Chapter 494

Ethan Valentine spun around sharply.

He grabbed the arm of the person next to him.

His face was dark as stormy water.

Charles Valentine was equally furious.

He clenched his fists.

His eyes glared viciously at the Vance family's main gate.

The Valentine family members all stepped forward.

They formed a protective circle around Evelyn Ross.

Aunt Sophia was the first to speak. "Grace, don't be afraid."

Uncle William's voice was grave. "The Vances are showing such disrespect. Perhaps this marriage shouldn't happen."

Charles immediately agreed. "Sis, I'll find you someone better."

Aunt Amelia also nodded. "A Valentine daughter never lacks for marriage prospects."

Preston Valentine's face was cold. "If they're dissatisfied, they should say it directly."

"Using this method to humiliate someone is going too far."

The Valentine family was collectively outraged.

Everyone's face was pale with anger.

The butler, however, smiled pleasantly. "My sincerest apologies."

"We have too many guests today and are truly stretched thin."

"Since we're all going to be family, there's no need to stand on ceremony."

His gaze fell on Evelyn. "This must be Miss Ross?"

"Madam said you will be the lady of the house here."

"Perhaps you could assist in greeting the female guests now?"

This completely enraged the Valentines.

Uncle William slammed the table. "How dare you!"

"A Valentine daughter is a treasured pearl, not someone to be bullied!"

He looked at Mr. Valentine. "William, say something."

"The Valentine family cannot accept this kind of insult!"

Evelyn remained silent.

She carefully observed her brothers' reactions.

All five looked genuinely indignant.

She could detect nothing unusual.

Charles was even trembling with rage.

He clearly wasn't the traitor.

Mr. Valentine looked at her. "Grace, what are your thoughts?"

Evelyn smiled faintly. "It's just a guard dog."

"It's normal for it not to recognize its master."

"There's no need to take it seriously."

Mr. Valentine chuckled softly.

The middle-aged man's laugh was magnetic.

Father and daughter understood each other perfectly.

This was the doing of the Vance family's eldest branch.

They must not fall into their trap.

The butler instantly became angry and embarrassed. "How can you insult people, Miss Ross?"

"Is this the quality of the Valentine family?"

Evelyn replied calmly. "My manners are reserved for people."

"They are not required for dogs."

She stepped through the doorway first.

The Valentine family exchanged glances.

They hurried to follow her.

Ethan moved ahead to clear a path.

Charles stayed close by her side.

Uncle William couldn't help asking Mr. Valentine. "William, are we just accepting this?"

Mr. Valentine's expression was calm. "You'll understand once we're inside."

Whispers broke out around them.

"The Valentines actually went in..."

"It seems they can't bear to lose the Vance family's influence..."

"A daughter who's been married before is different..."

"How shameless..."

Under the pointed stares and murmurs of the crowd.

The Valentine family entered the Vance's main hall.

The Vance family members were lounging on sofas, drinking tea.

There was no sign of them being busy at all.

The butler had clearly been lying.

Ethan's face turned pale with fury. "I'm going to have words with them!"

Evelyn stopped him. "Don't."

"Today is his birthday."

"There's no need to cause a scene."

Just then.

The crowd suddenly stirred.

An elderly woman slowly descended the staircase.

"Is that Eleanor Vance?"

"It seems the Vances are still showing the Valentines some face..."

Amid the discussion.

Eleanor Vance's gaze swept toward the Valentine family's direction.

Eleanor Vance's gaze swept toward the Ashcroft family.

The Ashcrofts were tall, completely blocking Evelyn Ross from view.

Eleanor only caught a glimpse of an evening gown's hem, not seeing her face clearly.

She snorted coldly and didn't approach to greet them, instead allowing a servant to help her to a sofa.

As soon as she sat down, she overheard nearby whispers.

"The Vances are really snubbing the Ashcrofts. Not greeting them is one thing, but Mr. Vance hasn't even shown up yet."

"Old Mrs. Vance just glanced over and didn't even pay them any mind…"

Eleanor frowned at Richard Evans. "Alexander had urgent business and is running late. Didn't I tell you to properly host the Ashcrofts? You didn't even greet them at the door?"

Although she disliked the Ashcroft fiancée, basic manners couldn't be ignored.

Richard Evans rubbed his nose. "Grandmother, I was busy earlier and didn't get around to it."

