Dr. Nan?

When had she ever said she would specially recruit Isabella?

Professor Lowell said in surprise, "You know Dr. Nan?"

Isabella smiled gracefully. "It's quite a coincidence, actually. My mother sponsored Dr. Nan's education years ago. After he achieved success, he sought out our family to repay the kindness. He's provided technical support for our family company all these years. He's always been very accommodating to my requests."

Evelyn raised an eyebrow.

She had contacted Sophia Ashcroft using the "Dr. Nan" identity to repay her for raising her.

When had she ever been accommodating to Isabella's requests?

She was really good at taking credit.

Professor Lowell, however, believed her. "Which university does Dr. Nan work for now?"

Isabella replied, "I've promised the Dean I would invite Dr. Nan to teach here."

"Excellent!" Professor Lowell beamed. He looked at Evelyn. "Evelyn, your research aligns perfectly with Dr. Nan's. I'll introduce you when he arrives. If Dr. Nan speaks for you, there might still be a chance to salvage your graduate position!"

Isabella feigned concern. "Professor, is that feasible? The Vance family is, after all, the wealthiest in San Francisco. They provide substantial research funding to the university every year..."

Professor Lowell waved it off. "Dr. Nan is highly sought after now. I heard Cambridge and Oxford have both extended invitations. Numerous companies are competing to invest in his work. If he intervenes, the university will undoubtedly choose him!"

Isabella sighed. "But Dr. Nan is only helping out of respect for my mother. Evelyn is my father's... love child. Her position is opposed to my mother's... Evelyn, perhaps I could ask Dr. Nan for you?"

Evelyn declined. "That won't be necessary."

Isabella's performance was utterly ridiculous.

A faint smile touched Evelyn's lips as she addressed Professor Lowell. "Professor, it's really not worth the trouble. You know I never planned on graduate school anyway."

Professor Lowell's expression was full of regret.

He was the one who had discovered Evelyn's talent and insisted she pursue the graduate position.

He never expected things to turn out this way.

His eyes reddened slightly. "Then let me write you a letter of recommendation for a job."

Linda scoffed. "Don't waste your effort! After offending Mr. Vance, she thinks she can find a job in San Francisco? She's delusional!"

Professor Lowell retorted angrily, "I refuse to believe anyone holds absolute power in this city! If she can't find a job, she can be my teaching assistant! I insist on having her!"

Warmth spread through Evelyn's heart. "Professor, it's just a misunderstanding between Mr. Vance and me. Once it's cleared up, everything will be fine. Please don't worry."

Professor Lowell sighed. "If it gets resolved, come back. You'll still be my student."

Evelyn's voice softened. "Alright. I'll definitely come back."

Teaching at San Francisco University wouldn't be a bad option.

Isabella clenched her fingers.

She didn't understand. She was the top student. Why did Professor Lowell favor the utterly ordinary Evelyn?

Was the old fool also bewitched by her face?

Furious, Isabella glanced at Linda. "Evelyn, are you still planning to pester Mr. Vance? He's married. Your behavior is truly inappropriate..."

Linda predictably exploded in rage.

Slap!

The sound of the slap echoed through the office.

Evelyn's cheek burned with a sharp, stinging pain.

She hadn't expected Linda to hit her right in front of Professor Lowell!

Linda showed no remorse. She pointed a finger and yelled, "You shameless brat! Has a few years away made you forget the rules at home? Apologize to your sister this instant! Promise you will never see the Vances again!"

Evelyn's eyes turned completely cold.

It seemed her words about it being "the last time" the other day had made no impression.

Linda still saw her as that meek, pathetic pushover.

Since reason didn't work, she couldn't blame her for not holding back...

Isabella secretly gloated.

When they were young, Evelyn was subservient to her, never fighting back.

After they reunited in university, Evelyn actually dared to stand tall.

A few years without discipline, and she forgot her place!

Today, Linda would teach her a lesson.

Isabella was still thinking this when she saw Evelyn walk over. She assumed she was coming to apologize.

Isabella's lips had just begun to curve into a smile—

Evelyn suddenly raised her hand and slapped Isabella hard across the face, twice!

Slap! Slap!

Isabella was stunned by the blows.

Linda roared and charged forward. "Evelyn, have you lost your mind!"

Evelyn whirled around!

Her gaze was sinister, like a vengeful spirit. A chilling aura of menace radiated from her.

Linda was frightened into stillness. "You... what do you think you're doing? I'm your mother! How dare you raise your hand against me? You unfilial beast!"

"You failed as a mother. Don't blame me for failing as a daughter!"

Evelyn's voice was icy. "Stay out of my life. Whatever you do to me, I will return it to Isabella twofold!"

She turned and bowed deeply to Professor Lowell. "Thank you for your guidance these past four years. I will be back."

With that, she turned and left.

It wasn't until her figure disappeared that Linda snapped out of it. She rushed to Isabella. "Isabella, are you alright? That wretch actually dared to hit you! The world is upside down!"

Isabella touched her swollen cheek, trembling with rage. "Where does she get the nerve?"

Linda was stunned. "Could Mr. Vance actually be interested in her? Impossible. She's married. Why would Mr. Vance want used goods..."

Isabella had the same thought.

But thinking of Evelyn's face, she felt a flicker of doubt...

Professor Lowell was shocked by the spectacle.

He looked at Linda in disbelief, listening to the vile language. He couldn't help but wonder:

Was this really Evelyn's mother? Not Isabella's?

Perhaps it was his imagination, but Professor Lowell suddenly thought the two looked somewhat alike...

Evelyn had just left the campus when James called.

"Boss, it's all clear now! I know why Alexander Vance claims to be married but doesn't recognize you!"