Chapter 660

The main gate of the Vance estate stood open.

Several black cars were parked neatly in front of the main house.

As Evelyn Ross's car approached, a guard hurried forward, looking flustered.

"Miss Ross?"

The guard's eyes darted nervously. His tone was hesitant. "You... why are you here so suddenly?"

Evelyn rolled down the window. "Can't I come?"

"No, no!" The guard quickly waved his hands. Sweat beaded on his forehead. "It's just... there are guests at the house today. It might not be very convenient..."

"Open the gate."

Evelyn's voice was calm, yet carried an undeniable force.

After the last Vance family banquet, Alexander Vance had personally instructed the guards—Evelyn Ross was to be granted entry to the Vance estate without exception.

The guard wiped his sweat and pressed the remote.

The iron gate slid open slowly.

He hesitated for a moment, lowering his voice. "Miss Cecilia Evans is back."

Cecilia Evans.

The illegitimate daughter of the eldest branch of the Vance family.

Evelyn remembered that name.

Back then, because of Cecilia's existence, Julian Evans had held a deep prejudice against illegitimate children.

During the turmoil in San Francisco, Cecilia had merely given a gentle push, delivering Sophia Watson to Alexander Vance, nearly shattering Evelyn's marriage.

Later, Evelyn faked her death and lived under the identity of "Grace Sterling."

Alexander became a widower.

Later, she heard Cecilia had married into a family in New York. Evelyn hadn't paid attention to whom exactly.

She only vaguely remembered Cecilia had been with a distant relative of the Evans family.

That man worked at the Nora Research Institute. He had been sent to prison after Evelyn exposed him for privately selling drugs.

Which family had Cecilia latched onto later?

Judging by today's display, she must have married well.

But the guard's expression was off.

Evelyn narrowed her eyes. "Who else?"

"There's also..." The guard stammered. "Ms.Lawrence is here."

Victoria Lawrence.

That name sounded somewhat familiar.

Evelyn was trying to recall when a crisp crack sounded from the back seat.

Someone was cracking sunflower seeds.

Evelyn turned sharply.

Natalie Castillo had somehow slipped into the car. She was now holding a bag of sunflower seeds, eating with relish, her bright eyes watching them.

"What are you doing here?" Evelyn frowned.

Natalie grinned. "You told me not to leave the Ashcroft estate, right? Following you makes it easier for you to keep an eye on me."

As she spoke, she cracked another seed and looked at the guard. "Victoria Lawrence... is that the philanthropist Victoria Lawrence?"

The guard nodded.

Natalie's eyes grew even brighter.

"Victoria Lawrence, a well-known domestic philanthropist, manages over a dozen charitable foundations. Excellent reputation, countless fans." She spoke rapidly. "But she's always been single. In media interviews, she's said—she met a man while studying abroad. She'll only ever love him."

Crack.

The seed shell was spat into a small paper bag she carried.

Natalie leaned closer to Evelyn, lowering her voice. "I checked the timeline. The years she studied abroad, Alexander Vance happened to be in the same city, attending the same university."

She blinked. "Miss Ross, your Mr. Vance isn't only on your mind, you know. So, feeling any sense of crisis?"

Evelyn's expression remained impassive.

She looked at the guard. "So, can I enter today? If not, I'll call Alexander Vance right now."

"You can, you can!" The guard hurriedly forced a smile. "Please, come in!"

The gate opened fully.

Evelyn stepped on the gas.

The car drove into the Vance estate grounds.

Natalie pressed against the car window, looking around eagerly.

"Wow, there's a pond over there! Are those koi? Red ones, so pretty!" She turned and asked, "Grace, are koi tasty?"

Evelyn: "...Those are ornamental fish."

"Can't ornamental fish be eaten?"

"..."

"Hey, there are two jujube trees over there." Natalie pointed into the distance. "One is a jujube tree, the other is also a jujube tree."

Evelyn: "Can't you just say 'two jujube trees'?"

"No." Natalie said matter-of-factly. "I'm imitating a great Chinese writer called... Li Bai?"

"Lu Xun."

"Oh right, Lu Xun!" Natalie had a sudden realization. "Whatever. I just want to ask, are the jujubes from those trees sweet? Crack."

She cracked another seed.

Evelyn glanced in the rearview mirror.

Natalie actually carried a folded paper bag as a trash bag. Her manners were surprisingly decent.

