Evelyn Ross hailed a taxi after leaving Le Jardin Secret.

The night was deep and dark.

She watched the fleeting street scenes outside the window, her fingers tightening slightly.

Too much had happened today.

In the past, she only wanted a stable, peaceful life.

Now, she had to find the real culprit and reclaim the life that belonged to her.

The taxi stopped outside the Ashcroft villa.

Evelyn adjusted her mask and hat, then rang the doorbell.

Nancy Ashcroft opened the door, eyeing her suspiciously. "Who are you?"

The killer was still unknown. She couldn't trust anyone.

Evelyn lowered her voice. "I'm a classmate of Evelyn Ross. I'm here to visit Mrs. Ashcroft."

Nancy frowned. "Let me ask Mr. Ashcroft."

Evelyn nodded and waited.

Nancy soon returned. "Madam has already retired for the night. Mr. Ashcroft said you should come back tomorrow."

Evelyn glanced at the time.

It was only nine o'clock.

Sophia Ashcroft never went to bed this early.

She pleaded again. "My family is from out of town. I came specifically to visit. Could you make an exception?"

Nancy went to ask once more.

The answer was still no. "Madam is unwell and not receiving guests."

Evelyn sensed something wrong. "If she's unwell, why was she discharged from the hospital so urgently?"

Nancy immediately became displeased. "How dare you question that?"

Just as Evelyn was about to retort, a familiar voice came from behind.

"If she doesn't have the right, I do."

Evelyn turned sharply.

Alexander Vance stood in the darkness.

He looked haggard, with deep shadows under his eyes. A cold aura surrounded him.

His former gentlemanly demeanor was gone, replaced by a gloomy, fierce intensity.

He had been investigating near the restaurant all day.

All surveillance footage had been erased. There were no leads.

His wife had vanished into the sea.

He was about to continue the search at sea when he heard about Sophia's discharge and rushed over.

Evelyn had never poured her heart out to him.

But Alexander knew how important Sophia was to her.

After their reunion, she had become a complete mama's girl.

Even if she was gone, he would take care of her mother for her.

Alexander looked at the woman beside him.

It was this Grace Nan again.

Her concern for Mrs. Ashcroft was excessive.

Seeing Alexander, Nancy immediately became respectful. "Mr. Vance, please come in."

She didn't dare stop this distinguished guest.

Alexander stepped inside, pausing briefly as he passed Evelyn.

Her baseball cap hid her eyes. Her mask covered her face.

But her height was similar to Evelyn's.

Alexander lowered his gaze.

Evelyn quickly followed.

Nancy hurried to stop her. "Who said you could come in?"

Evelyn pointed at Alexander. "I'm with him."

Nancy hesitated and looked at Alexander.

Alexander frowned, studying her.

His intuition told him this woman meant no harm.

He said sternly, "Let her in."

Evelyn breathed a sigh of relief and followed closely.

They entered the living room as William Ashcroft descended the stairs.

Alexander got straight to the point. "How is Mrs. Ashcroft? Why was she discharged so suddenly?"

William sighed. "Sophia woke up this afternoon. She insisted Evelyn isn't dead. She became agitated and refused to stay in the hospital. I had to bring her home."

The reason was flawless.

Alexander himself didn't want to believe that body was hers, let alone Sophia.

He pressed his lips together. "May I see her?"

William's eyes flickered.

He had been too rough today. The marks couldn't be shown.

He politely declined. "Sophia just took a bath and went to sleep. Perhaps another day."

He couldn't leave visible marks in the future.

Alexander felt something was off.

But he couldn't pinpoint what.

Suddenly, Evelyn bent over, clutching her stomach. Her voice was weak. "Mr. Ashcroft, I have an upset stomach. May I use your restroom?"

William frowned. "You are?"

"A friend of Mr. Vance…"

Alexander frowned.

Evelyn clutched her stomach urgently. "I really can't hold it!"

She looked around frantically, then at Nancy. "Where is the bathroom?"

Nancy pointed to the downstairs powder room.

But Evelyn spoke first. "It's upstairs, right? Thank you!"

She nimbly darted up the stairs.

Nancy was stunned.

William's face changed dramatically. "Don't go upstairs!"

Alexander blocked his path. "Father-in-law, my friend is being rude. Please forgive her."

William looked nervous.

Alexander stood firm.

They watched the girl turn the corner in the hallway and push open the master bedroom door.

William shouted sharply, "Stop!"

Nancy hurried after her.

Evelyn paused briefly, then shoved the door open forcefully.