Elder Valentine is a senior family member.

Protocol dictated a formal visit.

Moreover, the relationship between Alexander Vance and Elder Valentine…

After a brief consideration, he nodded.

He then looked at Evelyn Ross.

Evelyn walked to his side.

Marcus Valentine cleared his throat.

He thought of the relationship between Mrs. Sophia and Evelyn.

He also remembered the rescue at the equestrian club.

He couldn't help but warn, "My uncle is cold. Speak little. He won't trouble you."

Evelyn was about to nod.

But Alexander said, "You don't need to go. Stay here with Mrs. Sophia."

Evelyn paused slightly.

Marcus raised an eyebrow. "Alexander, do you understand manners? My uncle is an elder. Your wife should pay respects."

Alexander ignored him.

He gently patted Evelyn's hand. "Don't worry."

Elder Valentine has a strong personality.

Meeting Evelyn would certainly cause trouble.

Alexander would not let her suffer that indignity.

He finished speaking and turned to leave.

Evelyn stood still, watching him go.

Marcus tutted twice.

He looked Evelyn up and down. "I really don't see what's so great about you. To make Alexander offend my uncle for you. If you don't go, they might clash."

Evelyn gave him a faint glance. "I trust him."

She and Alexander had spent much time with Grandma Eleanor.

She knew the man was not simple.

Beyond the Vance Group, he had other influence.

Evelyn didn't ponder further.

She walked to the sofa and sat down.

She quietly kept watch over Mrs. Sophia.

Isabella saw this and followed them out.

Outside the door.

Alexander walked toward Elder Valentine.

Elder Valentine leaned against the wall.

His gaze was sharp as a blade. "I heard you married the Ashcroft love child?"

His tone was icy.

No emotion could be discerned.

Isabella, who had followed, felt a surge of joy.

She thought Elder Valentine would stand up for her.

She looked at Julian.

Julian understood and spoke. "Uncle, call off your bodyguards. They're disrupting my mother-in-law's treatment."

Elder Valentine frowned. "There are bodyguards?"

Isabella lowered her head, pretending to be wronged. "Evelyn made my mother faint. Dad and I didn't want her here. But Uncle brought bodyguards and took control of the room…"

Elder Valentine looked at her.

Her weeping demeanor displeased him.

He turned to Alexander. "Explain."

Julian and Isabella looked at Alexander excitedly.

But Alexander said calmly, "It was too noisy. The bodyguards are there to prevent disturbances to Mrs. Sophia."

Isabella bit her lip. "Uncle, this is my mother! I decide who comes and goes! Evelyn made her faint. Take her away!"

Elder Valentine's gaze was heavy.

His aura was oppressive.

Alexander remained composed.

Seeing Elder Valentine had finished his cigarette.

He took a cigarette case from his pocket and offered one.

Elder Valentine accepted it.

Alexander said, "I guessed you would come. I brought cigarettes. But I don't smoke. I have no lighter."

Elder Valentine paused slightly.

He lit it himself.

He took a drag. "Don't think one cigarette will appease me. Speak."

Alexander spoke. "Mrs. Sophia was holding Evelyn's hand before she fainted. She had something to say. The bodyguards cannot be withdrawn."

Isabella frowned.

She hadn't expected Alexander to be so firm.

She looked at Elder Valentine.

But Elder Valentine lowered his eyes. "Don't disturb her."

Alexander said, "The bodyguards are there precisely to avoid disturbing Mrs. Sophia. You can rest assured."

Elder Valentine nodded.

He said no more.

Isabella was stunned.

She looked from Elder Valentine to Alexander.

Suddenly, she understood. "Uncle Ashcroft, you know my uncle?"

"Yes. We've had dealings."

Elder Valentine answered coldly.

Isabella was shocked.

Alexander looked at her. "Mr. Valentine and I have matters to discuss. You may go inside."

Isabella and Julian did not dare disobey.

They obediently entered the room.

Only the two men remained outside.

Elder Valentine looked at Alexander. "I asked you to check on the Ashcrofts. And to ensure that love child didn't bother Mrs. Sophia. Who told you to marry her?"

His tone held a note of reproach.

Alexander lowered his gaze.

Initially, Julian and Isabella became engaged.

He led the betrothal party as head of the Vance family.

In truth, he was fulfilling Elder Valentine's request to check on Mrs. Sophia.

As for why he married Evelyn…

He offered no explanation. "Because I wanted to."

Elder Valentine frowned. "Keep her in check. If she causes Miss Nan any discomfort, I will not be lenient!"

Alexander responded firmly. "We are one. If you move against her, you move against me."

Elder Valentine sneered. "The wolf cub has grown up. You think you can win against me?"

Alexander said lightly, "We can try."

Inside the room.

The group couldn't hear the outside conversation clearly.

Marcus was anxious. "What are my uncle and Alexander talking about? I hope they fight. It would take Alexander down a peg!"

As he spoke.

Evelyn's phone rang.

She declined the call.

It rang again.

Evelyn frowned and glanced at it.

She took her phone and stepped out to answer.

She didn't want to disturb Mrs. Sophia.

She pushed open the door and walked into the corridor.