Evelyn looked away.

The car entered the parking lot.

As soon as it stopped, Natalie jumped out and circled the nearby cars.

"This Maserati definitely isn't Victoria's." She analyzed, stroking her chin. "Philanthropists are low-key. This car is too flashy."

She looked at the other cars.

"Bentley, Rolls-Royce, Porsche..." Natalie spread her hands. "Not a single cheap car in the parking lot. Looks like Ms. Chen comes from quite a background."

She walked over to Evelyn, lowering her voice. "Miss Ross, you've met a formidable rival this time. Crack."

The seed shell fell into the paper bag.

Evelyn ignored her and walked straight toward the main house.

Natalie hurried to catch up, the sunflower seed bag rustling incessantly.

Two servants stood at the entrance to the main house.

Seeing Evelyn, they exchanged a glance, their expressions subtle.

"Miss Ross." One stepped forward. "The Master and Madam are receiving guests. Would you like to wait in the side hall first?"

Evelyn didn't stop walking. "No need."

She pushed open the main house door.

The conversation in the living room came to an abrupt halt.

Several pairs of eyes shot over in unison.

Evelyn looked up.

Robert Vance sat in the host's seat, with Mrs. Vance beside him.

On the guest sofa sat two women.

The one on the left wore a Chanel suit, her makeup impeccable. It was Cecilia Evans.

Several years had passed. She had shed her former youthful naivety, gaining a touch of a noblewoman's grace.

The woman on the right...

Evelyn's gaze focused.

The woman appeared to be in her early thirties. She wore a simple beige knit sweater and trousers. Her long hair was loosely tied at the back. She wore only light makeup.

But her eyes were very bright.

Clear, gentle, yet with an indescribable firmness.

She sat there, posture elegant and composed, radiating a serene aura.

This was Victoria Lawrence.

Evelyn suddenly remembered where she had heard this name.

Three years ago, at a charity gala in New York, Victoria Lawrence had spoken as the host organization's representative.

The media had covered it extensively at the time, calling her "the purest stream in the charity world."

Evelyn had skimmed the news then, not paying much attention.

She hadn't expected to meet her in person here today.

"Evelyn, you're here?" Mrs. Vance stood up first, her smile somewhat strained. "Why didn't you say anything in advance?"

Robert Vance also cleared his throat. "Evelyn, have a seat."

Evelyn walked over and sat in the empty single armchair.

Natalie very consciously followed and stood behind her, continuing to crack seeds.

Crack.

The crisp sound was particularly abrupt in the silent living room.

Cecilia frowned slightly, looking at Natalie. "And this is?"

"My friend." Evelyn introduced simply. "Natalie Castillo."

Cecilia sized up Natalie for a few moments but didn't ask further.

She turned to Evelyn, offering a standard smile. "Miss Ross, long time no see. I heard you and Alexander remarried? Congratulations."

Her tone was polite, revealing no emotion.

Evelyn nodded. "Thank you."

Victoria had been sitting quietly.

Only now did she look up at Evelyn, offering a gentle smile. "Miss Ross, hello. I'm Victoria Lawrence."

Her voice was soft, like a spring breeze.

Evelyn returned the smile. "Ms. Chen, I've long heard of you."

Their eyes met.

Something collided silently in the air.

Mrs. Vance hurriedly tried to smooth things over. "Evelyn, Victoria is Cecilia's good friend. She came specifically to visit today. You... haven't met before, right?"

"Haven't met." Evelyn said. "But I've heard of Ms. Chen's work. Her charity efforts are excellent."

Victoria modestly shook her head. "Just doing my small part."

She paused, looking at Evelyn. "Actually, I've wanted to meet you for a long time, Miss Ross. Alexander often mentions you."

Evelyn raised an eyebrow. "Oh? What does he say about me?"

"He says you're smart, decisive, and have strong opinions." Victoria's smile remained unchanged. "He says you're the most special girl he's ever met."

It sounded like praise.

But Evelyn detected a hint of something else.

Natalie muttered softly behind her. "Tsk tsk, it's starting. Crack."

Cecilia shot her a glare.

Victoria, however, acted as if she hadn't heard, continuing in her gentle tone. "Alexander and I were university classmates. He was outstanding even back then. I never imagined after all these years, he'd find such a wonderful wife. I'm truly happy for him."

