Evelyn's gaze fell on Isabella's phone.

The screen was lit, showing a chat interface.

A message appeared: "I'm at the entrance now. Which private room is it?"

Isabella quickly replied with the room name.

An instant reply came: "Be right there."

This exchange made Evelyn frown slightly.

Suddenly, there was movement at the door.

Everyone turned to look outside.

Alexander halted his steps, sharply turning his head.

Thomas asked, "Boss, aren't we going in?"

Alexander's eyes scanned sharply down the corridor.

A man in work clothes was striding toward them.

His pants were stained with mud, but his face was clean.

Anthony had hurriedly washed his face, with no time to change.

Having lived abroad for so long, he was used to dressing casually.

At gatherings like these, no one would dare criticize his attire.

He approached Alexander and asked politely, "Excuse me, is this the Bamboo Room?"

Alexander's jaw tightened.

Thomas checked the room name and nodded. "Are you here for the class reunion?"

"No, I'm looking for Evelyn Ross."

With that, Anthony pushed the door open and entered.

Thomas stared dumbfounded at Alexander. "Boss, what's his relationship with Miss Evelyn?"

Alexander's eyes darkened. "How should I know!"

Inside the room.

As the door opened, Evelyn thought she caught a glimpse of Alexander.

Why was he here?

Shouldn't he be catching up on sleep?

Evelyn was puzzled when Sophia's sharp voice rang out. "Evelyn, is this your husband?"

Husband?

Evelyn looked at Anthony, finding him familiar but unable to recall where they'd met.

Yesterday, his face had been covered in dust when he brought the umbrella.

Now, washed clean, his deep features were visible.

His mixed-race, sculpted face made him particularly striking.

His looks were even comparable to Alexander's.

Just as Evelyn was about to deny it, Sophia sneered. "Evelyn, is he some construction worker? This is who you married? For his looks?"

Isabella quickly intervened. "Sophia, don't say that. No job is inferior."

She gestured beside Evelyn. "Classmate, make room for Evelyn's husband."

The male classmate sitting next to Evelyn immediately stood up.

Anthony walked up to Evelyn and smiled. "Miss Evelyn."

Evelyn frowned. "Who are you?"

As Anthony was about to introduce himself, Sophia laughed. "Evelyn, are you pretending not to know your own husband now?"

Evelyn's brow furrowed deeply. "I really don't know him."

Anthony was also stunned. "I'm not her husband."

His accent was odd, but the meaning of "husband" was clear.

No one had mentioned it directly at the Ashcroft residence yesterday, but now he had to clarify.

Their exchange left the room in silence.

Julian looked coldly at Anthony. "If you're not her husband, why did you go to the Ashcroft residence yesterday? Evelyn, are you too ashamed to admit it because he's embarrassing?"

All eyes turned to Evelyn.

Evelyn frowned. "Went to the Ashcroft residence?"

She looked at Anthony. "You went to the Ashcroft residence yesterday?"

Anthony nodded. "I went to bring you an umbrella."

Isabella smiled. "It was only a light drizzle yesterday. Evelyn has a car and driver. Why would she need an umbrella? You're too concerned about her... Evelyn, your husband may have an ordinary job, but his feelings for you are genuine. Isn't it wrong to treat him like this?"

Her tone was accusatory, as if Evelyn had done something shameful.

Evelyn was utterly baffled. "I really don't know him."

Anthony quickly waved his hands. "I'm sorry, I didn't know it was this kind of occasion. Perhaps I shouldn't have come. I truly am not Miss Evelyn's husband. Please don't misunderstand her!"

The more he explained, the more suspicious everyone became.

Who hadn't seen a few dramas?

The trope of children being ashamed of their parents and pretending not to know them was all too common.

Anthony right now was the spitting image of those pitiful figures who didn't dare acknowledge their relationships.

The classmates began speaking up.

"Classmate Evelyn, no job is inferior. Without people like your husband, where would our skyscrapers come from? You shouldn't look down on him."

"Dr. Nan, it's okay to admit it. Your status speaks for itself. You don't need to marry into wealth—you are wealth. We understand if you want a boy toy..."

"Dr. Nan's husband is handsome, self-reliant, and earns an honest living. That's admirable..."

Jason was also confused.

He knew the company was preparing for an IPO recently.

A while back, when he went to report to Mr. James, he overheard a phone call.

Something about Dr. Nan marrying someone hastily for the IPO.

So were Dr. Nan and Anthony really married?

Probably a marriage of convenience...

But Anthony clearly had deep feelings for Evelyn, while she was so cold.

Even understanding it might be a transaction, Jason felt Evelyn was being too harsh.

But without knowing the truth, he chose to remain silent.

Sophia said sarcastically, "Evelyn, if you say he's not your husband, then prove it! Unless you call your actual husband here and show us the marriage certificate! Otherwise, stop acting!"

Before her words faded, the private room door was flung open.

Alexander strode in.