Chapter 504

Alexander Vance took the phone, his gaze falling on the screen.

With just one glance, the air around him plummeted to freezing point.

Evelyn Ross's brow also furrowed tightly.

The air seemed to solidify, pressing down heavily between the two of them.

She looked down at the text message again.

The words on the screen were clear against the white background:

[Third Task: Make Anthony Castillo fall in love with you and form a marriage alliance with him.]

Anthony Castillo...

That name sounded somewhat familiar.

Evelyn remembered. She had seen him at a business cocktail party in New York recently.

That overseas Chinese returnee, whose Mandarin was halting and had caused quite a few awkward moments.

They hadn't even exchanged more than a few words. This task was utterly absurd.

Moreover—

Her engagement to Alexander Vance was already widely known.

This task was simply an impossible fantasy.

Alexander clenched his fist, his knuckles turning white.

He looked at Evelyn, his voice low with suppressed anger. "Evelyn, what exactly does the person behind the Sterling Family want? The first task forced Mina Sherwood to marry into the Valentine family. The second task made you cooperate with the five major families. And now this third one—it's insane!"

Evelyn pondered for a moment.

"The first task aimed to bind the Valentine family through Mina. The second task was to establish connections for me with the five major families. Both actually had the same objective, which is why the Sterling Family didn't pursue it after Mina and Marcus Valentine divorced."

She paused. "But this Anthony Castillo... what part of the puzzle is he?"

Alexander's expression darkened further.

"I've looked into Anthony Castillo."

Back in San Francisco, when Anthony had shown interest in Evelyn, he had asked Thomas Watson to investigate.

"He's the heir to the Castillo family overseas. He came to the country to expand the market. His family has deep roots in Europe and America, an old-money aristocracy."

Alexander narrowed his eyes. "The Sterling Family wants you to get close to one powerful family after another... what are they after? What's the connection between these tasks?"

Evelyn gave a soft "Hmm."

Alexander suddenly coughed lightly, his gaze drifting toward her.

"So... what are you planning to do?"

His tone carried a barely perceptible tension.

Evelyn looked up at him.

The man's face showed no expression, but his eyes couldn't hide his emotions.

She lowered her lashes.

"My mother is still in their hands. I can't refuse the task..."

Before she could finish, the atmosphere around Alexander turned icy cold.

"So, you're going to give up on me?"

His voice was hoarse, tinged with self-mockery.

Evelyn's heart clenched.

This man was usually decisive and domineering. Why did he suddenly resemble an abandoned large dog when it came to matters like this?

It made her feel inexplicably guilty.

She hurried to explain. "That's not what I meant. I was thinking of contacting Anthony first, to see what his situation is. Perhaps we could cooperate and put on a show..."

Alexander's eyes grew even darker.

Evelyn waved her hand. "Don't look at me like that. I'm not some enchantress who can make anyone fall for me. With Anthony's status, what kind of women hasn't he seen? How could he possibly develop real feelings for me?"

These words were meant to reassure Alexander.

But who could have known—

The moment her words fell, a halting yet enthusiastic voice in Mandarin came from behind.

"Miss Ross! It really is you!"

Evelyn was startled.

She slowly turned around.

Anthony Castillo, dressed in a light gray suit, was walking toward her with large strides, his face full of pleasant surprise.

Before Evelyn could react, he had already grasped her hand firmly.

"Miss Ross, reuniting in New York is truly my good fortune! I was very regretful that I couldn't say goodbye to you when I left San Francisco. I never imagined fate would bring us together again!"

Evelyn: "..."

She instinctively looked at Alexander.

Alexander's face had already darkened like the bottom of a pot.

He stepped forward, gripping Anthony's wrist with considerable force.

"Mr. Castillo, I don't recall sending you an invitation. How did you get in?"

His voice was cold as ice.

Anthony, however, seemed not to hear, still holding Evelyn's hand tightly.

"Miss Ross, there's an old saying in your country, 'Meeting by chance is fate'! This is our destined fate!"

Evelyn forcefully withdrew her hand.

"Mr. Castillo, that phrase isn't quite appropriate here."

"Not appropriate?" Anthony's eyes lit up. "I think it's very appropriate!"

Evelyn: "..."

Alexander directly moved to stand between them.

"Mr. Castillo, please answer my question."

At that moment, Spencer Valentine walked over with a cheerful smile.

"I brought him!"

He high-fived Anthony and explained, "Mr. Castillo has a piece of land to develop and is currently cooperating with our Valentine family. We've been discussing the project recently. Since it's Mr. Vance's birthday today, I invited him along to join the festivities."

After speaking, he put an arm around Anthony's shoulders. "Come on, Mr. Castillo, there's more fun over there!"

Anthony, however, looked at Evelyn.

"Won't Miss Ross join us?"

Evelyn smiled and shook her head. "No, thank you."

A clear flash of disappointment passed through Anthony's eyes.

The party gradually wound down.

As the host, Alexander personally saw the Valentine family members to the door.

Evelyn stayed behind—she still wanted to ask Eleanor Vance about the Sterling Family.

As the guests dispersed, the mansion returned to tranquility.

Evelyn and Alexander went upstairs together and knocked on Eleanor Vance's door.

The night was deep, but Eleanor Vance had not yet retired.

Seeing them enter, she motioned for them to sit.

"Ask whatever you want to know."

Evelyn got straight to the point. "Grandmother, can you tell us about the Sterling Family? What exactly... is its background?"

Eleanor Vance's gaze grew distant for a moment.

She slowly leaned back into the sofa, her voice carrying a faraway tone.

"The Sterling Family... that's a very mysterious clan..."