James watched Evelyn Ross through the rearview mirror.

She had been silent since getting in the car.

A cold aura surrounded her.

His grip on the steering wheel tightened slightly.

The phone rang abruptly.

James answered.

An excited voice came through.

"Is the boss there? We found information on Leo Lowell!"

James glanced at Evelyn.

Her expression remained unchanged.

He cleared his throat softly.

"The boss is right here. Go ahead."

The voice immediately lowered.

"Boss, Leo Lowell has been addicted to gambling for years."

"He loses over ten thousand USD every month."

"A few days ago, he was set up and lost two million in one go."

"When the casino threatened to break his legs, he shouted something…"

"What did he say?"

"He said his niece is the Ashcroft heiress!"

A flicker passed through Evelyn's eyes.

This was not surprising.

Leo always used the Ashcroft name when demanding money from her.

"Boss, did he come to you for money after that?"

Evelyn responded flatly.

"Isabella Ashcroft probably gave it to him."

"Correct. Bank records show a transfer two days ago."

"Moreover, Isabella has been sending him fifteen thousand USD monthly for ten years."

"That totals nearly two million USD."

"What kind of secret is worth that price?"

Evelyn's tone turned cold.

"That is exactly what I need you to find out."

The voice chuckled.

"Don't worry, Boss…"

"Leo's lips are sealed. He hasn't told anyone."

"But there's an opportunity to make him talk now."

"It requires your cooperation."

"How?"

"Leo lost another five hundred thousand USD yesterday…"

"Isabella can't produce that amount immediately."

"When he's desperate and comes to you, the secret won't stay hidden."

Evelyn narrowed her eyes.

"Your doing?"

"Ahem, just gave it a little push."

"Don't worry, Boss. I remember your rules. Nothing illegal!"

"...Understood."

She ended the call and looked out the window.

She needed to uncover Isabella and Leo's secret quickly.

She couldn't let them harm Sophia Ashcroft.

Her phone vibrated suddenly.

A message from Sophia.

[Are you busy, my dear? I need to ask a favor…]

Evelyn replied immediately.

[Not busy at all. Please go ahead.]

Sophia sent a voice message.

"Dr. Nan, your design proposal for the Vance Group was stolen by Evelyn Ross."

"I would like to ask you to intervene and request the Vances not hold her responsible."

Evelyn stared at her phone screen.

She hadn't expected Sophia to approach her about this.

Seeing no reply, Sophia sent another message.

"I know this is difficult for you."

"But Evelyn is like a daughter to me."

"I watched her grow up. She isn't that kind of person."

"There must be some misunderstanding."

"Would you be available to meet and discuss this?"

Like a daughter…

Evelyn's eyes stung slightly.

She pressed her lips together and replied.

[I will come to your home now.]

She put her phone away and addressed James.

"To the Ashcroft residence."

At the Ashcroft villa.

Sophia Ashcroft set her phone down, looking anxious.

"Dr. Nan said she is coming…"

Nancy, her nanny, couldn't hide her complaint.

"Madam, you usually avoid guests."

"Now you're making an exception for her."

"Really… why trouble yourself with this?"

Sophia's health was poor, and Nancy worried.

"Why do you care so much about that woman's child?"

Sophia lowered her gaze.

Isabella and William were not home.

She could speak freely.

She said softly, "Nancy, truthfully, I don't understand it either."

Nancy was startled.

Sophia looked confused.

"You know my nature. I'm not one to meddle."

"But it's strange. I felt an immediate connection the first time I saw that child."

"I can't help but want to be good to her."

"It's as if she were also my daughter…"

Nancy recalled the young Evelyn.

Worn clothes, beaten and scolded by Linda Lowell.

She sighed.

"She was indeed pitiful as a child."

"Stuck with a mother like that…"

Her tone shifted.

"But Madam, she is an outsider."

"She never came back to see you all these years after leaving."

"Simply ungrateful…"

Sophia shook her head.

"There must be a misunderstanding."

"Don't forget, it was Evelyn who asked Mr. Vance for help at the hospital."

Nancy pursed her lips.

"Her conscience would be utterly black if she didn't help even that much!"

"Madam, don't be swayed by such small favors."

"Think of Dr. Nan. She has been so attentive all these years."

"Birthday gifts, holiday greetings, never missing one."

"A real daughter couldn't do more."

"If Dr. Nan refuses to let Evelyn off, please don't insist."

"After all, Dr. Nan is the victim in this matter…"

Sophia sighed softly.

"I know."

On one side was Evelyn, whom she watched grow up.

On the other was Dr. Nan, who showed her constant care.

She was truly torn.

There was a sound at the door.

Isabella had returned.

Sophia hurried over.

"Isabella, how did the Vance Group handle Evelyn's matter?"

Isabella clenched her fists.

"You… didn't ask her yourself?"

"I was afraid of pressuring her. She might feel upset."

Isabella's face darkened further.

"She's fine. Julian didn't pursue it."

Sophia breathed a sigh of relief.

"Wonderful."

"I must invite Julian for a meal someday to thank him properly."

Isabella replied stiffly.

"Alright."

The Vance Group strictly保密 Dr. Nan's identity.

Internally, they only knew a beautiful intern in R&D was Dr. Nan, not her name.

As Isabella pondered, the doorbell rang.

The maid opened the door.

Evelyn walked in.

Sophia was both surprised and delighted.

"Evelyn? What brings you here?"

Evelyn smiled.

"Didn't you ask me to come?"

Sophia looked puzzled.