Evelyn clenched her jaw.

Her heart burned with urgency.

Just as she was about to leave, a WhatsApp message arrived from Sophia Ashcroft: ["Not now. Are you working this Saturday? I'd like to invite you for a simple meal."]

Evelyn realized she was being too hasty.

Dinner at the Ashcroft residence?

A bitter smile touched her lips.

She had returned the first weekend after moving out a decade ago.

Through the glass window, she saw Sophia, Isabella, and William Ashcroft laughing and talking together.

Sophia's face held a radiant smile Evelyn had never seen before.

Linda Lowell had said then, "See? Without you, they are a real family of three. If you truly care for Sophia, don't disturb her again."

Evelyn left quietly.

Since then, she only bought a small gift for Sophia's birthday each year, leaving it at the doorstep...

After all these years, it was time to meet.

Evelyn replied: ["I should be the one treating you. Saturday at 6 PM. It's a date."]

She sent the restaurant location.

Meeting at the Ashcroft home would inevitably lead to arguments. A public place was quieter.

She could talk properly with Sophia and check on her health...

Sophia replied: ["Good. It's a date."]

Evelyn exited the chat and saw a message from "Grandson":

["The elderly lady is old and impatient. She requires patience."]

["The elderly lady suffers from insomnia. She has difficulty falling asleep at night."]

["The blue pills, twice a day, morning and evening..."]

Five consecutive instructions ended with:

["These are the family doctor's orders. Thank you. Please contact me immediately if Grandma shows any discomfort."]

Evelyn quietly entered the second bedroom and recorded a short video for "Grandson."

Two discreet cars were parked on the street nearby.

The lead luxury van was fully equipped, resembling a small suite.

Alexander Vance, in a black suit, sat on the sofa reviewing documents.

The family doctor sat in a corner, his expression grave.

The elderly lady had moved locations suddenly. She definitely wouldn't sleep tonight.

Her body was weak. Insomnia could lead to arrhythmia. The slightest misstep could be life-threatening.

The following car was equipped with instruments, ready for emergency resuscitation.

As the doctor pondered this, he heard Alexander's WhatsApp notification.

Alexander picked up his phone. His perpetually icy expression showed a trace of... surprise?

The doctor urgently asked, "Has something happened to the elderly lady?"

Alexander pressed his lips together and handed over the phone.

The video showed the elderly lady sprawled comfortably on a small floral-patterned bedsheet, sleeping soundly with light snores!

It was only 9 PM!

Usually, they were grateful if she fell asleep before 1 AM!

The doctor's face was full of astonishment. "This girl is very special to the elderly lady. If she could stay with her, the elderly lady's health would certainly improve!"

Sleep was crucial for her recovery.

Alexander's jaw tightened, his gaze deep and thoughtful.

The next day.

Before leaving, Evelyn addressed the elderly lady, who now had a healthy glow. "I've asked James to come keep you company. He'll be here soon."

"Okay," the little old lady nodded obediently. "Where are you going, granddaughter-in-law?"

"To see someone."

"Who? Is it necessary?"

"Yes."

If she didn't go to see Alexander Vance, he would discover they were married during the marriage registration at City Hall.

Her company needed to go public. Evelyn urgently needed a divorce.

The little old lady waved her hand grandly. "Then I'll have my grandson arrange a meeting for you! My grandson has a lot of influence!"

Evelyn smiled. "Grandma, I'm afraid your grandson probably can't manage it."

The Vance Group was the wealthiest family in San Francisco. However well-off the little old lady's family might be, could they compare to the Vances?

She rode her scooter to the Vance Group building.

Alexander Vance's schedule was monotonous. He had no leisure activities. He was either working or on his way to work.

Evelyn approached the reception desk. Before she could speak, the receptionist said, "You again? Mr. Watson specifically said Mr. Vance has no packages today. You are not allowed upstairs!"

Evelyn said, "I'm not delivering a package. I—"

The receptionist interrupted impatiently, "Do you have an appointment? No appointment, no entry!"

Evelyn was about to speak when the receptionist's eyes lit up, her face breaking into an ingratiating smile. "Miss Ashcroft? You're here!"

Evelyn frowned and turned to see Isabella Ashcroft.

Isabella, graceful and poised, smiled at the receptionist. "I'm here to see Julian."

She glanced at Evelyn and added, "But I forgot to make an appointment..."

"Miss Ashcroft, you're joking. You don't need an appointment! Young Master Evans will be delighted to see you!"

The receptionist swiped her card to open the access gate. "Please, go right in."

Isabella looked at Evelyn and sighed. "Evelyn, the Vance Group isn't a place you can just enter. If you want to pester Mr. Vance, don't make things difficult for the receptionist here..."

Evelyn: ?

When had she made things difficult for the receptionist?

The receptionist frowned.

Mr. Watson had only said not to let this girl upstairs, without explaining why.

So that was the reason?

The receptionist's face showed disdain and annoyance. "Some people really don't know their place. Thinking they can climb the social ladder just because of their looks? Look around. This is the Vance Group. Please step away and don't interrupt my work, or I'll call security!"

Evelyn raised an eyebrow. She had intended to explain, but seeing the receptionist's snobbish attitude, she smiled slightly. "Very well. You're the one not letting me upstairs."

Meanwhile, upstairs.

Alexander finished reviewing the urgent documents and took out his phone. He saw the pinned contact: "IronDeficient."

It was the girl's WhatsApp name. A bit strange.

He messaged: ["Hello. How is Grandma today?"]

The reply came quickly: ["She was fine when I left."]

Alexander frowned. ["Left for work?"]

"IronDeficient": ["You could say that."]

Alexander's expression darkened. She left Grandma alone at home?

But she wasn't a hired caregiver. She had no obligation to provide round-the-clock care.

He was the one asking for a favor...

After a moment's thought, Alexander typed: ["Where are you? I'll come find you. We need to discuss Grandma's situation."]

"IronDeficient" immediately sent an address.

Alexander's gaze paused when he saw it.

Wasn't this... the entrance to the Vance Group building?

He stood up and headed downstairs.