Mr. Valentine's words shocked the entire room.

Penelope and Fiona both widened their eyes.

Fiona cried out, "Uncle, are you mistaken? How could Evelyn be your daughter?"

Penelope's face turned pale.

Her gaze shifted between Mr. Valentine and Evelyn.

She felt like she was dreaming.

Everything seemed unreal.

Mr. Valentine coldly glanced at them. "Get out."

Penelope and Fiona froze.

Meeting his icy stare, they immediately lowered their heads. "Yes, Uncle."

They were about to leave when Evelyn spoke. "Wait."

They stopped.

Evelyn looked at Mr. Valentine. "The preschool's director is from the Valentine family. Fiona is in charge. She unjustly expelled my daughter and Mrs. Lawrence's son. How should this be handled?"

Mr. Valentine never concerned himself with such trivial matters.

He glanced indifferently at Fiona.

Fiona nervously swallowed.

She and Penelope knew well how much the third branch longed for a daughter. If Evelyn was really their uncle's daughter, her status would surpass everyone's, including Marcus Valentine's!

Mr. Valentine was the true head of the Valentine family now.

Fiona hurriedly explained, "Uncle, it's a misunderstanding. I didn't know Evelyn was your daughter…"

"Resign as school director immediately." Mr. Valentine cut her off, his tone leaving no room for argument.

Fiona stood stunned, her face burning.

As an adopted daughter, she had always been sensitive. She had finally become director, only to be removed after one day?

She tried to defend herself. "Uncle, I…"

Mr. Valentine coldly stared at her. "Still not leaving?"

His authoritative voice made Fiona tremble. She quickly nodded. "I'm leaving…"

Fiona turned and slunk away.

Penelope looked at Mr. Valentine and said softly, "Uncle, there's some misunderstanding between my sister and Evelyn. I'll talk to her properly…"

She cleverly distanced herself, then hurried out after Fiona.

The bodyguards followed them out.

The living room fell silent.

Chloe and Mina still stood on the staircase, staring in shock at Mr. Valentine.

Mr. Valentine was renowned, more imposing than even Kevin Sherwood. Under his leadership, the Valentine Group had grown immensely. The Valentines were now a top-tier elite family.

The Roland and Sherwood families couldn't compare to the Valentines…

No wonder Penelope and Fiona had looked down on them earlier. But now, it seemed Evelyn was the true Valentine heiress?

She hadn't even returned home yet. Mina and Chloe could already imagine how much the Valentine family would dote on her.

Whether it was Fiona or Penelope, who did the name "Jiao" truly belong to?

They exchanged a look.

Taking Mrs. Lawrence and Benny with them, they quietly went upstairs, leaving the space for the father and daughter.

Only Mr. Valentine and Evelyn remained in the living room.

Evelyn lowered her eyes, suddenly unsure what to say.

Mr. Valentine gazed at her for a long time before finally speaking. "I've been searching for your mother recently, so I haven't returned. Marcus told me you already know your identity?"

Evelyn nodded slightly. "Any news about Mom?"

Mr. Valentine sighed. "Not yet."

He suddenly realized something. "Do you know something?"

Evelyn was disappointed. But thinking of Mr. Valentine's dedication to Sophia, she told him everything she knew. "It's the Nan family. The Nan family took her."

"The Nan family?" Mr. Valentine frowned. "The Nan from your surname?"

"Yes."

With a topic to discuss, Evelyn felt less awkward. She pointed to the sofa, inviting Mr. Valentine to sit.

Then she slowly recounted everything she knew about Evelyn's background.

In this world, if there was one person she could trust, one person who wanted to rescue her mother as desperately as she did, it was Mr. Valentine.

After listening, Mr. Valentine frowned deeply. After a long while, he looked at her. "So, you plan to take the risk?"

Evelyn lowered her eyes. "Yes."

"I don't agree." Mr. Valentine directly refused. "Now that I know the truth, leave rescuing your mother to me!"

Evelyn didn't argue excitedly. She just looked at him calmly. "You've been searching for over a month, right? Any leads?"

Mr. Valentine was taken aback.

Evelyn stated directly, "I'm not as weak as you think. This matter is settled."

She stood up and pointed to the door. After a pause, she added, "...You should go back first."

Mr. Valentine frowned, displeased. "What about you? It's not convenient living here…"

"Staying here will keep those people off guard. Besides…" Evelyn lowered her eyes. "I don't know what happened between you and Mom in the past. So I haven't acknowledged you as my father yet."

Mr. Valentine: "…"

He stared at Evelyn for a long time. Seeing the resolve on her face, he knew he couldn't persuade this daughter. He finally sighed. "Fine, I'll leave first. But if you encounter any difficulties, you must tell me immediately!"

Evelyn nodded.

Mr. Valentine was decisive. He left right after speaking.

After he left, Mina quietly slipped downstairs. She nudged Evelyn's arm. "Evelyn, aren't you going home with Mr. Valentine?"

"No."

Evelyn was thinking how to explain when Mina suddenly said, "You're not going back because you don't want to marry that divorced old man Alexander Vance, right?"

Evelyn: ?

Mina nodded. "You're doing the right thing. Life is good now. That young hunk is handsome and treats you well. No need to go home for an arranged marriage! You two should focus on living well together. That's what matters most!"

"…"

Evelyn's mouth twitched. She saw Chloe and Alexander standing not far away, quietly watching Mina.

Mrs. Lawrence had been in shock after learning about Evelyn's background. While Evelyn and Mr. Valentine talked, none of them came downstairs to disturb.

Now, Mrs. Lawrence was upstairs playing with the two children and hadn't come down.

Alexander and Chloe were worried about Evelyn, so they followed after Mina came downstairs. They didn't expect to hear those words as they approached.

Chloe glanced at Alexander, then at Mina. She coughed lightly. "Um, Cousin Mina…"

Mina turned to look at her.

Chloe pointed at Alexander. "Do you know who he is?"