Evelyn opened Dr. Nan's WhatsApp.

She showed the screen to Sophia.

Sophia Ashcroft stared at her phone, eyes wide.

Nancy Ashcroft leaned in. "Madam, isn't Dr. Nan supposed to visit? Miss Evelyn and the doctor have issues. Perhaps it's best they don't meet."

Her tone carried clear disapproval.

Sophia gripped her wrist. "Nancy, Evelyn is Dr. Nan!"

Nancy froze. "What?"

Her gaze toward Evelyn shifted instantly.

Isabella Ashcroft shot Evelyn a venomous glare before turning and rushing upstairs.

Sophia frowned, gently patting Evelyn's arm. "You silly girl... helping the family so much, yet you kept this from me?"

Evelyn's nose tingled with emotion. "I'm sorry."

"Why apologize?" Sophia guided her to sit. "About the stolen plans... did Isabella frame you?"

Evelyn looked down. "It was just a misunderstanding."

She changed the subject. "I came today to ask a favor."

Sophia responded immediately. "What is it?"

Evelyn paused thoughtfully. "A friend mentioned a stock set to rise soon. I want to invest, but with the company's IPO, liquid funds are tight..."

Sophia cut her off. "How much?"

Evelyn stated the figure. "Fifteen million."

Sophia considered briefly. "The family and company have about seventeen million available. I'll give you seventeen."

Warmth spread through Evelyn's chest. "That's enough."

She hoped Isabella's secrets wouldn't hurt Sophia.

Otherwise, she wouldn't hold back.

...

James Klein drove Evelyn back to the hospital.

A Bentley pulled up.

Alexander Vance stepped out, his tall frame accentuated by a black suit.

Thomas Watson spotted Evelyn and quickly greeted her. "Miss Evelyn!"

Alexander looked up, seeing the girl lost in thought, a melancholic expression on her face.

She stopped, waiting for them.

Alexander quickened his pace to reach her side.

He glanced at her, initiating the conversation. "Feeling troubled about your mother?"

Evelyn looked at him. "Huh?"

Alexander kept his eyes forward, his voice deep. "Some familial bonds aren't worth forcing. Those unworthy of being a mother are better treated as strangers."

Evelyn hesitated slightly.

Sunlight filtered through the leaves, dappling his profile.

He meant "them"...

Evelyn suddenly broke into a wide, radiant smile. "You're right."

Her smile was unrestrained and infectious.

Alexander shifted his gaze uncomfortably. "R&D won't disclose your identity."

Evelyn's peach-blossom eyes brightened. "Thank you."

His tone was even. "You're welcome."

Evelyn remembered something. "Earlier, you said you had news about James for me. What was it?"

Alexander's expression stiffened slightly.

Thomas halted, feeling the awkwardness.

Alexander said calmly, "James is diligent, reliable, and a good subordinate."

Thomas twitched his mouth.

Evelyn was puzzled: ?

Alexander's phone rang. He answered quickly, his face darkening.

Thomas muttered under his breath. "Probably the Song collaboration again. Ryan Roland suddenly put Julian Evans on the project, specifically naming him to lead the negotiations..."

"Julian was utterly humiliated today, but now he's strutting around again..."

The three entered the hospital ward.

Evelyn headed for the third floor but suddenly spotted a familiar figure.

Chloe Roland sat in the lobby with a middle-aged couple. Seeing Evelyn, she immediately stood up, her eyes shining. "My savior!"