Evelyn smiled. "Thank you."

She didn't offer more conversation.

The living room fell quiet again.

Robert Vance cleared his throat. "Well... Evelyn, did you come to see Alexander today?"

"Yes." Evelyn said. "Is he home?"

"He's in the study upstairs." Mrs. Vance said. "But he's currently..."

Before she could finish, footsteps sounded on the stairs.

Alexander Vance came down.

He wore casual home clothes. His hair was slightly messy, as if he'd just woken up.

Seeing the gathering in the living room, his steps faltered.

His gaze swept over Cecilia, passed over Victoria, and finally landed on Evelyn.

"Evelyn?" He seemed surprised. "What brings you here?"

Evelyn stood up. "I need to discuss something with you."

Alexander quickly walked down and naturally took her hand. "What is it?"

This action was seen by everyone.

Victoria's smile faded slightly.

Cecilia's eyes flickered.

Mrs. Vance breathed a sigh of relief.

Robert Vance coughed. "Alexander, Victoria is here. Aren't you going to say hello?"

Only then did Alexander look at Victoria, nodding slightly. "Ms. Chen."

His tone was distant and polite.

Victoria stood up, her smile still gentle. "Alexander, long time no see. You look well."

"Thank you." Alexander said. "You too."

He turned to Evelyn. "Shall we talk in my study?"

Evelyn nodded.

Just as they were about to leave, Victoria spoke up. "Alexander."

Alexander turned back.

Victoria took an exquisite gift box from her bag. "I brought you a gift from abroad this time. It's handmade chocolate from that shop you used to love."

She offered it. "I don't know if you still like it."

Alexander didn't take it.

He glanced at Evelyn.

Evelyn's expression was calm.

Only then did Alexander accept the gift box, saying flatly, "Thank you. But I don't eat much sweets these days."

Victoria's smile remained unchanged. "Is that so? What a pity. I remember you used to love it."

"People change." Alexander said.

Holding Evelyn's hand, he turned and headed upstairs.

Natalie hurried to follow.

The three disappeared around the stairwell corner.

The living room was utterly silent.

Cecilia looked at Victoria, speaking softly. "Victoria, don't mind it. Alexander, he..."

"I'm fine." Victoria interrupted her, sitting back down. She picked up her teacup and took a sip. "Miss Ross is indeed very special."

She looked toward the stairs, her eyes deep.

"No wonder Alexander chose her."

Upstairs, in the study.

Alexander closed the door and immediately pulled Evelyn into his arms.

"Why did you come so suddenly?" He asked in a low voice. "You didn't tell me in advance."

Evelyn pushed him away. "To see if you've been lured away by an old flame."

Alexander chuckled. "What old flame? Victoria is just a university classmate."

"Just a classmate?" Evelyn raised an eyebrow. "She remembers your favorite chocolate and brought it from abroad."

Alexander frowned. "That was many years ago. I haven't liked it for a long time."

He casually placed the gift box on the desk.

Evelyn glanced at it.

The packaging was exquisite. It was from a famous Swiss chocolate brand.

It truly was something he used to like.

"Why did she come to the Vance estate?" Evelyn asked.

"Cecilia brought her." Alexander said. "Said she's back visiting family,dropping by."

"Dropping by?" Evelyn smiled faintly. "I think it was deliberate."

Alexander took her hand. "Evelyn, Victoria and I really have nothing. In university, she was the student council president, I was the vice president. We had some work交集, that's all."

"That's all?" Evelyn looked at him. "Then why did she say she'd only ever love you?"

Alexander was taken aback. "She said that?"

"She said it in a media interview." Natalie chimed in. "I checked the reports. It's absolutely true. Crack."

She cracked another seed.

Alexander's expression darkened. "I didn't know about that. Our relationship never went beyond classmates."

Evelyn stared at him for a few seconds.

Then she suddenly smiled.

"Why so nervous?" She patted his cheek. "I didn't say I don't believe you."

Alexander relaxed slightly.

But Evelyn's next words made him tense up again.

"However..." She said slowly. "This Ms. Chen doesn't seem simple. Gentle, gracious, poised, and a philanthropist. Alexander, your taste back then wasn't bad."

Alexander: "..."

He sighed helplessly. "Evelyn, don't tease."

Evelyn smiled and didn't continue teasing him.

She walked to the window, looking down at the parking lot.

