News of the Xu and Vance alliance through marriage had long spread throughout New York.

Rumors had circulated years ago, with everyone assuming Fiona Valentine would marry into the Vance family.

Unfortunately, the Vances never gave their approval, so the engagement was shelved.

Later, Alexander Vance married, and everyone thought the Xus had missed their chance.

Who could have predicted Alexander's wife would pass away early, leaving the position of lawful wife vacant once more.

The Xus brought up the marriage alliance again, and surprisingly, the Vances did not refuse.

This matter had been hotly debated in New York for a long time, yet neither family had made an official confirmation.

The Vances suddenly arriving with a dowry today was completely unexpected.

Amid the chatter, Xu Chong pulled his daughter aside to make way for the butler.

The Third Master raised an eyebrow, looking at Evelyn.

Evelyn also looked surprised, her gaze turning to the butler.

The butler, beaming, hurried in. "The Vances have brought many gifts. They're unloading them now. Someone sent word that these are all betrothal gifts and asked me to announce it first!"

The Third Master laughed heartily. "Good! That boy has finally come to his senses! Today is truly a double blessing!"

The butler nodded repeatedly. "Yes, yes, a double blessing!"

Hearing this, Marcus Valentine looked at his newly recognized cousin, Grace.

He knew Alexander had been staying with Grace. Was he finally giving her a proper status?

A strange feeling suddenly stirred in his heart.

The more glorious Grace appeared today, the more it made him sigh for the departed Evelyn.

Back then, Alexander had offended the Third Uncle for her sake…

Now he had found a replacement.

He lowered his head, took a sip of wine, and glanced at Mina Sherwood beside him.

Mina was frowning, her eyes fixed on Penelope Valentine.

Marcus followed her gaze.

Penelope's cheeks were flushed. Her eyes sparkled before she shyly lowered her head.

People immediately crowded around to tease her.

"Miss Penelope, Mr. Vance is so distinguished. This match is truly made in heaven!"

"Yes, yes! A perfect pair!"

"And…" The speaker glanced at Marcus, lowering his voice. "Mr. Vance choosing to deliver the dowry today is clearly here to show support for Miss Penelope!"

"Exactly! Otherwise, why make such a grand spectacle?"

"I heard there are so many betrothal gifts it will take ages to unload them all!"

"Miss Penelope, have you met Mr. Vance? What is he like?"

Penelope became even shyer. "Not yet. But our family has been in contact with him…"

She instinctively glanced at Evelyn, a smug smile curling her lips.

What did it matter how many gifts her brothers gave her?

If she could marry Alexander Vance, the entire Vance fortune would be hers!

The Vances were the wealthiest family in San Francisco. Their assets were no less than the Xus, perhaps even greater!

Xu Chong secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

This incident should divert attention, allowing his daughter to escape this crisis.

No sooner had the thought crossed his mind than he saw his daughter step forward.

She laughed loudly. "Grace, see that? Even if you are the Third Master's biological daughter, so what? The Vances are here to support Penelope now! Among the Xu daughters, Penelope is the most accomplished!"

She recklessly looked at the Third Master. "Third Uncle, I understand you favor your own daughter. I accept you making my father hit me earlier. But there are some things I must say!"

Xu Chong rushed forward to grab his daughter's arm. "Are you still insane?"

She pushed him away. "I'm not insane! Even if I don't say it, everyone knows! Grace's past is utterly disgraceful! Dad, don't stop me! I want to say my piece!"

Xu Chong, furious, moved to cover her mouth.

The Third Master spoke coldly. "Let her speak!"

He picked up his wine glass, his gaze icy. "I want to hear exactly how my daughter is 'disgraceful'!"

A chill ran down Xu Chong's spine.

He knew this daughter was beyond saving now…

He bowed his head dejectedly, wiping cold sweat from his brow.

His daughter, oblivious, continued with a cold laugh. "Third Uncle, you probably don't know your daughter is a lovesick fool! She married her college classmate, slaved for him for three years, and then he found a new lover and kicked her to the curb! Besides her face, she's utterly useless!"

Evelyn listened to these words, her expression calm.

She glanced at the Third Master. The cold aura around him intensified, a murderous glint flashing in his eyes.