Chapter 461

Evelyn Ross sighed softly and turned her gaze to Alexander Vance.

Alexander Vance looked at her quietly. "Leave first, or…"

Evelyn glanced out the car window. "To the hospital."

"Okay."

Alexander started the car and drove slowly past Marcus Valentine.

Marcus seemed not to see them, his eyes fixed intently on the entrance.

In the rearview mirror, Evelyn saw his thin figure trembling slightly in the wind.

She averted her eyes, unable to bear watching.

Alexander spoke softly, "Actually, it's not that he doesn't trust Mina…"

He paused, carefully observing Evelyn's expression. "You just don't understand what azoospermia means to a man."

Evelyn raised an eyebrow. "What does it mean?"

"It's a humiliation. Men can be very childish sometimes. Back in college, Marcus even competed with me to see who could pee farther in the restroom…"

Evelyn was speechless.

That was too childish!

She suddenly grew curious. "Who won?"

Alexander's mouth twitched. "A lady shouldn't ask that."

Then he lifted his chin proudly. "Of course, it was me."

Evelyn was speechless again.

What was there to be proud of!

She rolled her eyes. "And then?"

Alexander continued, "He's always been flamboyant and outstanding, the center of attention in our circle. Just look at how long he's delayed marriage, afraid his azoospermia would be discovered. That shows how strong his pride is."

"He hid this from all the Valentines. Everyone thought he just wasn't ready to settle down…"

Alexander paused. "Azoospermia was a devastating blow for him. When Mina said she was pregnant, Marcus agreeing to get checked again, and at a different hospital, was itself a humiliation for him."

Evelyn frowned but didn't argue.

Alexander went on, "Moreover, he did it three times."

He focused on the road ahead. "Each test was a repeated humiliation."

"Evelyn, from Mina's perspective, he was wrong. But from his perspective?"

"I know you understand Mina's character. You know she wouldn't fool around. But the New York social scene is messy. Mina's reputation within the circle really isn't good. When I first arrived in New York, the Sherwoods wanted an alliance with the Vances. The information Thomas found also suggested Mina had a chaotic private life… For someone like Mina to suddenly claim she's pregnant with Marcus's child, while Marcus himself has azoospermia… His suspicion is actually understandable."

Evelyn pursed her lips and looked out the window.

Alexander continued, "So, Marcus isn't hopeless."

Evelyn sighed softly. "I understand what you're saying. But who can understand the pain in Mina's heart? You've seen her background. It's complicated. Her parents' and uncle's affairs weren't her choice. Her previous bad reputation wasn't because she was truly promiscuous… And Marcus, regardless of the reason, almost made her lose the baby, causing her real physical and emotional harm. And then…"

She said quietly, "Do you know what sisterhood is?"

Alexander shook his head.

Evelyn's gaze drifted into the distance. "I never had friends growing up. I don't understand sisterhood. But if I imagine my sister, who grew up with Mina, I believe she would stand by Mina without hesitation, not reason with logic."

She looked at Alexander. "Sisterhood means boundless support. So, I won't say a single good word for Marcus. As long as Mina doesn't forgive him, I won't forgive him."

Alexander nodded. "Understood."

He stopped defending Marcus and changed the subject. "Regarding the Evans family, we confront them directly today."

"I was thinking the same." Hatred flashed in Evelyn's eyes. "They keep bullying others endlessly, preying on the weak! Why does Mrs. Evans still shield such scoundrels? I thought she was fair-minded?"

"It's simple."

Alexander said slowly, "Mrs. Evans has to consider the Evans family's reputation. So, in this matter, even though she knows Jason is wrong, she won't admit it."

Evelyn sneered. "Is the reputation of New York's Five Great Families that important? In that case, there are only two ways to handle cooperation with the Evans family."

"Which two?"

"Acquire the Evans family!"

Evelyn said fiercely.

The corner of Alexander's mouth lifted. He was about to speak when Evelyn continued, "But that's unrealistic. The Ashcrofts, the resources I have, plus the Vances, can't swallow the tough bone that is the Evans family. So, we can only use the second method."

Alexander paused slightly.

Evelyn said, "Help the Evans family find their daughter! A few days ago, the Evans family made a big show of searching for a piece of jade. I suspect they're looking for their lost daughter. If we find that jade, we can help them find their daughter. Given how much Mrs. Evans and Justin dote on their daughter, our families should be able to turn from enemies to friends."

Evelyn took out her phone, opened the advertisement, and frowned at the jade pendant. "Why does this jade look so familiar to me?"