Those luxury cars were still parked there.

"Who did Cecilia marry?" She suddenly asked.

Alexander walked over, standing behind her. "The Cortez Family in New York. The second son of the Cortez Group."

Evelyn raised an eyebrow. "The Cortez Family? The real estate Cortez Family?"

"Yes."

"No wonder." Evelyn said. "Such a grand display."

She paused. "What about Victoria? What's her background?"

"The Raymond Family." Alexander said. "An old-money family in New York. Deep roots in both politics and business. Victoria is the only daughter of this generation in the Raymond Family. Very doted on."

Evelyn nodded.

As expected, extraordinary background.

"How did she and Cecilia meet?"

"University roommates." Alexander said. "They've always been close."

Evelyn turned, leaning against the windowsill. "So today's scene was arranged by Cecilia?"

Alexander was silent for a moment.

"Possibly."

Evelyn smiled.

"Interesting." She said. "Is Cecilia trying to create an opportunity for her good friend?"

Alexander frowned. "I won't give her any opportunity."

"I know." Evelyn said. "But she might not give up."

She walked to the desk and picked up the chocolate gift box.

Opened it.

Inside were twelve pieces of handmade chocolate, each with a different shape.

As exquisite as works of art.

Evelyn picked one up, looked at it, and put it back.

"Quite thoughtful." She said.

Alexander walked over and directly threw the entire gift box into the trash bin.

"I don't need it." He said.

Evelyn raised an eyebrow. "Wasteful."

"Then you eat it?" Alexander looked at her.

Evelyn shook her head. "I don't eat things others give you."

Alexander smiled.

He wrapped his arms around her waist, lowering his head to whisper in her ear. "Jealous?"

"No." Evelyn pushed him away. "I just don't like people coveting what's mine."

Alexander's gaze softened. "Don't worry. I only belong to you."

As they spoke, the study door was knocked.

A servant's voice came through. "Young Master, Young Madam, the Master asks you to come down. Lunch is ready."

Alexander acknowledged.

He looked at Evelyn. "Staying for lunch?"

Evelyn thought for a moment. "Yes."

She wanted to see exactly what this Ms. Chen was up to.

Natalie rubbed her hands excitedly. "A good show to watch! Crack."

The three went downstairs.

The dining room already had a long table set.

Robert Vance sat at the head.

On the left were Mrs. Vance and Cecilia.

On the right were three empty seats, clearly reserved for Alexander, Evelyn, and Natalie.

Victoria sat beside Cecilia.

Seeing them descend, Victoria stood up, speaking softly. "Alexander, Miss Ross, please sit."

Her manner was decent,like a hostess.

Evelyn didn't speak, sitting beside Alexander.

Natalie very consciously sat on Evelyn's other side.

Lunch began.

Servants brought out dishes one after another.

Robert Vance spoke. "Victoria, I heard you're planning to stay in the country long-term this time?"

Victoria smiled. "Yes, Uncle Vance. I've handed over all my projects abroad. From now on, I'll stay in the country and focus on charity work."

"Good, good." Robert Vance nodded. "Your charity foundation does excellent work. Helped many people."

"You flatter me." Victoria said modestly. "Just doing my small part."

She paused, looking at Alexander. "Alexander, I remember you were also very interested in charity back then. In university, we even organized fundraising activities together."

Alexander made a noncommittal sound, not engaging.

He picked up a piece of spare rib and placed it in Evelyn's bowl. "Eat more."

Evelyn lowered her head to eat.

Victoria's eyes dimmed slightly, but her smile remained unchanged. "Miss Ross, what do you do for work?"

Evelyn looked up. "At the Nora Research Institute."

"The Nora Research Institute?" Victoria's eyes lit up. "I know of it. A very impressive research institution. Miss Ross is a researcher?"

"Something like that."

"Truly remarkable." Victoria said sincerely. "Few women work in scientific research. Miss Ross must be very优秀."

Evelyn smiled. "Thank you."

Cecilia interjected. "Victoria, you're also outstanding. Your charity foundation keeps growing. Last year, you even won an international charity award."

Victoria shook her head. "That's nothing. Compared to Miss Ross's scientific work, my job is too simple."

She looked at Evelyn, her eyes sincere. "Miss Ross, I've always admired researchers. The contributions you make to human progress cannot be measured by money."

The words