Marcus Valentine always felt the atmosphere between his third uncle and Mrs. Sophia Ashcroft was peculiar.

His third uncle had always valued Alexander Vance highly, even privately advising Marcus not to make an enemy of him, saying the family's future relied on his support.

There was something strange about those words… but that wasn't the main point.

The main point was that Alexander, who was held in such high regard, was nearly the cause of a falling-out between his third uncle and Mrs. Ashcroft.

He once suspected his third uncle had feelings for Mrs. Ashcroft, even wondering if her daughter could be his uncle's biological child.

Alexander had no interest in continuing this conversation.

This was Evelyn's private matter. Speaking of it would only stain Mrs. Ashcroft's reputation with accusations of infidelity. He chose to remain silent.

Knowing Alexander's temperament, Marcus didn't press further. Instead, he studied Evelyn's face, trying to find any resemblance to his third uncle…

Evelyn stared intently at the ER doors. As she approached, they burst open. A doctor shouted urgently, "Family members? The patient's hemorrhaging won't stop! We need an immediate hysterectomy to save her life! We need a family member to sign!"

Linda Lowell rushed forward. "I'm her mother! I'll sign!"

The doctor scrutinized her. "You're the biological mother?"

Linda was speechless.

Whether by household registration or birth certificate, she currently had no legal standing!

As she hesitated, another urgent call came from inside. "Has it been signed? We can't hold on much longer!"

Stamping her foot in frustration, Linda was about to speak when Julian Evans strode over. "I'll sign. I'm her husband."

He took the medical chart and signed swiftly.

The doctor turned and rushed back into the operating room.

Linda grabbed Julian's hand, sobbing. "Mr. Evans, thank you. You and Isabella were married…"

Julian pulled his hand back, wiping it disdainfully on his coat. "This is the last thing I'll do for her. I hope she signs the divorce papers when she wakes up."

Linda broke down completely. "Mr. Evans! After the hysterectomy, Isabella can never have children! She's only twenty-two! Her life is ruined! How could you…"

Julian took two steps back, cast one last look at the ER doors, then turned and walked away resolutely.

Linda collapsed to her knees, covering her face as she wailed. "My poor, unfortunate Isabella! What man would want a woman who can't bear children…"

She cried hysterically.

When she switched the children all those years ago, it was to give Isabella a life of luxury. How did it come to this?

Linda suddenly looked up, saw Evelyn, and scrambled over on her knees, begging. "Evelyn, please! Ask Mr. Vance to order Julian not to divorce her! For the sake of raising you…"

Evelyn looked down coldly at this woman.

In her childhood, Linda was her nightmare.

Even as an adult, she often dreamt of that helplessness and pain from being whipped.

How dare Linda think she would help?

Evelyn sneered, bending down. "Do you know what I want to say right now?"

"What?"

Evelyn's eyes turned icy. She clenched her fists. "If murder wasn't illegal, you and Isabella would already be dead."

Linda's pupils contracted sharply. She slumped to the floor.

A vicious glint flashed in her eyes. She suddenly pulled a fruit knife from her pocket!

She had taken it from Mrs. Ashcroft's hospital room. Now, with nothing left to lose, she aimed it straight at Evelyn's heart!

"You bitch! You did this to Isabella! I should have strangled you when you were a child! I'll get revenge for Isabella!!"

But the next second—

"Thud!"

Before Evelyn could move, before Linda could get close, just as Grace Lorenz was about to lift her leg, Linda was sent flying by a powerful kick from Alexander!

Alexander frowned, glancing at Evelyn: That was close! Grace almost got there first again!

He shot Grace a dissatisfied look.

Spitting blood, Linda struggled up and charged again with the knife!

"What the hell? She just doesn't give up?"

Marcus stepped in front.

Remembering his third uncle's orders, this woman not only bullied Evelyn but also had the audacity to attack?

He kicked hard at Linda's knee.

A sickening crack echoed. Her knee dislocated. Linda screamed, dropping to one knee.

Marcus exclaimed, "Still holding the knife? That's too dangerous!"

He bent down and efficiently dislocated Linda's left arm!

Writhing in agony, Linda dropped the knife—

"Ah! Trying to throw it? Miss Evelyn, careful!"

Marcus stomped on her right hand, dislocated her right arm, then "accidentally" crushed her left leg.

Linda lay completely incapacitated on the floor.

Marcus jumped back. "So scary! Officer Lorenz, she attempted murder in public! Arrest her!"

Grace Lorenz: "…"

She already had a warrant. Now, with attempted murder with a deadly weapon, and even assaulting an officer…

The combined charges were enough to put her away for life.

Not to mention Marcus had shattered her leg bone. She would never walk again.

Keeping a straight face, Grace said nothing. She stepped forward, twisted Linda's arms behind her back, and cuffed her!

Sweating profusely from pain, Linda rolled on the ground.

The others watched coldly, unmoved.

Linda shrieked, "You can't do this! Evelyn, save me…"

Evelyn ignored her.

"Abomination! Beast!" Linda roared. "Have you forgotten how you used to beg me for mercy on your knees as a child?"

Evelyn's expression remained calm.

But Alexander and Marcus clenched their fists.

Marcus rubbed the back of his hand, sucking in a sharp breath. "Why do my hands itch again?"

Linda trembled in fear. Knowing she was doomed, she decided to go all out!

She glared venomously at Evelyn, spewing insults:

"You little slut! As a child, you were only fit to lick my feet! You'll never compare to Isabella! Remember when I forced you to drink Isabella's foot wash? The harder you struggled, the harder I pressed you down! Hahaha!"

"You whore! All these years without an allowance, you must have been slept with by countless men! You're just a prostitute! Even if you marry into the Vance family, you won't come to a good end!"

Alexander snapped, "Shut up!"

Linda flinched but glared at him with hatred.

This vicious woman felt no remorse, only that fate was unfair!

She stared fixedly at Alexander. "Am I wrong? I was a mistress, but I only ever been with William Ashcroft! Her mother?