Chapter 506

Eleanor Vance picked up her teacup and took a small sip.

She spoke slowly.

"Those were all private speculations back then."

"Many people scoured ancient texts from China, trying to find a prominent family with the surname Sterling, but they found nothing."

"Later, rumors surfaced that Madam Sterling was actually..."

She paused, lowering her voice.

"A member of the royal family of the United Kingdom."

"It's said she committed some offense in the UK and was sent to China as punishment."

Evelyn Ross was slightly taken aback.

Punishment?

The term sounded like something from ancient times, when officials were exiled to the frontier for crimes.

Eleanor sighed, her gaze distant.

"In those days, the UK was indeed much more developed than China."

"Our living conditions here were harsh."

"For them, coming to China might have truly felt like exile."

"But they probably never imagined that China would become so prosperous and convenient..."

Evelyn nodded.

She pressed further.

"Is there any other information?"

Eleanor shook her head.

"That's all I know."

"I'm not originally from China, after all."

"I later returned to San Francisco to marry."

"Besides hearing that Madam Sterling died in a fire, I know nothing else..."

Evelyn felt a stir in her heart.

This trip wasn't in vain.

At least she had confirmed one thing: the Sterling Family was powerful and wealthy.

Otherwise, they couldn't have raised a woman like Madam Sterling.

But the details of this "exile" or "punishment" still needed investigation.

Also, if Madam Sterling was sent to China as punishment, why did she bring such a large entourage?

Her lavish lifestyle suggested the Sterling Family hadn't mistreated her.

And with Madam Sterling dying in a fire, why did her mother, Sophia Ashcroft, live under an assumed name in San Francisco for over twenty years...

This Sterling Family seemed to have deep, murky waters.

The United Kingdom—

This was a new lead.

Evelyn suddenly thought of something and looked sharply at Alexander Vance.

Before she could speak, Alexander said calmly, "Anthony Castillo came from the UK."

Evelyn immediately remembered the third task the Sterling Family had given her: make Anthony Castillo fall in love with her and marry him.

Her expression darkened.

"Send someone to investigate Anthony Castillo's background."

Alexander nodded.

"It's already being arranged."

...

After saying goodbye to Eleanor, Evelyn walked outside.

Alexander took a phone call, so she waited for a moment in the parking lot.

In that brief moment, Julian Evans suddenly appeared before her.

Evelyn looked up at him, surprised.

Julian stared at her, then suddenly gave a twisted smile.

"You know, to my uncle, you're just a replacement."

Evelyn was silent.

She almost rolled her eyes.

What was wrong with this person?

Seeing her silence, Julian sneered.

"I knew you wouldn't believe it."

"But it's the truth!"

"Have you seen a photo of his first wife?"

"She looks almost exactly like you!"

Evelyn remained silent.

Was this guy insane?

Julian continued.

"Aren't you bothered?"

"That he's using you like this..."

Evelyn shrugged.

"Bothered by what?"

Julian was stunned.

Evelyn sighed, her tone casual.

"For someone like me, divorced with a child, it's a miracle anyone wants me at all."

"Mr. Vance may be a widower, but at least he has no children."

"Marrying him is a step up for me."

"Besides, I actually like him quite a bit."

"He's handsome, has a good figure, is wealthy, and can help me grow my company..."

"Even if he has someone else in his heart and sees me as a replacement, I'm fine with it."

Julian was speechless.

He stared at Evelyn in shock, as if he'd heard something unbelievable.

Just then, a low chuckle sounded.

"Tch."

Evelyn and Julian turned simultaneously.

Alexander stood not far away, watching them with an amused smile.

Julian's face stiffened.

He said nothing and turned to leave.

Evelyn raised an eyebrow.

Alexander got into the car and drove Evelyn home.

The entire way, a faint smile lingered on his lips.

They soon arrived at the Sterling Family villa.

As they approached the entrance, they saw a familiar figure waiting there—it was Marcus Valentine.

Evelyn was silent.

She and Alexander exchanged a look and sighed simultaneously.

If Mina Sherwood didn't forgive him, was he planning to take root here?

...

The next morning, Evelyn woke up to a message from Justin Evans.

Jane Evans was awake, but she refused to acknowledge them and had gone home with John Evans.

Justin asked if Evelyn had time to visit Jane.

Evelyn sighed softly.

She had expected this outcome.

Although Jane was mute and quiet, she was stubborn and held firm to her principles.

She had been driven to jump off a building by Justin.

How could she easily forgive a brother like that?

Since she and Jane had become friends, Evelyn couldn't just ignore it.

She got up and drove to Jane's home.

As soon as she reached the alley entrance, she saw Justin's car parked nearby.

Justin sat inside, smoking with his head down, his face ashen.

Seeing Evelyn, he rolled down the window, his voice hoarse.

"Jane won't forgive me... What should I do?"

Evelyn replied, "I don't know."

In a way, what Justin had done to Jane before was truly despicable.

He was a complete villain.

How could Jane suddenly forget the past just because she was now his sister?

Justin ran a hand through his hair in frustration.

"Let's go see her together."

Evelyn nodded.

The two walked into the alley, one after the other.

At that moment.

Jane was supporting John Evans as they arrived at the door of their dilapidated home.

John's leg hadn't fully healed, and he walked with a limp.

Seeing his difficulty, Jane felt even more guilty.

It was all the fault of the Evans family—her brother's leg was broken by Jason Evans.

And Jason dared to be so arrogant precisely because he had the backing of Mrs. Evans and Justin.

Her eyes grew colder.

As they reached the door, a boy about Jane's age hurried over to meet them.

The boy looked anxious.

"Jane, I heard you offended the Evans family..."

"You lost your job and were driven to jump off a building?"

"You almost died?"

Jane looked at the young man, her expression softening slightly.

She took out paper and pen and wrote quickly.

[I'm fine. Don't worry.]

John Evans asked quietly beside her, "Who is this? Your boyfriend?"

"You were secretly dating in college and didn't tell your brother?"

Jane's cheeks flushed slightly.

The young man before her was Nathan White, and he was indeed her boyfriend.

But both were introverted, especially Jane, who always felt her muteness made her unworthy of him, so they had never made their relationship public.

Hearing this, Nathan quickly nodded to John in greeting, then turned to Jane, his tone urgent.

"Jane, why didn't you tell me about something this big?"

"My family isn't extremely wealthy, but we can help."

"My mother can speak with Mrs. Evans."

"Let me ask my mother to plead on your behalf."

"This matter can definitely be resolved!"

"Trust me!"