to Marcus Valentine."

Evelyn nodded.

Alexander suddenly asked, "You're thinking about how to cooperate with Mrs. Evans?"

Evelyn immediately looked at him. "Do you have a way?"

"No."

A flicker of disappointment passed through Evelyn's eyes.

Alexander added, "But I know a secret about the Evans family."

Evelyn's eyes lit up. "What secret?"

Alexander spoke slowly. "I heard Mrs. Evans became like this because she lost a daughter fifteen years ago."

Evelyn was stunned.

She had never heard of this.

Alexander continued, "The Evans family has been searching for this daughter in secret. Very few people know about it."

Evelyn suddenly understood. "If we can help her find her daughter, maybe we can resolve my conflict with Justin Evans?"

The Master standing up for her today had pros and cons.

The pro was she could formally become his disciple.

The con was it made Mrs. Evans detest her even more.

Without resolving the issue of hitting Justin Evans, cooperation with the Evans family would be difficult.

Alexander pondered. "It's just a possibility. But the girl is very hard to find. The Evans family has searched for fifteen years. I had Thomas investigate too. Clues from fifteen years ago are too scarce. There's been no news so far."

Evelyn pressed further. "Any distinguishing features?"

Alexander said, "I heard she has a crescent moon pendant on her person. The details aren't clear. The Evans family has kept it quiet, afraid someone might take advantage."

Evelyn thought for a moment. "Let's think of another way. China is so vast. Finding someone is like looking for a needle in a haystack."

They walked through several alleys.

Following the address Jane Evans provided, they asked for directions and finally found John Evans's residence.

Before they could get close, screams came from the courtyard.

"John Evans, your mute little sister is quite pretty. No money to pay the debt? Use her as compensation!"

It was Jason Evans's voice.

Then came John Evans's furious roar. "Jason Evans, let her go! Don't you dare touch her!"

Jason Evans sneered. "I'm touching her. What can you do about it? Who told you to help Grace Nan bully me and my big brother? Today, you'll learn the consequences of crossing us! You two, teach this little mute some manners!"

In the courtyard.

Jane Evans cowered in a corner, trembling.

She couldn't make a sound. Her eyes were filled with terror as two burly men approached.

John Evans, dragging his bandaged leg, tried to rush over but was yanked back.

Jason Evans walked up to him. "John Evans, let's see how fun your mute little sister really is!"

Several men dragged Jane Evans by her arms and pulled her before Jason Evans.

Jason Evans pointed to his face. "Come on, give me a kiss."

Jane Evans's eyes widened. She spat fiercely at him.

Jason Evans smirked. He lifted his foot and kicked John Evans's injured leg hard!

John Evans immediately let out a piercing scream!

Cold sweat beaded on his forehead!

Jane Evans shook her head desperately. Tears rolled down her cheeks. Her mouth opened but no sound came out...

Jason Evans stared at her. "Will you kiss me or not?"

Jane Evans looked at John Evans.

John Evans's face was pale with pain, but he still shouted. "Don't kiss him! Jane, don't worry about me... Ah!"

Jason Evans increased the pressure. John Evans screamed again.

Jane Evans struggled, trying to break free. A crescent moon pendant around her neck suddenly slipped out...

Jane Evans struggled desperately.

The jade pendant around her neck swung violently with her movements.

Her tear-filled eyes turned to Justin Evansan.

Then she glared furiously at Jason Evans.

She shook her head vehemently.

Her lips moved.

But no sound came out.

Jason Evans stepped forward.

His gaze fell on the crescent moon pendant at her neck.

He let out a scornful laugh.

He ripped the pendant off violently.

He toyed with it in his hand.

"This thing must be worth a fortune. Stolen from the main family? It's mine now!"

He stuffed the pendant into his pocket.

Justin Evansan roared, "Give it back! That belongs to Nian Nian!"

Jane Evans struggled to reclaim the pendant.

But the bodyguards held her down firmly.

Jason Evans sneered, "Justin Evansan, a mere branch family member like you dares challenge me? Always following Evelyn and opposing me. Today, you'll learn the price of offending the core family!"

He kicked Justin Evansan hard in the abdomen.

Then he turned to Jane Evans.

His filthy hand landed on her shoulder.

A lewd smile spread across his face.

Justin Evansan's eyes nearly burst with rage. "Jason Evans! She's also a Zhao! Your sister!"

Jason Evans curled his lip. "Cut the crap! Everyone knows she's a foundling bastard. Pretty enough though. Perfect for some fun. Consider it compensation for Evelyn!"

Justin Evansan trembled with fury.

Tears mixed with blood streamed down his face.

Jane Evans shivered uncontrollably.

Jason Evans roughly tore open her collar.

Exposing her pale shoulder.

His groping hands wandered over her body.

"Beast! Let her go!"

Justin Evansan dragged his injured leg, crawling forward desperately.

Jane Evans pushed and resisted in terror.

But she was no match for his strength.

"Rip—"

Another piece of fabric tore away.

Jane Evans wept in despair.

She seized the chance to bite Jason Evans's arm hard.

Jason Evans cried out in pain and shoved her away.

The bodyguards immediately twisted her arms behind her back.

Her exposed skin showed through the torn clothing.

The early spring chill was sharp.

She shivered violently from the cold.

Yet she still glared defiantly at Jason Evans.

Jason Evans glanced at his bleeding arm.

His rage exploded.

He slapped her across the face with full force!

"Smack!"

Jane Evans's head snapped to the side.

A sharp ringing filled her ears.

"Jason Evans! Release her!"

Justin Evansan's heart-wrenching cries echoed.

He dragged his wounded leg, crawling with great difficulty.

Jason Evans just laughed coldly and gripped Jane Evans's chin.

"Feisty, aren't you? I like that!"

He leaned in to force a kiss.

"Stop!"

Evelyn Ross's furious shout came from the doorway.

Jason Evans froze.

The moment he turned, a kick sent him flying!

He crashed heavily to the ground.

The thugs swarmed forward.

Alexander Vance rolled up his suit sleeves.

His eyes were dark and dangerous.

He took down the crowd in seconds.

Evelyn looked at Jane Evans's exposed state.

Her expression turned icy.

The two men holding Jane Evans released her in fear.

Jane Evans's legs gave way, and she collapsed.

Tearfully, she looked toward Justin Evansan.

Evelyn took off her coat and wrapped it around her.

Jane Evans clutched Evelyn's hand, tears streaming.

"Where did he touch you?"

Jane Evans cried, nodding then shaking her head.

Justin Evansan urgently said, "Evelyn, let them go!"

But Evelyn's eyes reddened.

She fixed a deadly stare on Jason Evans.

She had heard his words.

So Jason Evans was retaliating against her.

A cowardly piece of trash!

Evelyn advanced step by step toward Jason Evans.

Pointing at Jane Evans, she said coldly, "Apologize!"

Jason Evans struggled up in pain.

He glared at her viciously. "Why should I?!"

Evelyn grabbed his collar. "I said apologize!"

Jason Evans sneered. "Evelyn, so what if you can fight? I'm your senior now! Mrs. Zhao spoke to you today, didn't she?