"Busy with what? Too busy to leave guests unattended? I think you're deliberately trying to sabotage this marriage!"

After scolding him, she turned to Julian Evans. "Julian, didn't you go to host them either?"

Julian lowered his head in silence.

After Evelyn's death, he seemed to have matured overnight, understanding right from wrong. He occasionally tried to stop the main branch's excessive behavior.

Eleanor and Alexander Vance had shown him a bit more leniency because of this.

Seeing his unwilling expression, Eleanor frowned. "Julian, go apologize to the Ashcrofts."

But Julian looked up. "Grandmother, you liked Evelyn too. It's only been four months since she passed. How can you be like Uncle?"

Eleanor sighed. "Julian, I know you can't forget your aunt, but your uncle is still young. He can't stay single forever."

Julian turned away. "I'm not going."

Eleanor didn't push him further and looked at Robert Vance. "Then you go!"

Robert Vance spoke up. "Mother, you don't understand. That Miss Ashcroft has been spoiled by her family. I need to teach her a lesson, show her the Vances are far superior to the Ashcrofts!"

Eleanor was taken aback.

Robert Vance nudged Penelope Valentine. "This is the Ashcroft's adopted daughter. Let her explain."

Eleanor frowned, looking at Penelope.

Penelope cleared her throat softly. "Madam, my sister grew up outside the family. She's a bit wild, divorced with a child, and can be rather impulsive. Please don't mind her."

She sighed. "She's actually not a bad person, just has a terrible temper and loves to resort to violence… We had a minor argument, and she started hitting me… Ah well!"

Robert Vance scoffed. "Hear that, Mother? Who goes around hitting people these days? Utterly vulgar! Is someone like that fit to be the lady of the Vance household? Miss Ashcroft, tell us more about her flaws."

Penelope sighed again. "Her previous marriage left her deeply scarred. Now she prefers younger men, fresh college graduates ideally…"

"Hah, Alexander Vance is no young pup! Two strong-willed people together would be at each other's throats daily! Marital harmony is paramount. Two stubborn people under one roof—how could there be peace? Mother, if you ask me, call off this engagement! The Ashcrofts have more than one daughter. If an alliance is necessary, Penelope here is a fine choice! If Alexander refuses, Julian can marry into their family instead!"

Robert Vance continued to fan the flames.

Eleanor grew increasingly irritated.

Alexander doted on this fiancée, obeying her every wish. Could she really be so dreadful in others' eyes?

She frowned, displeasure evident on her face.

Someone nearby chimed in. "I heard she's unfaithful, keeping a young lover on the side."

"Yes, yes… She recently caused a huge fallout with the Evans family too. The Ashcrofts just acknowledged her, and she's already stirring up trouble. A real jinx!"

Everyone chimed in, painting the Ashcroft heiress as utterly worthless.

Eleanor couldn't listen any longer and stood up abruptly.

She scanned the crowd coldly. "Appearances can be deceiving, and rumors are not to be trusted! Robert, Richard, even if we were to call off the engagement, we must not neglect our guests. Basic decency! Where are your manners?"

Eleanor was truly angry.

The main branch took after Robert—utterly lacking in grace! It was deeply offensive!

To sabotage Alexander and the Ashcrofts, they'd resort to such undignified behavior. It was simply too much!

Eleanor spoke directly. "Fine, I'm old and my words carry no weight, is that it? Then I'll apologize myself. You all just stay seated!"

Leaning on her maid Fiona's arm, she walked toward the Ashcrofts.

On the way, Fiona whispered, "Madam, if Miss Ashcroft is truly as terrible as they say, will you still apologize?"

Eleanor replied calmly, "The apology is for our poor hospitality. As for the marriage, when did I ever agree? I've said I only have one granddaughter-in-law! The Vance-Ashcroft alliance needs further consideration!"

Her voice was soft but carried clearly to everyone present.

Instantly, all eyes focused on her.

Some held a gleam of schadenfreude.

Penelope's lips curved into a slight smile.

Let it escalate. The worse, the better.

She'd heard Mr. Vance respected his grandmother deeply. If Eleanor said a few words and a quarrel broke out, Alexander would surely break off the engagement with Evelyn!!

Under everyone's watchful gaze, Eleanor reached the Ashcrofts. "Which one is Miss Ashcroft?"

The surrounding people stepped aside.

Eleanor's eyes immediately fell on Evelyn Ross standing there.