Chapter 526

Evelyn knew Susan was doing this on purpose.

From their very first meeting, Susan had made no secret of her hostility.

Those seemingly careless remarks, those meaningful glances—all were attempts to drive a wedge between her and Preston.

This woman was either the Fox herself, or a pawn sent by the Fox.

But Preston's position within the Valentine family wasn't prominent. The projects he handled were unremarkable. Why would the Fox target him?

No. The Fox's target was never Preston alone.

It was all her brothers.

If she firmly opposed this marriage today, given how much Mr. Valentine doted on her, he would undoubtedly force the couple apart.

What would her brothers think then?

They would feel that this newly returned sister, relying on their father's favor, was arbitrarily interfering in their love lives.

Her presence would turn a once harmonious family tense.

Evelyn took a deep breath and looked up.

Except for Marcus, all her other brothers were watching her.

Their eyes held expectation, probing, and a trace of barely perceptible tension.

They were waiting for her answer.

Evelyn's gaze finally settled on Preston.

She wasn't very close to this fifth brother.

But she still remembered the night she was recognized and brought home. Preston had secretly slipped her a bank card.

He had smiled somewhat shyly then, lowering his voice to say, "Little sister, I don't know if you're well-off. This card is linked to my main account. If you ever need money, just use it."

She had never used that card.

But she had always remembered the kindness behind it.

Evelyn pressed her lips together.

She couldn't stand by and watch Preston jump into a pit of fire.

Knowing Susan was problematic, yet pretending everything was fine.

She looked at Preston, her voice soft but clear. "Fifth Brother, what if I don't agree?"

The light in Preston's eyes instantly dimmed.

He lowered his head, silent for a few seconds. When he looked up again, his eyes held more determination. "Little sister, I know you and Susan didn't get off on the right foot. But that was all a misunderstanding. Susan isn't a bad person at heart. I can't give her up. I must marry her."

Charles, beside them, couldn't help but speak up. "Cousin, Miss Langley might seem a bit... affected sometimes, but she's actually a good person. Besides, she saved Fifth Brother's life."

Hearing the first part, Susan's expression stiffened slightly.

But hearing the second part, a smug smile immediately curved her lips.

Evelyn was slightly taken aback. "Saved his life?"

"Yes, it happened two years ago," Charles explained. "Fifth Brother was in a car accident at night. His car flipped into a ditch by the road. It was very dark, no one was around. Miss Langley happened to pass by. She dragged him out of the car with all her strength and got him to the hospital."

Preston looked at Susan, his gaze tender and grateful. "I was unconscious by then. The doctor later told me if I had been brought in half an hour later, I wouldn't have made it."

He tightly grasped Susan's hand. "So, my life was saved by Susan. I want to be with her for the rest of my life. If the family really doesn't agree..."

He paused, his voice growing even firmer. "Then I'll leave the Valentine family and make my own way."

Susan squeezed his hand back, her eyes reddening. When she looked at Evelyn, her expression was pitiful. "Miss Ross, you really misunderstood what happened at the mall. I've had a crush on Preston for many years. He knows that. That night, I saw he wasn't driving well, so I followed him. How could I possibly betray him?"

She wiped away non-existent tears from the corner of her eye. "Preston wants to marry me, surely hoping for the whole family's blessing. Miss Ross, can't we really let go of our prejudices?"

Evelyn didn't speak.

If she hadn't personally gone to the mall to check the surveillance and found that crucial footage missing, she might have truly been fooled by Susan's acting.

She couldn't blame Preston for not seeing through it.

This woman's skill level was simply too high.

Seeing her silence, Susan gently withdrew her hand from Preston's grasp and sighed. "Preston, your sister is Uncle's biological daughter, just found. The Valentine family has waited so many years for a girl. It's only right you all dote on her. If she really doesn't agree... let's just forget about our wedding."

She lowered her head, her voice choked. "I don't want to cause a rift in the family because of me."

Evelyn sneered inwardly.

A true master of manipulation.

Sure enough, Preston immediately grabbed Susan's arm. "Susan, what nonsense are you talking! Little sister has always been sensible. Even after being recognized, she's never made unreasonable demands. She won't disagree, right, little sister?"

Evelyn felt like she had swallowed half a fly.

Unable to spit it out or swallow it down.

Before she could speak, her other brothers began urging her one after another.

Charles: "Cousin, just agree, okay?"

Ethan: "Senior Sister, they've been dating for a year. Don't dwell on it."

Third Brother: "They don't necessarily have to live together after marriage. Even if there are some conflicts, they can just keep their distance later."

Fourth Brother: "This is Preston's private matter after all. We shouldn't interfere too much."

Sixth Brother: "Little sister, I think you should just give them your blessing."

Seventh Brother: "Yeah, it's not like there's some deep-seated hatred."

Evelyn looked at each of their faces.

They were all waiting for her to nod.

What else could she say?

Continue opposing?

Then she would become the villain who destroyed family harmony.

Susan's move was truly brilliant.

Evelyn remained silent for a long time.

So long the air in the living room seemed about to freeze.

Finally, she slowly raised her head and looked at Preston, her voice calm and even. "Fifth Brother, since you've decided, then I give you my blessing."

Preston's eyes lit up. "Really?"

"Yes." Evelyn nodded. "But I have one condition."

"What condition?"

"Before the wedding, I want to speak with Miss Langley alone." Evelyn looked at Susan, her gaze sharp. "There are some things I want to clarify face-to-face."

Susan's smile didn't waver. "Of course."

Preston breathed a sigh of relief, a smile spreading across his face. "That's great! Thank you, little sister!"

The other brothers also showed relieved expressions.

Only Marcus remained silent from beginning to end.

Leaning back on the sofa, his gaze shifted between Evelyn and Susan, deep and unreadable, lost in thought.

Evelyn stood up. "I'm a bit tired. I'm going to my room to rest."

She turned and walked upstairs.

Behind her came the cheerful discussion of her brothers.

"When should we set the wedding date?"

"Next month. Get it done early, settle things sooner."

"Congratulations, Preston!"

Evelyn's steps faltered for a moment, but she didn't look back.

Returning to her room, she closed the door, leaned back against it, and slowly closed her eyes.

Susan.

The Fox.

These two names swirled repeatedly in her mind.

She took out her phone and dialed a number.

The call was answered quickly, a low voice coming through. "Evelyn?"

"Help me investigate someone." Evelyn's voice was cold. "Susan Langley, Preston Valentine's fiancée. I want all her information, from birth to now. Not a single detail missing."

"Understood."

Hanging up, Evelyn walked to the window and looked out at the dark night.

Susan Langley, no matter who you are, no matter your purpose.

Since you dare to reach into the Valentine family.

I will definitely dig you out.

Downstairs in the living room, Susan was gently leaning against Preston, accepting the brothers' congratulations.

She lifted her head, her gaze subtly sweeping past the window of Evelyn's room on the second floor.

The corner of her mouth curled into a faint, elusive smile.

Evelyn Ross.

The game has only just begun.