Sophia Ashcroft's fingers trembled slightly at the mention of "Mr.Valentine."

"You know him?"

Evelyn Ross immediately understood William Ashcroft had kept this information from her.

No wonder he avoided eye contact earlier.

She spoke directly.

"Marcus Valentine notified him."

"He rushed here overnight."

"He's been waiting in the parking lot downstairs for a full day and night."

Sophia gripped the bedsheet tightly and turned her face away.

"Has he been in the room?"

"No."

Evelyn paused.

"The first day, he stood outside the door for a while."

"Today he tried to come in."

"William stopped him."

"Don't blame William." Sophia's voice was soft.

"We made a promise."

"To never see each other again, in life or death."

Evelyn was stunned.

Never see each other again, even in death?

Even after a breakup, it shouldn't be this final.

The deep affection in Mr.Valentine's eyes couldn't be fake.

What exactly happened between them?

Her curiosity burned, but she saw the pain flash in Sophia's eyes.

She decided not to press further.

Sophia changed the subject.

"How is Eleanor Vance?"

Evelyn sighed.

"She's elderly. Her condition isn't good."

The special medicine could only extend her life for two or three more years.

Sophia nodded and suddenly grasped Evelyn's hand.

"Evelyn, before I felt I shouldn't interfere too much."

"But now I'm your mother. I have to ask."

"What's going on with you and Alexander Vance?"

"Why did you get married?"

Evelyn gave a wry smile.

"Truthfully, I don't really understand either."

"Don't understand?"

Sophia was taken aback.

"How could you not understand?"

Evelyn explained quietly.

"Isabella Ashcroft forced me to cut all ties with Julian Evans."

"She told me to find someone for a quick marriage."

"When I went to City Hall, I found out I was already registered."

"The other party was Alexander Vance…"

Sophia tightened her grip.

"Isabella forced you to marry?"

"How could you be so foolish!"

Evelyn remained silent.

Sophia understood immediately.

"Was it Linda Lowell emotionally blackmailing you again?"

"Evelyn, you've suffered too much…"

"I wish she'd suffer a thousand cuts right now…"

Evelyn, worried about agitating her, quickly soothed her.

"Only Eleanor Vance knows the full story of my marriage to Alexander."

"Once her condition improves, we can ask for clarity."

Sophia asked urgently.

"Can she improve?"

Evelyn nodded.

"A research institute in New York has developed a special drug for Alzheimer's."

"I plan to try it."

Eleanor Vance was very old.

The special medicine couldn't cure her, but it could let her live her remaining years lucidly.

Sophia pondered.

"Getting access to the New York institute is difficult."

"Does the Vance family have connections?"

"If not, I might be able to help…"

Evelyn looked at her.

"Mom, you have that many connections in New York?"

Sophia lowered her eyes.

"I still have some relationships there."

Evelyn suddenly asked.

"Just who are you, really?"

She had always felt Sophia was different.

No family, just living in San Francisco with Nancy Ashcroft.

The Ashcroft company was built by Sophia from scratch.

It was small, just enough to get by.

It only grew later with her help as Dr. Nan…

The old Ashcroft family was insignificant in San Francisco.

But Sophia's speech, her insights, her high-level views on economy and society all showed she was extraordinary.

Evelyn often eavesdropped on her teaching Isabella when she was little.

She pretended to mop the floor, working while listening to those interesting stories.

Evelyn owed who she was today to Sophia's influence.

But she never asked about Sophia's past, feeling she didn't deserve to know.

Now it was different.

She was her biological daughter. She had the right to know her mother's origins.

Sophia gently stroked her hair.

"Isabella never saw through me all these years."

"You're sharp."

She sighed.

"But I only want you to be Evelyn Ross of San Francisco."

"Don't get involved in my matters…"

Evelyn fell silent.

Her biological mother had so many secrets.

Forget it. Maybe it was better not to ask.

They had lived peacefully in San Francisco for over twenty years without incident.

Just as she thought this, footsteps sounded at the door.

Marcus Valentine knocked and entered.

Seeing Sophia awake, he visibly relaxed.

"Mrs. Ashcroft! You're awake! Wonderful!"

"My Third Uncle will be relieved to know."

Sophia's eyes dimmed at "Third Uncle."

She said distantly, "Thank you for your concern."

"Of course!" Marcus waved his hand.

"My Third Uncle said your matters are my matters."

"Is there anything else you need?"

Sophia shook her head.

"Please tell your Third Uncle to return."

Marcus's eyes shifted.

"Third Uncle has one wish before he leaves."

Sophia was startled.

"What wish?"

Marcus smiled.

"Before, we didn't know Miss Evelyn was your biological daughter."

"Third Uncle offended Miss Evelyn多次."

"He wants to apologize in person."

"He'd like to invite you and Miss Evelyn to dinner."

"Would that be possible?"

His Third Uncle rushed here from afar.

He lingered outside the room, not daring to enter.

"Never see each other again, in life or death"?

It must be a constraint Mrs. Ashcroft placed on Third Uncle.

Marcus wanted to try one more time.

Sophia looked down.

"I'm not feeling well. I won't go."

Marcus chuckled.

"What about Miss Evelyn?"

"She said she'll listen to her mother…"

Sophia looked at Evelyn.

She saw the tips of Evelyn's ears turn red.

Her fingers tightened slightly, as if making a decision.

"Evelyn, you should go meet him."