Chapter 658

Evelyn Ross furrowed her brow slightly.

To be honest, she truly did not know.

During those years in the Sterling Family, she had been like a hidden observer, often secretly watching Sophia Ashcroft.

Because she so desperately longed for a mother, she had practically engraved Sophia's every move into her memory.

Sophia was always gentle and serene, carrying an elegant and resilient aura, like bamboo.

Evelyn initially didn't understand why this lawful wife would be so tolerant of her, the "love child of the mistress."

It was only later that she gradually understood—the marriage between Sophia and William Ashcroft was merely a contractual one.

Even though William Ashcroft repeatedly claimed he only loved Sophia and only acknowledged her children, Sophia still tolerated Linda Lowell and her, allowing them a place within the Ashcroft household.

If it were any other woman, who could tolerate her husband's mistress and love child living right under her nose every day?

So...

Evelyn looked up at Mr. Valentine, her tone firm.

"She did not love William Ashcroft."

Mr. Valentine was taken aback.

"I know. With William Ashcroft's character, how could Sophia ever have been interested in him!"

Evelyn's lips twitched slightly.

Mr. Valentine stared at her intently again.

"Your mother... never mentioned me to you?"

Evelyn sighed helplessly.

"During the years I spent the most time with her, I was just the 'mistress's daughter.' How could she possibly tell me these things? After we acknowledged each other, we haven't had much time together either. She keeps her thoughts deeply hidden, never easily revealing them. How could I have known?"

She paused, then continued.

"But there is one thing..."

Mr. Valentine immediately looked at her with eager anticipation.

Evelyn spoke slowly.

"She always said she wanted to have 'no contact with you in life or death.' What exactly happened between you back then? How did it come to this?"

Mr. Valentine's eyes dimmed, a dark undercurrent seeming to swirl in their depths.

He opened his mouth, but in the end, it only turned into a soft sigh.

"At least... she hated me in this lifetime. Hate is also an emotion. It's better than forgetting me entirely, right?"

Evelyn was silent.

Why did she feel this father's love carried a hint of... desperation?

She pressed her temples.

"Probably... yes."

Mr. Valentine didn't press further.

He just took a deep breath and waved his hand.

"Alright, go attend to your matters."

Evelyn turned to leave.

But Mr. Valentine suddenly called out to her again.

"Evelyn."

Evelyn looked back.

Mr. Valentine gazed at her, his voice lowering slightly.

"Really... not even once? She never mentioned me?"

Evelyn remained silent.

At least before Mr. Valentine appeared, her mother Sophia had never mentioned anyone from New York.

No one even knew she had such deep connections to New York.

Mr. Valentine understood.

He lowered his eyes.

"Go on."

Evelyn walked out silently.

Just as she was about to step out of the living room, she couldn't help but glance back.

Mr. Valentine sat with his head bowed, his figure exuding an indescribable loneliness.

Evelyn's steps halted.

She suddenly turned around, walked back quickly, and stopped in front of him.

Hearing the footsteps, Mr. Valentine looked up.

Evelyn offered a faint smile.

"If you want to know whether she ever loved you, why not wait until we rescue her and ask her yourself?"

Mr. Valentine was stunned.

Evelyn's voice was clear and bright.

"The most important thing between people is communication. I don't know what my mother thinks. So—after we rescue her, you ask her yourself."

Mr. Valentine stared at Evelyn, then suddenly smiled.

"Alright."

...

When Evelyn left the living room again, Mr. Valentine's emotions had calmed considerably.

She was just about to head out when Ethan Valentine hurried over.

"Little sister, someone from the Sherwood family is here. They say they want to see you."

Evelyn was taken aback.

"Someone from the Sherwood family? Are you sure they're looking for me, not for Mina Sherwood?"

Ethan Valentine scratched his head.

"Yes, they specifically asked for you by name. I confirmed it several times."

Evelyn frowned, puzzled, and quickly walked outside.

Just as she reached the courtyard gate, she saw a graceful figure standing quietly outside.

That person, just by standing there, formed a scene of her own.

Even though she was nearly fifty, she still retained her charm. One could easily believe she was just over thirty.

It was actually Yvonne Sherwood—Alexander Vance's biological mother—whom Evelyn had met once before!

Seeing her, Evelyn immediately recalled what Eleanor Vance had said.

When Yvonne Sherwood was seven months pregSterlingt, she discovered her husband had a love child outside.

Disregarding Alexander Vance's life, she forcibly underwent a cesarean section, threw the child at the Vance family, and left resolutely.

For many years after, mother and son never met again.

Last time at the Sherwood family home, they didn't even recognize each other!

Evelyn's brow furrowed tightly.

At this moment, her heart ached for Alexander Vance.

Naturally, she found it hard to have a favorable impression of Yvonne Sherwood.

But her upbringing made her still walk up to the other woman.

She spoke directly.

"Ms. Sherwood, is there something you need?"

Yvonne Sherwood turned at the sound of her voice.

Her gaze as she looked at Evelyn was calm and unruffled, as if looking at a stranger.

After examining Evelyn for a moment, she spoke indifferently.

"I came because there's something I'd like you to pass on to Alexander Vance."

Evelyn was startled.

"What is it?"

Yvonne Sherwood took a document from her bosom and handed it over.

"This."

Evelyn took it, puzzled, and opened the file.

After just one glance, her pupils constricted sharply.

She looked up abruptly at Yvonne Sherwood, her face filled with disbelief.