Isabella's pupils contracted sharply.

She stared at her phone screen.

That voice was too familiar.

A moment of silence on the line was followed by an even colder tone. "Isabella, why do you have my mother's phone?"

It was really her!

A chill ran down Isabella's spine.

This was impossible…

A sudden thought struck her. "Is this your number?"

Evelyn's voice was flat. "Why ask such a pointless question?"

Isabella finally understood.

She had almost forgotten that Evelyn's name also contained the character "Nan."

Mother occasionally called her "Little Nan" affectionately.

Isabella let out a long sigh of relief.

Then, anger surged within her. "You're such a bootlicker. To please my mother, you even used her surname. Are you worthy of being called 'Nan'?"

Downstairs, Evelyn lowered her eyes.

She had chosen this name herself in elementary school.

This "Nan" did indeed come from Sophia's surname.

Back then, she was just a child who simply liked the character.

She never considered how Mrs. Ashcroft might feel.

The daughter of a mistress, using the lawful wife's surname.

She would never know how Mrs. Ashcroft felt at that time.

Her voice remained calm. "Did you call just to say this?"

"Of course not!" Isabella dropped all pretense, her tone venomous. "Let me tell you, don't think cozying up to Eleanor Vance will get you anywhere. You're just a plaything at best! Mr. Vance is a married man! I will marry Julian and become the rightful young mistress of the Vance family!"

Evelyn chuckled lightly. "Congratulations, then?"

Isabella felt like she had punched cotton.

She gritted her teeth. "High society isn't just about feelings! I hold the ultimate trump card, Dr. Nan. I will never lose!"

The call ended.

Evelyn shook her head with a wry smile.

Since when had she become Isabella's trump card?

As she pondered, another WhatsApp voice call came through.

This time, it was from Mrs. Ashcroft using the "Dr. Nan" account.

Evelyn tapped the screen and answered.

She lowered her voice. "Hello."

A voice-altered greeting was sent.

Leo Lowell's appearance had taught her that staying low-key was the wise choice.

It avoided being pestered by those peculiar relatives.

Isabella's tone was respectful. "Hello, Dr. Nan. Sorry to disturb you. I'm Isabella Ashcroft, Sophia Ashcroft's daughter. The Vance Group would like to invite you to join the R&D team. My mother also agrees. May I ask if you…"

"Not interested." Evelyn coldly cut her off.

Isabella tried to persuade her, but Evelyn spoke first. "I am only responsible for Mrs. Ashcroft's company."

She hung up immediately.

…

Monday morning.

Evelyn left the Shiba Inu puppy with Eleanor Vance and left for work on time.

Standing at the hospital entrance, hesitating between a taxi or the subway, the familiar Bentley slowly pulled up beside her.

The window rolled down, revealing Alexander Vance's sharp profile.

He looked straight ahead, his voice detached. "Get in."

Evelyn shook her head. "It's not convenient."

They weren't close enough for daily rides.

Alexander said flatly, "Grandmother asked me to drive you."

"You can tell her you did."

"She wants photo proof."

"…Fine."

Evelyn opened the rear door and sat beside Alexander.

Alexander raised his phone, aiming it at both of them.

Evelyn cooperatively flashed a peace sign, a bright smile on her face.

She tilted her head slightly, her hair brushing against Alexander's cheek.

Alexander stiffened, as if jolted by an electric current.

Thomas, in the passenger seat, looked puzzled.

When they left this morning, he didn't remember Mrs. Vance giving such instructions?

Maybe he missed it.

After the photo, Evelyn sat up straight and pulled out her phone to handle work.

Silence filled the rest of the ride.

The car entered the Vance Group's underground parking garage.

Alexander and Thomas took the CEO's private elevator.

Evelyn headed for the employee elevator and went to the R&D department.

The R&D management was in a meeting, the atmosphere tense.

The R&D General Manager announced personnel changes. "By company decision, Team Leader Julian Evans is promoted to Vice President! He will now oversee the R&D department's technical work!"

Someone asked, "Why so sudden?"

The General Manager explained. "VP Evans successfully invited Dr. Nan to provide technical support. This is a major event for R&D. While Dr. Nan won't be physically present, all technical issues can be communicated through VP Evans. Now, let's hear from VP Evans."

Julian stood up, his youthful gaze fixed directly on Jason Lawrence. "Both Team One and Team Two will now report to me. Team Leader Lawrence, you won't violate company policy, will you?"

Jason Lawrence, who had pulled an all-nighter working over the weekend, wore casual clothes and looked thoroughly irritated.

He sneered. "Company policy prohibits skipping levels in reporting or task assignment. My team members must be assigned through me!"

Julian's face darkened. "Team Leader Lawrence, do you even have the energy to manage Team One? Have you solved the core issue? R&D is one unit. Your delays affect the entire project's progress!"

Jason shoved his chair back and stood up. "You studied new energy too. You know the difficulty of R&D. Don't act like you could solve it!"

Julian replied unhurriedly. "I can't solve it, but I know someone who can. Should I ask Dr. Nan to help you?"

Jason scoffed. "Since when are you so helpful?"

Julian's eyes turned sinister. "We're all part of R&D. Of course, I'll look out for you. But to communicate with Dr. Nan, your team needs to assign a technical person to assist. How about that new intern?"

Jason had guessed his target was Evelyn!

He said coldly, "Not a chance! I'll manage on my own. Don't trouble yourself!"

Julian's face turned stormy. "Team Leader Lawrence, don't think Mr. Vance's backing lets you do as you please! Delaying R&D progress is your failure! I'm giving you two more days. If the problem isn't solved, prepare to resign or be demoted!"

Jason walked out. "We'll see if you have what it takes!"

He sounded confident in the office, but his expression darkened the moment he left.

He knew if Julian went through with this, even Alexander Vance would have difficulty protecting him.

Jason entered the Team One office and kicked a chair in frustration.

Daniel Clementson, who was late, slipped quietly to his workstation, afraid to provoke the irritable boss.

He turned on his computer and opened his email, noticing an unread message.

Huh?

An email from Evelyn Ross…

Did she actually solve the core problem?