The elderly woman poked her head out the window. "Don't you dare bully my granddaughter-in-law, you rascal!"

Alexander Vance stiffened. "I wasn't."

Grandma Eleanor eyed Evelyn Ross suspiciously. "Did he really not bully you, dear?"

Evelyn glanced at the man, one eyebrow raised.

The tense line of his jaw betrayed his nervousness.

She smiled slightly. "He really didn't."

The man let out a barely audible sigh of relief.

Grandma beamed. "Good. Dinner is ready. Come inside."

The meal consisted of four simple dishes and a soup.

Grandma had little appetite. She set down her chopsticks after just a few bites.

She wearily took Evelyn's hand. "Let's go home, dear."

Evelyn spoke softly. "You should rest here tonight."

The small courtyard was fully equipped, more like a professional convalescent home.

But Grandma held her hand tightly. "Will you stay with me?"

Evelyn looked at Alexander.

She was truly worried about the old woman, but remembered his earlier suspicions...

Alexander was silent for a moment. "Fine."

His glance held a clear warning.

It plainly said this was only for Grandma's sake.

Evelyn rolled her eyes internally.

Grandma immediately brightened. "Wherever my granddaughter-in-law is, I'll be."

After dinner, Evelyn helped Grandma to her room to rest.

The elderly woman was exhausted. She fell into a deep sleep still holding Evelyn's hand.

But her sleep was restless.

The moment Evelyn tried to pull her hand away, Grandma murmured in her dreams. "Granddaughter-in-law..."

Evelyn had no choice but to remain seated by the bed.

Outside the window.

Alexander's expression was grave. "What's wrong with Grandma?"

The family doctor sighed. "It's unclear why Mrs. Vance has fixated on this young lady, but her anxiety is evident... She may feel her time is short and wants to ensure you have a companion."

Alexander paused.

Dark emotions churned in his eyes before settling into stillness.

He stood under the moonlight, seeming to merge with the night.

After a long moment, he suddenly turned and strode toward the main house.

—

Isabella Ashcroft endured the meal feeling intensely uncomfortable.

Her mistake had cost the eldest branch two percent of their shares.

Julian's mother, Margaret Evans, didn't hold back her scorn. "Even a love child like Evelyn Ross can please the old lady. Why can't you?"

Isabella bowed her head apologetically. "I misspoke, Auntie."

Margaret sneered. "I don't care how you do it. Get those shares back! Otherwise, forget about joining the Evans family!"

Isabella was trapped and couldn't explain.

She barely made it to the end of the dinner and was about to leave.

Alexander returned.

The man's tall frame carried an overwhelming presence.

His gaze swept over the dining table, his expression turning colder.

Grandma hadn't eaten anything, yet these people were feasting here?

Richard Evans frowned. "Is there something you need, Alexander?"

Alexander looked directly at Isabella. "Since the engagement isn't called off, you're considered part of the Evans family."

Everyone looked confused.

"Those in the Evans family must follow its rules. Disrespecting an elder warrants a night kneeling at the Family Shrine."

Two bodyguards stepped forward. "Miss Ashcroft, this way."

Isabella was completely stunned.

Kneel all night?

She looked at Julian, but he didn't dare say a word.

Gritting her teeth, she followed the bodyguards out.

As she left, she heard Julian ask, "Uncle, where is Evelyn Ross?"

The man's voice was cold. "She is my guest. She stays here tonight."

…

Isabella was led outside the Family Shrine.

The bodyguard stated impassively, "As you are not yet formally part of the family, Miss Ashcroft, you cannot enter the shrine. You will kneel outside."

The brick pavement was icy and hard.

Isabella shivered from the cold, her knees aching.

She thought about slacking off, but the two bodyguards watched her like statues.

Thinking of Evelyn sleeping comfortably somewhere...

Isabella seethed with hatred.

But it would all be worth it once she secured Dr. Nan.

—

Evelyn woke to find herself in bed.

A gray blanket was draped over her, clashing with the room's decor.

She didn't think much of it. After washing up, she joined Grandma for breakfast.

Fried sugar cakes were on the table.

Grandma's eyes lit up, and she reached for them.

Alexander frowned.

Grandma had high blood sugar. She shouldn't eat sweets.

He was considering how to stop her when Evelyn spoke calmly. "Grandma, you can't have that."

The usually stubborn and willful old lady obediently turned and placed the sugar cake in Evelyn's bowl.

She smiled ingratiatingly. "You have it, dear."

Alexander stared.

He looked deeply at Evelyn.

Evelyn ate the sugar cake calmly and addressed Alexander. "Remember to bring your ID and household register when we go to City Hall later."

Grandma was curious. "What are you going to City Hall for?"

Evelyn answered offhandedly. "Our Marriage Certificate is lost. We need a replacement."

Getting a divorce did require the Marriage Certificate.

To her surprise, Grandma immediately said, "It's not lost!"

She hurried into the bedroom and came out with two red booklets.

They were their Marriage Certificates.