Chapter 487

High society in New York values reputation above all else.

Even in arranged marriages where both parties lead separate lives, a facade of mutual respect must be maintained in public.

Everyone knew about Evelyn Ross and Alexander Vance's engagement.

Her blatant public appearances with a young boy toy were a direct slap to the Vance family's face.

Justin Evans straightened his collar and entered the restaurant.

Evelyn was dining with Alexander.

The man focused on grilling the Wagyu, his entire demeanor dark and brooding.

Evelyn picked up a piece of meat and glanced at him. "Are you in a bad mood today?"

Alexander paused slightly.

A flicker of hope rose in his heart.

She had finally noticed his mood.

He was about to speak when she continued, "The Vance Group just relocated to New York. You must be swamped. If you're too tired, you don't have to be my driver anymore."

Alexander's fingers tightened.

The tongs pressed heavily onto the meat, sizzling loudly.

This woman didn't understand him at all!

When had he ever complained about being tired in front of her?

Alexander turned his face away, his chest tight with pain.

Evelyn was about to ask more when Justin suddenly approached. "Grace, I heard the Vances are throwing a gala?"

Evelyn nodded. "I've heard something about it."

Justin shot a smug glance at Alexander. "Do you know the theme of the gala?"

Evelyn raised an eyebrow. "What theme?"

Justin deliberately dragged out his words, secretly observing the boy toy's reaction.

Unexpectedly, the man didn't seem annoyed. His eyes were shining intensely.

Alexander was indeed eager.

He had been struggling to find a way to reveal the truth about the gala.

Now Justin was bringing it up himself. It was a heaven-sent opportunity.

The corner of his lips lifted, revealing an expectant expression.

Justin was confused by this reaction.

What was wrong with this boy toy?

He actually looked happy hearing about his sugar mama's engagement family matters?

If he weren't wary of the man's fighting skills, Justin would have already made a sarcastic remark.

Now he could only suppress his anger and continue his provocation. "Actually, the gala is for—"

Before he could finish, Evelyn's phone rang.

It was Mrs. Evans calling.

Evelyn answered calmly. "Mrs. Evans."

Mrs. Evans's voice was apologetic. "Miss Ross, so you are the renowned Dr. Nan! Thank you for your leniency regarding the cooperation deal."

"No need for thanks."

"Miss Ross, we misunderstood before. This contract means the Evans family owes you a favor. If you ever need anything in the future, the Evans family will not hesitate to help!"

Evelyn's eyes flickered.

She suddenly understood why the Nan family insisted on cooperating with the five great families.

She responded lightly, "You are too kind."

Mrs. Evans lowered her voice. "Miss Ross, since we owe you a favor, I'll speak out of turn. Since yesterday, rumors about you have been circulating in New York's social circles…"

Evelyn frowned. "What rumors?"

"They say your private life is chaotic, that you're disregarding the Vance family's reputation, keeping a college student… This is very damaging to your reputation. I heard from Justin that you have a young boyfriend? It would be best to break it off quickly."

Evelyn tapped the table lightly with her finger. "Have you found the source of the rumors?"

"Not yet. But I can tell you one thing—the reason the Evans and Ashcroft families fell out was because someone anonymously sent Marcus Valentine's medical report."

Evelyn's pupils constricted.

Marcus's condition was highly confidential.

Anyone who could obtain such information must have come from within the Ashcroft family.

Mrs. Evans said meaningfully, "Mr. Valentine has no son. The position of heir is something all six other branches have a chance to compete for."

This was a hint at internal strife within the Ashcroft family.

Power struggles among the wealthy were never uncommon.

Evelyn quickly filtered through the suspicions of her six brothers.

The seventh was simple-minded. Ethan Valentine was determined to marry into another family. These two were the least likely.

The remaining four…

Her eyes darkened. "Thank you for the warning."

"You're welcome. See you at the Truman family gala."

The call ended. Evelyn looked at Justin.

Justin was stealing glances at Alexander, unable to contain his curiosity. "Grace, what's the deal with your friend? He looks pretty intimidating."

Evelyn rested her chin on her hand and smiled lightly, her red lips parting.

"His name is Alexander Vance."