Ryan Roland replied with a simple "Okay."

Mrs. Roland looked at the group chat and couldn't help but chide him. "You really are something. After all these years, could Mrs. Ashcroft possibly mistake her own daughter? Your memory must be failing!"

Mr. Roland chuckled. "I truly can't remember Mrs. Nan's appearance clearly. It's been over twenty years. Whether Miss Ross resembles her or not, why not just look at a photo?"

Mrs. Roland was about to say more when a photo arrived in the chat.

Mr. Roland opened it and sighed with disappointment. "This photo is too old. It's not only blurry but also distorted. You can't make anything out."

Mrs. Roland leaned in for a closer look. "It is distorted. Stop letting your imagination run wild."

Mr. Roland sighed heavily.

Just then, Ryan sent another message in the group chat. "Photo restoration services exist now, Dad. Let me take it to a shop and see what they can do."

Mr. Roland's eyes lit up. "Do it."

Mrs. Roland shook her head helplessly. "Restoration takes time. Once it's fixed, you can examine it properly."

The couple shared a knowing smile.

That evening, Chloe Roland reluctantly said goodbye to Evelyn Ross. "Are you sure you don't want me to stay for dinner? It must be lonely eating alone."

Evelyn's lips curved into a slight smile. "No need."

Someone had promised to come keep her company before he left.

After the Rolands departed, the VIP suite finally fell quiet.

Evelyn checked the time. It was exactly six PM.

Footsteps sounded at the door. She immediately looked up, her eyes holding an anticipation she wasn't even aware of.

The door creaked open.

Thomas Watson entered. Evelyn's gaze went past him, searching for a certain tall figure, but found no one.

Evelyn paused, slightly taken aback.

Thomas cleared his throat softly. "Miss Ross, Mr. Vance is occupied tonight and cannot come. He asked me to bring you dinner."

The light in Evelyn's eyes dimmed. She nodded. "Alright. Thank you."

...

The next day, Evelyn prepared for discharge.

She hadn't brought much with her to the hospital, so leaving was straightforward.

Looking out the hospital window, she saw several reporters still camped out with their cameras.

Evelyn raised an eyebrow. Without waiting for Alexander Vance, she had the Vance family bodyguards create a diversion and slipped out quietly through the back entrance.

She hailed a taxi and returned to the old, rundown neighborhood she rented in.

Wearing a face mask, she got out and walked to her building's entrance.

As she reached for her keys, a figure suddenly darted out from the stairwell. "Miss Ross! Are you fully recovered? Why haven't you turned yourself in at the police station?"

Evelyn focused. It was Ethan Young again.

Persistent and clever.

Knowing the hospital was too well-guarded, he had found her home address...

Evelyn's face darkened. "How did you get my address?"

Ethan aimed his camera at her. "Miss Ross, the internet is a powerful tool. A 'kind soul' has already exposed your address online. Please stop evading legal responsibility!"

Evelyn smirked coldly. This "kind soul" was undoubtedly Isabella Ashcroft!

Ethan took a step forward. "You look well enough. Please answer my questions."

Evelyn replied calmly, "The investigation is ongoing. Trust the police's judgment. I have no comment."

She turned to unlock the door.

Ethan immediately moved to block her.

Evelyn's voice turned sharp. "Reporter Young, trespassing is illegal. Even journalists must operate within the law! Are you certain you want to block my entry?"

Ethan hesitated, caught off guard.

Evelyn swiftly turned, pushed the door open, and stepped inside...

Her steps faltered immediately.

The apartment was in disarray. Her belongings were haphazardly stuffed into several large boxes. The portly landlord, Davis, glared at her menacingly. "Perfect timing. Take your things and get out. I'm not renting to you anymore!"

Evelyn was stunned. "Why?"

"Why?" Landlord Davis snapped impatiently. "My address has been plastered all over the internet! If I keep renting to a murderer, this place will become stigmatized. How will I ever sell it? Get out now!"

The fat on his face quivered, making him look particularly fierce.

Evelyn's jaw tightened. Her voice was cold. "The police haven't convicted me. How am I a murderer?"

Landlord Davis sneered. "Everyone online knows you're trying to escape justice!"

"Oh? So netizens decide what's legal now? What's the point of police and laws then?"

Evelyn's retort left him speechless.

Knowing he was in the wrong but too proud to admit it, he grew angrier. He grabbed a box of Evelyn's things and hurled it outside. "It's my property! I decide who rents it! If you won't leave nicely, don't blame me for being rough!"

The cardboard box hit the floor with a thud. Its contents scattered everywhere.

The landlord used his bulky frame to block the doorway. "Take your junk and get lost! My place isn't for the likes of you!"

A dangerous glint flashed in Evelyn's eyes!

She was about to teach him a lesson when her gaze fell on a scattered photo among her things—a picture of her and Mrs. Ashcroft...

It was taken on her thirteenth birthday. This photo had been with her for nearly a decade!

The frame was shattered now. Shards of glass pierced the photograph.

Evelyn immediately turned to retrieve it...

Suddenly, rapid footsteps echoed from the stairwell. Seven or eight reporters swarmed up, trapping her in the corner.

"Miss Ross, why were you granted bail?"

"The evidence is solid. Why won't you admit to manslaughter?"

"Planning to flee the country?"

"The deceased was your uncle. He died right in front of you. Do you feel no remorse?"

"Did you pay the victim's son out of guilt, or to buy a letter of forgiveness?"

"..."

Ignoring the barrage of questions, Evelyn bent down to reach for the photo. The reporters surged forward. Someone stepped directly onto it!!

A fierce light instantly ignited in Evelyn's peach-blossom eyes!

She slowly raised her head. Her gaze was icy cold.

Two words left her lips. "Step aside."