Evelyn shook her head. "No."

Mr. Roland was stunned. "No? Are you sure?"

Her eyes, her face—it was exactly like her from her youth!

Evelyn's tone was calm. "I'm sure."

Mr. Roland looked disappointed. "Oh, perhaps I was mistaken."

Evelyn said nothing more.

Mrs. Roland pinched her husband's arm discreetly. "Who does Miss Ross resemble? That look on your face—don't tell me she's an old flame of yours?"

Mr. Roland winced. "Easy! She was an elder! Her surname was Nan, and her daughter's surname was Nan too... With Miss Ross's appearance, I thought she might be that elder's granddaughter..."

Mrs. Roland released him. "You looked utterly heartbroken."

Mr. Roland sighed. "Anyone who saw that elder would never forget her grace. If you had met her, you'd understand..."

Mrs. Roland was curious. "Who was she? Is she in New York?"

"She settled in New York years ago, but her current whereabouts are unknown." Mr. Roland waved a hand. "There's been no news of her for years."

Ryan Roland returned after inquiring about the Ashcrofts. "Dad, I'm going to the Ashcroft residence. Their daughter deceived me like this—I must demand an explanation."

Mr. Roland teased him. "Even our CEO Ryan can misjudge people."

He glanced at Evelyn. "What do you think of this Miss Ross? Should we still allow Chloe to associate with her?"

Ryan's cheeks flushed slightly. He remained silent.

Mrs. Roland looked toward Alexander Vance in the distance and sighed softly.

The banquet was winding down. Guests were gradually leaving.

Alexander personally escorted the four Rolands to the parking lot.

Ryan had regained his composure. He exchanged a few pleasantries with Alexander before saying goodbye.

Evelyn came to see Chloe off.

The girl in the wheelchair held her hand tightly. "You must visit me back at the hospital. I'm leaving tomorrow."

Mrs. Roland found it amusing. "Go back to New York for proper treatment. Once you're better, you can visit Miss Ross anytime. Why does this feel like a final farewell?"

Chloe blushed.

Evelyn smiled.

She adored Chloe's pure and kind nature—a testament to being raised with love.

It was the life she yearned for but could never have.

Evelyn lowered her gaze. "I'll see you off tomorrow."

Chloe was finally satisfied. Ryan helped her into the car.

Mr. Roland said to his wife, "Take Chloe home. Ryan and I are going to the Ashcrofts."

Evelyn frowned.

It was only right for the Rolands to confront Isabella.

But she was worried about Mrs. Ashcroft.

She spoke up. "Mr. Roland, I'll go with you."

Mr. Roland nodded. "Alright."

Alexander stepped forward. "I'll drive you."

Thomas whispered a reminder. "Sir, you have an international meeting soon..."

Alexander pressed his lips together.

Evelyn quickly said, "It's not necessary..."

Ryan interjected. "She can ride with us. It's on the way."

He glanced at Evelyn, then quickly looked away.

Alexander's eyes turned cold. "Your vision seems impaired, Ryan. I worry you might not see the road clearly."

Ryan's expression darkened. "The Rolands are not short on drivers. Your concern is unnecessary, Alexander."

As Alexander was about to retort, Jason Lawrence jumped in. "I can drive Miss Ross. It's on my way."

His cousin's relationship with the Rolands had just improved. He couldn't let it sour again!

Alexander reluctantly agreed.

Evelyn got into Jason's car.

As the car started, Jason glanced at the two in the rearview mirror and coughed. "What exactly is your relationship with my cousin?"

Evelyn raised an eyebrow.

Jason continued. "A word of caution—my cousin is married. I've never met his wife, but their relationship has always been good. Don't accidentally become the other woman."

Evelyn said nothing.

She touched her chin. "Do you know who his legal wife is?"

"Who?"

Evelyn blinked. "Me."

Jason forced a dry laugh. "Dr. Nan, don't joke about that. My cousin's wife is studying abroad. It can't be you!"

Evelyn didn't elaborate further.

The two cars arrived at the Ashcroft residence one after the other.

Evelyn hurried inside, hoping to warn Mrs. Ashcroft first.

As soon as she entered the living room, a sharp slap struck her face!

Smack!

Evelyn's head snapped to the side. Her cheek burned with pain. Blood seeped from the corner of her mouth, the metallic taste filling it.

William Ashcroft was furious. "You wretched girl! Why did you steal your sister's credit? You're just jealous! You want her to be rejected by the Vances!"

The shock in Evelyn's eyes gradually cooled. She licked the blood from her lip, her heart sinking into an icy abyss.

Behind William, Isabella sat on the sofa, her eyes red and swollen from crying.

Mrs. Ashcroft rushed over, her face full of astonishment. "William! How could you hit Evelyn based solely on Isabella's word?"

William said sternly, "Sophia, regardless of the truth, Isabella is our daughter! She's just a love child raised by the Ashcrofts. She should protect Isabella's reputation outside!"

Before he could finish, the Roland father and son stormed in with bodyguards.

William instinctively shielded his wife. "Who are you? How dare you break into a private residence!"

Ryan's expression was cold and stern. He was about to speak when Mr. Roland got a clear look at Mrs. Ashcroft's face and exclaimed in shock, "...Sophia? Are you Sophia Ashcroft?"