In Evelyn Ross's childhood memories, the Ashcroft family's semi-basement was her entire world.

She always looked up at the floors above.

The laughter of Sophia Ashcroft and Isabella Ashcroft would drift down.

That warmth had nothing to do with her.

Every time she returned from school and reached the front gate, she would instinctively lower her head.

Her status felt like a heavy shackle.

The weight of their upbringing pressed down on her, making it hard to breathe.

After leaving the Ashcroft home, she occasionally sneaked back.

Standing outside the door, she would still habitually bow her head.

But today was different.

For the first time, she straightened her back and knocked on the door.

"Who is it?"

The nanny's voice came from inside.

The barred gate creaked open.

The moment she saw Evelyn, the nanny's face showed disdain. "How dare you—"

She stopped mid-sentence, noticing the people behind Evelyn.

"Mr. Roland? Mrs. Roland?"

The nanny recognized the Roland family.

They had visited Sophia Ashcroft before.

Mr. and Mrs. Roland stepped forward with Ryan Roland.

Ryan spoke. "Please inform Mrs. Ashcroft that Miss Evelyn Ross is here to see her."

The nanny immediately composed herself and hurried back inside.

Evelyn and the three Rolands waited outside.

The cold wind was biting, yet Evelyn's palms were sweating.

She stared intently at the living room window.

That place had once represented a warmth she could never reach.

The living room was empty now.

At this hour, Sophia Ashcroft was probably having her meal.

The sound of a car engine came from behind.

They turned to see a Vance family luxury car parked by the roadside.

Isabella Ashcroft got out of the passenger seat.

Julian Evans walked around to the rear door and opened it respectfully.

Marcus Valentine stepped out.

He went to the trunk and retrieved several gifts.

Isabella said politely, "Mr. Valentine, you're too kind. Bringing so many gifts just to visit my mother."

Marcus replied calmly, "One shouldn't visit elders empty-handed. I heard Mrs. Ashcroft has a cough, so I brought some tonics."

Isabella tried to decline further, but Julian held her arm. "Isabella, be careful. Mind your health."

Isabella's eyes flickered with surprise at Julian's sudden concern.

She glanced at Marcus and understood immediately.

Sophia Ashcroft's connections in New York had changed Julian's attitude.

A slight smile touched her lips. "I understand, Julian."

It was only then that the three noticed Evelyn and her companions at the door.

Isabella's face darkened. "Evelyn Ross, what are you doing here?"

With Marcus present, she made no effort to hide her hostility.

Evelyn didn't respond, her gaze still fixed on the Ashcroft house.

Julian frowned. "Evelyn Ross, Isabella is speaking to you!"

Ryan stepped forward. "Miss Ross is not in the mood for pleasantries right now."

Julian was silenced, not daring to say more.

Isabella's eyes grew shadowy.

After marrying into the Vance family, she realized Julian wasn't the best choice.

If Sophia Ashcroft hadn't hidden the past, she could have married better.

Marcus Valentine was a good option.

Suppressing her resentment toward Sophia, she tugged at Julian's sleeve. "Julian, let it be. Evelyn has Uncle Alexander and the Rolands backing her now. She can come to the Ashcroft house whenever she wants."

Julian's face turned ashen.

Marcus frowned at Evelyn.

Remembering how she had saved him at the equestrian club, he ultimately remained silent.

Isabella clenched her fingers, then spoke softly. "Evelyn, my mother isn't well. It's late. Please come back another day."

Evelyn finally looked at her.

The face of Mrs. Nan from the photograph flashed in her mind.

Isabella bore a fifty percent resemblance to William Ashcroft, but shared no features with Sophia Ashcroft.

This discovery made Evelyn even more certain of her suspicions.

She remained silent.

Isabella lowered her eyes. "Evelyn, I'm begging you. Please don't disturb my mother today."

Evelyn still said nothing.

Nothing would stop her from seeing Sophia Ashcroft today.

Ryan answered for her. "Miss Ross has important matters to discuss with Mrs. Ashcroft."

Isabella looked at Marcus with a pleading expression.

Marcus indeed stepped forward. "Ryan Roland, must you protect this love child?"

Ryan's expression was calm. "The Ashcroft family matters are more complicated than you know. It's best you stay out of it."

Marcus sneered. "Mrs. Ashcroft's concerns are my concerns! I decide who enters the Ashcroft house today!"

He blocked Evelyn's path. "Love child, you won't cause Mrs. Ashcroft any trouble today!"

Evelyn frowned at him.

Ryan said sternly, "You're mistaken. Miss Ross has a good relationship with Mrs. Ashcroft. Besides, this is Miss Ross's home too!"

Before he could finish, the nanny hurried out from inside the house.