William Ashcroft raised his voice sharply. "I never acknowledged you as my daughter. But the Ashcroft family raised you. Is this how you speak to me?"

Guests nearby turned to look.

Sophia Ashcroft immediately frowned. "Mind your manners."

Evelyn Ross didn't want to argue. She lowered her gaze and stayed silent.

William snorted coldly. "Just seeing her annoys me. Sophia, let's go wish the matriarch a happy birthday."

But Sophia shook her head. "I'm not feeling well. I shouldn't disturb the matriarch. You and Isabella go. I want to speak with Evelyn for a moment."

William shot a wary glance at Evelyn. "Sophia isn't well. Don't upset her."

Evelyn ignored him.

Feeling dismissed, William left with Isabella Ashcroft toward Eleanor Vance.

Sophia waited until they were gone. She stepped forward and took Evelyn's hand. "Evelyn, you—"

"Ma'am, are you unwell again?" Evelyn spoke first.

Sophia paused, then coughed lightly. "Just my old condition."

Evelyn pressed further. "The cough is back? Didn't you take the cough medicine I gave you? Or did you finish it? That bottle should have lasted three months."

Sophia smiled weakly. "It's nothing. I've just been worried lately. Let's not talk about that. Evelyn, are you and Mr. Vance really… innocent?"

Evelyn knew this question was coming. She was about to explain when a cheerful voice interrupted. "My savior!"

Chloe Roland walked over slowly.

She had previously used a wheelchair due to weakness, but now she could walk normally. Dressed in a pink evening gown, she linked arms with Evelyn affectionately. "I've missed you so much!"

Her dependence was obvious.

Mr. and Mrs. Roland followed helplessly. Mr. Roland laughed. "This girl is so attached! She hasn't seen you in days, Miss Ross, and she's this affectionate."

Mrs. Roland pretended to be upset. "She's never this dependent on me. People might think you're her real sister!"

Chloe gave her parents a playful smile. She turned back to Evelyn and whispered, "Savior, I kept up with the news even in the hospital. I heard everyone is saying you and Mr. Vance are involved. It's not true, right?"

Evelyn saw the clarity in her eyes. Her trauma had healed, replaced by genuine concern. Evelyn smiled. "Yes, it's a rumor. Mr. Vance and I—"

Before she could finish, Chloe cut in. "Of course you're innocent! I absolutely believe you! Mr. Vance is so cold. He doesn't deserve you! You would never be interested in him! It's a shame you're married. Otherwise, I'd introduce you to my brother! He's a confirmed bachelor!"

Evelyn's mouth twitched. She was at a loss for words.

Why was it so hard to reveal her relationship with Alexander Vance?

Mrs. Roland was already scolding her. "How can you talk about your brother like that? If he were here, you wouldn't dare be so disrespectful!"

Chloe stuck out her tongue. She whispered to Evelyn, "My brother wanted to come to the birthday gala. The Roland and Vance families are cooperating now. But Dad insisted he wait until the photo is restored."

Evelyn asked with a smile, "Restoring an old photo?"

Chloe nodded. "Yes, a photo from twenty or thirty years ago… Dad, what photo did you ask Ryan to restore?"

Mr. Roland looked at Evelyn and Sophia. "That photo is related to Mrs. Ashcroft. I met Mrs. Nan a few times back in New York. We took a group photo."

Sophia's eyes lit up. "My mother? You must show me when it's restored!"

Mr. Roland seemed surprised. "You don't have any photos of Mrs. Nan?"

Sophia shook her head with a sigh. "Before we moved to San Francisco, there was a sudden fire at home. All the photos were destroyed…" Her eyes grew nostalgic. "All these years, with my poor health… It's been over twenty years. I've almost forgotten what my mother looked like…"

Mr. Roland sighed sympathetically. "I heard about it at the time and felt so sorry. How did Mrs. Nan pass away? She was only in her forties, right? Still in her prime…"

Evelyn finally understood. The reason Sophia had no contact with New York was that her mother had died young.

She listened intently as Sophia said weakly, "My mother died in an accident." She clearly didn't want to discuss it further.

Mr. Roland took the hint and didn't press. He said meaningfully, "Once the photo is restored, I will definitely show it to you and Miss Ross!"

Sophia paused slightly, then nodded.

Evelyn was puzzled. Why did Mr. Roland specifically include her?

But she didn't ask. She was also curious about what Mrs. Nan looked like. She must have been an impressive woman to raise someone like Sophia.

Mr. and Mrs. Roland noticed the crowd around Eleanor Vance was thinning. They said, "Chloe, let's go greet the matriarch first."

It was a matter of etiquette.

Though reluctant, Chloe followed her parents away.

After they left, some guests passed by Evelyn and Sophia. They were whispering.

"I heard Mr. Vance is introducing his mysterious wife today!"

"I'm so curious about who Mrs. Vance is…"

"Rumor has it Mr. Vance has a mistress. There are even photos. The staff at the Vance estate all know. Mrs. Vance must have returned because of this…"

After the guests moved away, Sophia looked at Evelyn with concern. "Evelyn, I'm not feeling well. Could you take me home?"

Evelyn was both amused and touched. She knew this was Sophia's excuse to help her leave the party early.

She took Sophia's arm. "Ma'am, let me show you something."

"What is it?"

"My marriage certificate."