Isabella looked puzzled. "Who is Alexander Vance? Is he important?"

Evelyn pricked up her ears.

She had been around San Francisco for years, but had never heard that name.

William explained, "He keeps a very low profile. I've never met him myself. He's Julian's uncle. Only twenty-eight, but he's already the true head of the Vance family!"

Linda's eyes lit up. "So he'd be a better match for Isabella than Julian?"

The head of the family was far better than some eldest grandson!

William shot her a warning look. "Don't say such things. Mr. Vance is already married!"

Evelyn narrowed her eyes.

Married...

If he was really the man on the marriage certificate, then he should know the truth.

Linda sighed with regret. "Who is his wife? She must be even luckier than our Isabella."

Evelyn watched William intently.

William shook his head. "No one knows. They say neither of them are social people."

He frowned in thought. "Strange. Why would he suddenly come today..."

The Vances were one of San Francisco's top elite families. Their patriarch held a position of great respect.

The Ashcrofts were only upper-middle class. This marriage was already a step up for them. The patriarch attending the wedding was one thing, but why would he personally come for the dowry discussion?

Linda, however, was smug. "It must be because Isabella is so exceptional! She's caught the attention of the Vance family! Isabella, that necklace isn't grand enough. With elders present today, you need something that shows your status!"

She shoved the printed paper back into Evelyn's hand, eager to pull Isabella away to choose jewelry.

She was more enthusiastic than Sophia, Isabella's own mother.

Evelyn let out a derisive laugh.

"Sir, the Vances have arrived."

The butler reminded William to go downstairs. Passing Evelyn, he said offhandedly, "Since you're here, you might as well stay for a celebratory drink."

Evelyn nodded in agreement.

She was going to stay and meet Alexander Vance!

In the room, Linda helped Isabella put on her jewelry.

Looking at her radiant, beautiful daughter, a flash of triumph shone in her eyes.

Over twenty years ago, if Sophia Ashcroft hadn't interfered, she would have been the one to marry William!

She hated Sophia. She deliberately gave birth on the same day and switched the babies at the hospital.

Now her daughter was marrying into glory, and Sophia had to provide a lavish dowry!

While Evelyn could only marry some lowlife as the illegitimate love child!!

The tables had turned. This was what Sophia owed her!

Downstairs.

Evelyn leaned in the shadows of the staircase, watching the entrance intently.

After some time, Sophia was helped downstairs by a maid. She wore a purple cheongsam, her figure slender, exuding a strong scholarly air.

The maid whispered, "Ma'am, you're not well. You should rest."

Sophia shook her head. "No... It's Isabella's big day... I can't miss it..."

They didn't notice Evelyn and walked towards the entrance.

Evelyn gazed at Sophia's back, her eyes full of affection.

The irony was that Sophia, the one who should hate her, was the only person in the Ashcroft family who had ever shown her warmth.

Linda was never much of a mother. She often forgot to feed her.

As a young child, Evelyn was skin and bones. She learned to scavenge for food from trash cans as soon as she could walk.

Once, Sophia saw her. After that, she started leaving food in the garden every day.

She did this for twelve years.

If not for Sophia, Evelyn would have starved to death.

Hearing Sophia's cough, Evelyn frowned with worry.

Then there was movement at the door. The Vances had arrived!

William and Sophia greeted them at the entrance. After exchanging pleasantries, they stepped aside, and a large group filed in.

Evelyn's eyes immediately found Alexander Vance.

He wore a black custom-tailored suit, walking at the forefront like the center of attention. His face was more defined than in the photo, with sharp contours and a clear jawline.

The man's eyes were deep, his lips thin and cool. Every movement exuded an air of nobility.

Sensing her gaze, the man suddenly looked over.

Their eyes met.

His gaze was sharp, making Evelyn's heart skip a beat. She wanted to study him further, but he had already looked away.

Evelyn was a bit confused.

That reaction... did he know her or not?

William smiled obsequiously. "Mr. Vance, didn't your wife come with you?"

Evelyn felt Alexander's gaze sweep over her again before he replied coolly, "She's unavailable."

They chatted as they moved towards the drawing room.

Julian Evans, who had pursued her for four years, followed behind. The suit made him seem more mature than he was in college. He didn't see Evelyn, distractedly whispering to Isabella.

Everyone crowded around Alexander as he took a seat, discussing the wedding arrangements.

Evelyn stepped out of the shadows.

She stood quietly, observing the lively scene in the drawing room.

Suddenly, her arm was grabbed. Linda hissed in a low voice, "Evelyn, what are you still doing here? Still can't let go of Julian? I'm telling you, he's your sister's fiancé now!"

Evelyn shook off her hand, sneering. "Relax, I have no interest in being a mistress. Mr. Ashcroft asked me to stay for a drink."

Since she was old enough to understand, she had only ever called William "Mr. Ashcroft."

Linda was furious. "That was just politeness! Can't you take a hint? Know your place! Even I can't sit at the table on an occasion like this without embarrassing everyone. How can an illegitimate love child like you? Get out of here now!"

...This was endless!

Evelyn frowned impatiently, about to retort, when she saw Alexander stand up. He gestured to his phone and walked towards the balcony to take a call.

Evelyn's eyes lit up. "Fine, I'm leaving."

After brushing off Linda, she walked out of the drawing room but didn't leave the house. Instead, she turned towards the balcony.

The first-floor balcony connected to a small garden.

Evelyn had just approached when the man on the phone ended his call and his cold, stern gaze swept over her.

Evelyn paused.

Meeting his dangerous eyes, she suddenly curved her lips into a smile and called out carefully, "Husband?"