Chapter 496

Eleanor Vance's action stunned the entire room.

Ethan Valentine instinctively stepped in front of Evelyn Ross. "Madam, let's talk this out. Please don't resort to violence."

He assumed a defensive stance, ready to shield his sister from any attack.

The surrounding guests held their breath, expecting Eleanor to lash out.

But the next second—

Eleanor grabbed Evelyn's hand, her eyes reddening. "You are the Ashcroft family's young lady?"

Ethan's outstretched hand froze mid-air.

Silence fell over the room.

Evelyn gazed at the elderly woman's aged face.

Memories flooded her mind.

The warmth of a boiled egg. The gentle touch of a massage.

The old lady had recognized her.

Even with her muddled thoughts, she still instinctively protected Evelyn's identity.

Evelyn's nose tingled with emotion.

She nodded firmly. "Grandmother, my name is Grace Valentine."

"Grace, as in elegance."

Tears welled in Eleanor's eyes. "A beautiful name. It sounds just right for my grandson's wife!"

She clutched Evelyn's hand tightly. "My dear child, why haven't you visited me since the engagement?"

Evelyn's voice was slightly hoarse. "I've been too busy lately. I'm sorry."

"Don't apologize. Just visit more often."

Eleanor called out with a trembling voice. "Fiona, quickly bring the family heirloom jade bracelet!"

She led Evelyn toward the seating area. "Keep your grandmother company for a while."

Evelyn carefully supported the old woman, feeling her slightly shaking hand.

A pang of guilt struck her heart.

The Vance family had been in New York for so long, yet she hadn't visited even once.

She had been terribly unfilial.

Ethan stared in disbelief. "Madam, you're... satisfied with my sister?"

Eleanor smiled through her tears. "Satisfied! This girl is exactly what I hoped for. She is meant to be Alexander's wife!"

Penelope Valentine couldn't resist interrupting. "But she has a boyfriend outside!"

The Ashcroft brothers glared at her.

Eleanor understood instantly.

So the driver her grandson played every day was the rumored "boy toy"?

She shot Penelope a sharp look. "So what? As long as my granddaughter-in-law agrees to marry him, I'd be happy if she kept ten or eight!"

The room erupted in murmurs.

Ethan was dumbfounded. "Did little sister give Madam some kind of love potion?"

Charles Valentine muttered, "She must have mistaken her for someone else."

Penelope sneered. "I heard Madam Vance has Alzheimer's. She must be confused!"

The guests suddenly understood.

"So that's it. At least it resolved the awkward situation."

"The banquet can start now. But why hasn't Mr. Vance arrived yet?"

"This fiancé is way too mysterious..."

Penelope stared intently at the corner sofa.

Eleanor was wiping her tears while Evelyn gently dabbed them for her.

They looked as close as real grandmother and granddaughter.

Penelope clenched her fists.

Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed a figure entering through the back door.

Dressed in a tailored suit, strikingly handsome—

It was that boy toy driver!

Penelope immediately rushed over to block him. "How did you get in here?"

She deliberately raised her voice. "Is this the Vance family banquet? Did Evelyn bring you here?"

Nearby guests turned to look.

Penelope announced loudly. "This is the boy toy Evelyn keeps!"

"She actually brought him to this event. It's a total slap to the Vance family!"

"Get out of here now!"