She is your mother!

Similar?

Evelyn Ross was momentarily stunned.

She and Sophia Ashcroft both had oval faces, but their features were completely different.

Sophia had sharp, phoenix-like eyes, while Evelyn's were captivating peach blossom eyes.

If there was any resemblance, it was their similarly cool, detached aura.

...That made sense.

After leaving the Ashcroft family, whenever she faced difficulties, she would wonder what Sophia would do.

Over time, she had unconsciously adopted some of Sophia's demeanor.

Evelyn looked at the elderly lady. "Grandma, she is not my mother."

The old lady stubbornly shook her head. "She is! How can you not acknowledge your own mother, granddaughter-in-law?"

Evelyn could only smile helplessly.

Grandma Eleanor was confused again.

Fortunately, Alexander Vance appeared at the door with their dinner, successfully diverting the old lady's attention.

The meal was lavish.

There were light side dishes paired with exquisite porridge, along with three servings of fresh fruit.

Grandma Eleanor suddenly frowned. "Granddaughter-in-law can't eat mango! She's allergic!"

Evelyn's head snapped up.

She looked at the old lady in surprise. "Grandma, how did you know that?"

She used to be allergic to mangoes, but the allergy disappeared two years ago after her constitution improved.

She had never mentioned this to Grandma Eleanor!

The old lady smiled. "You told me before. You said you break out in red rashes all over your face if you eat mango..."

Evelyn's expression turned serious. "When was 'before'?"

Grandma Eleanor looked confused. "Before the wedding, I think... Yes, you told me before the wedding!"

But Evelyn was certain she hadn't even known the old lady back then.

Her memory had never had any gaps.

She pressed urgently, "What else do you remember? Like how Mr. Vance and I got our marriage certificate?"

The old lady shook her head. "I can't remember..."

It seemed specific triggers were needed for Grandma Eleanor to recover fragments of her memory.

As Evelyn was lost in thought, she suddenly felt an intense gaze.

Turning her head, she met Alexander Vance's deep, penetrating eyes.

The man's expression was icy cold. He had clearly understood the old lady's words and was suspecting her of having ulterior motives again!

It was utterly impossible to defend herself.

Evelyn picked up the Shiba Inu. "Grandma, you two eat first. I'll take the dog for a walk."

She walked out of the hospital room and stopped at the end of the corridor.

Leaning against the wall with the dog in her arms, her peach blossom eyes glanced toward the room.

Sure enough, a tall figure soon followed her out.

Alexander Vance approached slowly, his deep voice resonating. "Did you have something to say, Miss Ross?"

Evelyn pressed her lips together. "I thought you might require an explanation."

"And what explanation did you wish to provide, Miss Ross?"

Evelyn said earnestly, "I genuinely have no knowledge of what Grandma mentioned about before the wedding."

Even she found her own words unbelievable. A mango allergy was private information the old lady couldn't possibly fabricate.

She expected the man to question her, but he only responded indifferently, "Oh."

Evelyn was taken aback. "You believe me, Mr. Vance?"

"Not sure."

Evelyn: ?

Alexander suddenly took a step closer.

The height difference meant she was enveloped in his shadow.

The man spoke slowly. "Miss Ross, whatever your goals might be, as long as you keep Grandma happy, I will ensure your safety."

"..."

Evelyn instantly understood his stance.

He didn't care about the truth. He wasn't concerned about whether she was deceiving him.

He was powerful enough to control the city of San Francisco, unafraid of any schemes...

His only concern was Grandma Eleanor.

Even if she truly had ulterior motives, as long as the old lady was happy, he would turn a blind eye...

"Of course."

The man's demeanor suddenly turned sharp and imposing. "But if you harm Grandma, I will make sure you cannot take a single step freely in San Francisco."

Evelyn laughed coldly. "Haven't you already done that, Mr. Vance?"

Alexander frowned and was about to speak when a hoarse voice interrupted.

"Evelyn Ross?"

Evelyn turned to see Professor Lowell.

He seemed to have a cold, his voice nasal, as he hurried over. "I was just about to ask how your job search is going? Have you cleared up the misunderstanding with Mr. Vance? Mr. Vance is so ungentlemanly, holding a grudge against a young woman. Revoking your guaranteed graduate spot was bad enough, but he also threatened to make your life in San Francisco impossible?"

Alexander Vance: ??

Evelyn glanced at Alexander with a mocking smile. "Don't worry, Professor. The misunderstanding has been resolved. Mr. Vance is very kind. He arranged a job for me and even promised to protect me~"

Her sarcastic tone made Alexander's face darken instantly.

Professor Lowell sighed in relief, finally noticing Alexander. Seeing them standing close together, he recalled the conversation with Isabella and her mother last time and instinctively asked, "Is this your... hoodlum husband?"

Alexander Vance: "..." His face turned as dark as a pot.

Evelyn's lips curved upward. "You could say that."

Professor Lowell looked at Alexander with grave concern. "Young man, you're strong and handsome. You should find a proper job and work hard!"

"..."

...

Ashcroft Family Dining Room.

The lunch atmosphere was heavy.

Sophia Ashcroft had little appetite and looked unwell.

William Ashcroft immediately asked with concern, "Sophia, what's wrong? Are you feeling unwell?"

Sophia waved her hand dismissively.

Isabella Ashcroft said softly, "Dad, we ran into Evelyn at the hospital today. Mom might be worried about her."

William frowned. "Why worry about her?"

Isabella sighed lightly. "She must hate me for processing her withdrawal and forcing her to study abroad... I'm afraid she might say something inappropriate in front of Mrs. Vance. Mr. Vance might take his anger out on me..."

William snorted coldly. "She's the one who offended Mr. Vance. What does it have to do with you? Even if she was lucky enough to save Mrs. Vance, that's between them. Speaking of which, Mr. Vance specifically instructed us to raise our daughter properly!"

Isabella's face paled.

That incident where she falsely relayed Mr. Vance's instructions... Surely it was all in the past now?

She had always been acutely aware that her father, William Ashcroft, was only good to her because she was Sophia Ashcroft's daughter!

If he found out she had displeased Mr. Vance... The consequences would be unthinkable!

Just then, William's phone suddenly rang.

He answered the call. "Assistant Watson?! What brings your call? Does Mr. Vance have any instructions?"

Isabella's heart tightened upon hearing this!!

Please don't let it be what she feared! She was utterly panicked!