You don't know, do you? Sophia Ashcroft cheated during her marriage! Evelyn isn't William Ashcroft's child at all!!"
Evelyn grabbed her collar. "Don't you dare insult Mrs. Ashcroft!"
"I will! Dare to do it, but not own up to it? Stop pretending to be noble! She cheated and had you!"
Slap!
Evelyn's slap sent Linda's cheek swelling instantly, silencing her.
Grace called the police to take Linda away. The combined charges were enough for the death penalty!
After Linda was taken, Grace held Evelyn's trembling hand. "It's over. She can't hurt you anymore."
Evelyn nodded.
She turned to leave, but Marcus stopped her, his eyes shining with excitement. "Hey, she said you're not William Ashcroft's daughter?"
If not William Ashcroft's, then she must be his third uncle's!
Evelyn's face turned icy cold.
Her gaze sharpened like a blade.
Her voice was low with suppressed anger.
"Do you also believe Mrs. Ashcroft betrayed her marriage?"
She still wasn't used to calling Sophia 'Mom'.
Marcus felt a chill run down his spine under her stare.
He quickly waved his hands. "That's not what I meant. I was trying to say—"
"Don't bother."
"My family matters are none of your concern, Marcus."
Evelyn tossed the words over her shoulder and walked away.
Marcus stood frozen for a moment.
He turned to Alexander, exasperated.
"Hey, control your wife. What's with that attitude?"
Alexander gave him a cool glance. "Is there a problem?"
Marcus fell silent.
Alexander didn't wait for a reply.
He quickened his pace to catch up with Evelyn.
They headed back toward the third-floor ward together.
Grace Lorenz remained outside the ER, her brow furrowed.
Marcus suddenly leaned closer. "Officer Lorenz, did Isabella break any laws?"
Grace's expression was grave. "There's no evidence."
Liam's manipulations had all been verbal.
No written records existed.
Today's events were at most a moral issue.
They didn't reach the level of criminal offense.
Isabella had lost her uterus.
But was that punishment truly sufficient?
Her malice toward Evelyn was so blatant.
Would she cause more trouble after recovering?
As Grace pondered this, Marcus suddenly broke into an excited grin.
"Really? That's great!"
Grace was taken aback.
...
Alexander walked silently beside Evelyn.
He could feel her quiet joy bubbling beneath the surface.
It was almost tangible.
He glanced at her.
Evelyn looked straight ahead.
Her eyes shone with a light he'd never seen before.
She seemed so light, she might float away.
But then she thought of Linda's slander against Sophia.
Her brow furrowed slightly.
Alexander's lips curved into a faint smile.
He asked softly, "Do you care about William?"
Evelyn shook her head. "No."
William was just a stranger to her.
Alexander nodded. "Then don't let Linda's words bother you."
Evelyn suddenly moved closer, lowering her voice.
"Do you think William knows I'm not his daughter?"
Alexander bent down to match her level.
He whispered back, "I think he does."
Evelyn's eyes lit up. "Why?"
Alexander straightened up.
His voice was calm. "Don't you find their relationship dynamic strange?"
Evelyn paused.
Alexander continued his analysis.
"Sophia seems like the unbending type, doesn't she?"
Evelyn nodded.
Sophia was resilient like bamboo.
She appeared gentle but was strong inside.
She wasn't someone easily controlled.
She was highly capable.
She managed the Ashcroft company well.
She knew so many influential people in New York.
Mr. Roland treated her with respect.
Mr. Valentine showed her special attention...
A woman like her couldn't be a traditional housewife.
Alexander spoke slowly.
"Have you ever wondered how such a person could tolerate Linda moving into the Ashcroft home with her 'love child'?"
He emphasized the words "love child".
He noticed Evelyn's pupils constrict slightly.
He made a mental note to use the term more often.
It would help her overcome its negative impact.
Evelyn pressed her lips together. "What are you implying?"
"Perhaps both Sophia and William knew you weren't his daughter."
"That's why Sophia took Linda in when she showed up pregnant."
"Later, I noticed she didn't hold any grudge against you."
"William seemed bothered by your presence instead."
"It was as if he feared you'd damage his relationship with Sophia."
Alexander rarely spoke this much.
He explained patiently, "I've never seen a lawful wife actually allow the mistress and love child to live under the same roof."
"This is modern times. Polygamy is illegal."
Evelyn had already suspected this.
Hearing him say it made her more certain.
She nodded, but sighed softly.
"If only Sophia hadn't been so soft-hearted back then... It would have been better."
But there were no what-ifs.
She suddenly remembered Sophia fainting after seeing the photo.
Her expression had changed drastically.
So Sophia must know who her biological father was!
Evelyn felt a surge of confidence.
She said directly, "I don't believe Sophia would cheat during her marriage."
"Let's just ask William directly!"
Alexander agreed with a nod.
They took the elevator to the third-floor ward.
As they stepped out, they saw William confronting Mr. Valentine at the ward door.
Mr. Valentine had his back to them.
His expression was hidden.
William's voice was hoarse.
"Please don't disturb Sophia."
"I can take care of her."
"We don't need you here."
Mr. Valentinesneered.
"Even your children were switched."
"Is this how you take care of her?"
William was speechless.
He hadn't slept for a day and night.
He said wearily, "Sophia doesn't want to see you either."
Mr. Valentine fell silent for a moment.
He clenched his fists.
He gave William a curt nod and turned toward the stairwell.
His figure disappeared around the corner.
His retreating back looked lonely.
He never glanced back.
William watched him leave and暗暗 sighed in relief.
He looked up and met Evelyn's gaze...
Both fell silent.
Downstairs.
Mr. Valentine didn't get into his car.
He stood in the parking lot and lit a cigarette.
He took a deep drag.
Smoke curled around him as he looked up at the third-floor window.
He smiled self-deprecatingly.
Then he pulled open the car door and got in.
Marcus came rushing over.
He was as lively as a freshly graduated college student.
He leaned toward Mr. Valentine.
"Uncle, Evelyn isn't William's daughter!"
"Could her father be you?!"