Evelyn Ross pulled out her phone.

She hadn't planned to expose Isabella Ashcroft in front of Sophia Ashcroft.

Even if the truth came out on Monday, it was better than a confrontation now.

She was afraid Sophia would be too shocked.

But since Sophia initiated the call, she didn't want to keep hiding it.

Before the call connected, Isabella rushed over and ended it. "Mom, don't!"

Sophia was stunned. "Why?"

Isabella bit her lip. "Julian said not to make it public. Handle it internally at the company. If Dr. Nan finds out, the Vance Group will have to punish severely to save face. It would be harder to show leniency."

Sophia hesitated. "Is that so?"

Isabella looked at Evelyn, her eyes shifting. "Evelyn, the evidence is clear. You should admit your mistake and write an apology. I won't press charges. I'll ask Mr. Vance to plead for leniency. They will go easy on you."

William Ashcroft immediately agreed. "Sophia, hear that? She'll be fine. You worry too much…"

Evelyn lowered her gaze.

Calling back now would reveal the truth.

But could Sophia handle it?

She was such a principled person. Her only demand of her children was integrity.

Could she accept that her daughter was the villain?

Evelyn was silent for a moment. She looked at Sophia. "Mrs. Ashcroft, I'm not that foolish. Failing a project is a matter of ability. There's no need to steal plans. Think about it. Did Dr. Nan really promise technical support?"

Sophia pressed her lips together.

Isabella spoke urgently. "I called him using Mom's phone. He already agreed."

Evelyn wanted to say more. William cut her off angrily. "Evelyn Ross, you refuse to repent! After all Sophia's concern for you! Isabella isn't even pursuing this, and you still accuse your sister?"

He pointed at the door. "Get out!"

Evelyn gave Sophia one last deep look, then turned and left.

Her words should give Sophia something to think about.

By Monday, she hoped Sophia wouldn't be too upset…

Isabella followed her out.

Her eyes were evasive. "Evelyn, the Vance Group doesn't want a scandal. Resign quietly. Let this go."

Evelyn laughed softly.

Isabella wanted to sweep it under the rug.

She said calmly, "You know who stole from whom."

Isabella lifted her chin triumphantly. "Of course you stole from me. The evidence is overwhelming. You can't deny it."

Evelyn narrowed her eyes. "Nothing is perfect. Do you really think there are no flaws?"

Isabella sneered. "You want to confront Dr. Nan? Don't be naive. Something this trivial would never reach him!"

The implication was clear. Dr. Nan knew nothing. No one would bring it to him.

Evelyn was stuck with the blame.

If she weren't Dr. Nan herself, she would truly be powerless.

Evelyn smiled. "Isabella, walk too many dark paths, and you'll meet a ghost."

She turned and walked away.

Isabella's smile vanished, replaced by pure malice.

…

Alexander Vance was in a meeting.

It ended at eight in the evening.

He left the conference room and saw Jason Lawrence lurking nearby.

Jason immediately approached. "Cousin, I need a favor."

Alexander kept walking toward the elevator. "Speak."

Jason glanced at the executives behind them. He lowered his voice and explained the R&D department situation. He pleaded, "...She just graduated. Maybe she took a wrong step trying to achieve something. No real damage was done. Can you go easy on her?"

Alexander pressed the button for the underground parking.

Jason continued. "Cousin, I've never asked you for anything. Evelyn is talented. I don't want to see her career end here…"

Alexander gave him a cold look. "You think she stole it?"

Jason was stunned.

The elevator arrived.

Alexander strode out and got into his car.

Thomas Watson watched his expression carefully. "Sir, you don't think she stole it? Did Dr. Nan steal her solution?"

Alexander glanced at him but didn't answer.

Thomas muttered, "You seem to trust her quite a bit."

Alexander leaned back in his seat.

It wasn't trust. It was her innate pride.

She wouldn't steal. She didn't need to steal.

Why was her solution the same as Dr. Nan's?

Perhaps because of… James?

He remembered Evelyn had a boyfriend. They were in a rush to get married…

Was that boyfriend James Klein?

The car arrived at the hospital.

Alexander went upstairs and ran into Evelyn.

The hallway was dimly lit. Patients in gowns looked pale and weary.

Only the girl had fair skin. Her casual walk exuded vitality. She was the only splash of color in the hospital.

Alexander's expression softened unconsciously.

They met outside Eleanor Vance's room.

Alexander didn't enter. He spoke lightly. "Do you need help?"

Evelyn paused. She smiled faintly. "No."

Alexander's voice turned cold. "You don't need my help. You'll ask James? I overstepped."

Evelyn nodded. "I do need his help. He can better prove my identity."

Alexander was taken aback. "Your identity?"