Marcus Valentine gripped his phone, knuckles turning white.

"You're at the hospital entrance? I'm coming down now."

He ended the call and shot Alexander Vance a sharp glance.

Alexander Vance, I can't handle you, but Third Uncle can.

Just wait and see what happens when you mess with Mrs. Ashcroft.

He rushed out of the hospital room.

Isabella Ashcroft noticed his abrupt departure.

She leaned closer to Julian Evans, lowering her voice. "Did Marcus just say an elder is here?"

Julian frowned. "I couldn't hear clearly."

His gaze dropped to Isabella's abdomen, hesitation in his voice. "Is this child really mine?"

Isabella's eyes flickered.

Alexander's words had planted doubt in Julian's heart like a thorn.

That night, Julian had been drunk, holding her but calling out for Evelyn.

She clenched her fists, forcing a hurt expression. "You don't believe me, Julian?"

Julian studied her, his expression softening only when he saw her red-rimmed eyes. "I believe you. My uncle is just jealous because he can't have children himself."

Isabella relaxed slightly, then remembered Marcus's phone call.

"Would Mr.Valentine really come to a place like this?"

Julian shook his head. "Impossible. Mrs. Ashcroft isn't important enough for that."

Isabella pressed her lips together.

Mrs. Ashcroft's connections ran deeper than anyone knew.

Even Isabella couldn't fully grasp their extent.

If Mrs. Ashcroft were to die... would those connections transfer to her?

A cold glint flashed in her eyes, quickly hidden.

Footsteps approached.

Thomas Watson entered with five senior specialists.

Doctors and nurses moved aside to make room.

William Ashcroft was forced to step back half a pace, but remained close to the bed.

His eyes were bloodshot, lips cracked and dry.

He hadn't eaten or drunk anything since the incident, keeping vigil by his wife's side.

Isabella moved to support him. "Father, you should rest for a while."

"Get away from me."

William's gaze was icy, as if looking at a stranger. "Don't try to make me leave A-Shu."

Isabella's heart ached.

Her father had never looked at her that way before.

His kindness to her had always been because she was Mrs. Ashcroft's daughter.

If he knew the truth...

She took a deep breath, suppressing the bitterness.

William held Mrs. Ashcroft's hand, murmuring softly. "A-Shu, don't leave me. What meaning does my life have without you?"

Anyone could see that if Mrs. Ashcroft didn't wake up, he would follow her.

Isabella turned away, her own eyes reddening.

The doctor sighed and shook his head.

Evelyn Ross clenched her fists.

However flawed William might be, his love for Mrs. Ashcroft was genuine.

It was a pity that a veil always hung between them.

Evelyn always felt that veil was her and Linda Lowell.

Without them, Mrs. Ashcroft would have been truly happy.

The specialists finished their examination.

After a low discussion, they delivered their conclusion. "Mrs. Ashcroft is not in any life-threatening danger."

William asked urgently, "Then why hasn't she woken up?"

The specialists exchanged glances. "She hasn't rested properly for too long. Her body has entered a deep sleep to recover strength and energy."

"When will she wake up?"

"Within three days at the latest."

William relaxed, sinking back into his chair and taking Mrs. Ashcroft's hand. "A-Shu, sleep. I'll be here with you."

He fell silent, simply watching over her quietly.

Evelyn's jaw tightened.

Downstairs.

Mr.Valentine's car stopped at the hospital entrance.

Marcus Valentine went out to meet him and brought him upstairs.

Marcus scratched his head. "Third Uncle, what's your relationship with Mrs. Ashcroft? To make you come here personally?"

Mr.Valentine's expression was stern, his coat billowing slightly.

Nearly fifty, he still stood tall and straight.

He shot Marcus a cold glance.

Marcus immediately fell silent, miming zipping his lips.

Mr.Valentine looked away and strode forward.

He didn't even wait for the elevator, taking the stairs directly to the third floor.

Marcus followed. "Third Uncle, don't worry. The doctors said Mrs. Ashcroft is fine, just sleeping."

Mr.Valentine's expression eased slightly, but his pace didn't slow.

Marcus coughed. "Third Uncle, do you know all the ladies from grandmother's generation?"

Mr.Valentine said coldly, "Most of them. Your grandmother took me to many social events."

"That's good. Alexander Vance is looking for a lady from that generation. He has a photo. You could help take a look."

Marcus rubbed his nose.

Mr.Valentine didn't respond, quickening his steps.

They reached the outside of the hospital room.

Marcus pushed the door open and entered.