Ryan Roland stormed into the Ashcroft residence with a team of bodyguards.

The guards moved swiftly, their expressions grim as they blocked all exits.

Isabella cowered on the sofa, her face pale and tears welling in her eyes.

William Ashcroft shielded Sophia, his face filled with panic.

Sophia remained remarkably calm, frowning at the intruders.

Mr. Roland studied her for a long moment before speaking. "Sophia Ashcroft?"

She looked slightly taken aback. "Mr. Roland?"

He nodded. "Yes."

His eyes scanned the room, his tone puzzled. "You and your sister were the talk of New York back in the day. Suitors practically lined up at your door. How did you end up married to..."

His unfinished sentence hung heavily in the air.

William's expression darkened.

Sophia cleared her throat, changing the subject. "What brings you here today, Mr. Roland?"

Ryan snapped angrily, "We're here to demand answers from Isabella!"

Mr. Roland cautioned him, "Ryan, show some respect to Mrs. Ashcroft."

Ryan suppressed his anger and recounted the events.

Sophia's eyes turned icy when she heard about Isabella's refusal to help and her attempt to make things worse.

Learning about the stolen credit made her tremble with rage, triggering a coughing fit.

William hurriedly patted her back to help her breathe.

Seeing her condition, Ryan held back from pressing further.

Mr. Roland waved his hand dismissively. "Since Isabella is your daughter, we'll let this matter drop."

Ryan frowned. "Dad!"

Mr. Roland shot him a warning look.

Ryan fell silent.

Between coughs, Sophia managed to say, "Mr. Roland... I will... discipline her properly..."

Mr. Roland waved his hand again. "No need. Just focus on resting."

He led Ryan away.

Before leaving, Ryan glanced at Evelyn Ross. Seeing her reddened cheek and her intense focus on Sophia, he reluctantly departed.

In the car, Ryan asked coldly, "Dad, what's your relationship with Mrs. Ashcroft? You didn't do anything to betray Mom, did you?"

Mr. Roland tapped his head. "Nonsense! The Roland family owes her a debt!"

Ryan finally relaxed.

Mr. Roland frowned. "I feel like I've forgotten something... Never mind."

He sighed. "How did someone so brilliant end up like this..."

Back in the living room, Sophia's coughing became violent and painful.

William was at a loss. "Sophia, let's go to the hospital!"

Evelyn handed her water and medicine.

After two minutes, the coughing gradually subsided.

Sophia's face was flushed. She turned to Isabella. "Kneel down!"

Isabella looked incredulous. "Mom?"

"I said kneel down!"

Sophia's agitation triggered another coughing fit.

William tried to calm her. "Sophia, don't get so upset. It's not a big deal."

Sophia angrily retorted, "Lacking moral character isn't a big deal? First, she impersonated Dr. Nan. Now, she steals credit. How can I not be angry?"

Evelyn softly advised, "Ma'am, please take care of your health."

William glared at her. "If you know she's unwell, why did you bring them here? Are you trying to kill her?"

Evelyn clenched her fists. "I didn't bring them."

She was explaining to Sophia.

Sophia nodded. "I know. You came in first to warn me."

Evelyn lowered her head, her eyes stinging.

Mrs. Ashcroft understood her.

William sneered. "If you truly cared about Sophia, you should have said you both made the call! The Rolands wouldn't have pursued it!"

Sophia looked at him sharply. "How can you have no principles? It's because we've been too lenient that she's become like this!"

William was speechless.

Isabella suddenly stood up. "Become like what?"

She shouted at Sophia, "You forced me! What family prioritizes a love child over their own daughter? In your heart, I'll never be as good as her!"

Tears streamed down her face. "Since I was little, I've had to outperform Evelyn Ross. I was terrified you'd like her more than me. I went to great lengths to marry Julian just to prove your daughter is the best!"

"Evelyn Ross, you must be thrilled. Your mother ruined my parents' marriage, and now you've stolen my mom! Stop pretending to be the victim! Even after leaving the Ashcroft family, you used your Dr. Nan identity to stay connected to her!"

"I worked so hard in college, but she still outshone me... If I hadn't stolen her identity this time, Julian would have called off the engagement!"

"Everything I did was to make Mom proud of me!"

She finished her outburst and rushed upstairs, slamming the door shut.

Sophia stood frozen.

She murmured to herself, "Have I... really been like that?"

She wanted to argue but found no words.

Deep down, she did prefer Evelyn Ross. She knew it was wrong, but she couldn't help it...

William sighed. "Sophia, Isabella is your biological daughter. Evelyn Ross is an outsider. You're really..."

He glared at Evelyn Ross. "A troublemaker! The years you were gone were peaceful. The moment you show up, chaos follows! Don't ever set foot in the Ashcroft house again!"

Evelyn's jaw tightened.

Sophia wanted to say something, but William stopped her. "Sophia, you need to know who's close family and who's not... Stop being confused!"

Sophia was stunned, overwhelmed with guilt.

Guilt towards Isabella, and towards Evelyn Ross.

Evelyn felt a heavy weight crushing her chest.

She should be used to this by now.

She lowered her eyes and stepped back. "Take care, Ma'am. Please don't worry about me."

She turned and walked away decisively.

Her back was straight, her steps firm.

As she stepped out the door, a single tear traced down her cheek.

She never had the right to stand by Mrs. Ashcroft's side.

She wiped away the tear.

Her phone rang. It was her uncle, Leo Lowell. He sounded exhausted and panicked. "Niece, I'll sell you that secret for five hundred thousand. Do you want it?"

"Yes."