Chapter 558

Anthony Castillo stared at the message on his phone screen, his fingertip hovering over the keyboard, unable to press down.

He finally typed a line.

Anthony Castillo: I asked. Even if we help Grandpa find his daughter, he won't change his mind.

After sending it, he thought Evelyn Ross would give up.

But his phone vibrated quickly.

Evelyn's reply popped up: It's fine. As long as there's even a sliver of possibility, I have to try.

Anthony looked at these words, silent for a moment.

He replied: Then I'll go ask Grandpa.

The photo was Mr. Castillo's personal item. Permission was required to see it, and the photo was currently in the old man's possession.

Anthony put away his phone and turned to go upstairs.

The door to the second-floor study was slightly ajar.

He pushed it open and saw Mr. Castillo standing by the bay window, looking outside.

Their villa was located in the suburbs, with distant rolling mountains.

In the night, moonlight spilled over the ridges, outlining dark silhouettes.

Anthony walked to stand behind the old man.

Mr. Castillo didn't turn around, his voice calm. "Here to persuade me to cancel tomorrow's engagement party again?"

Anthony paused. "Not me. It's Evelyn Ross. She wants to try again."

Mr. Castillo sighed.

He turned and looked at Anthony, his expression complex. "Anthony, listen to your grandpa. After the engagement, keep your distance from Evelyn Ross."

Anthony frowned. "Why?"

Mr. Castillo lowered his gaze. "Because Nicole Sterling and her are mortal enemies. If you marry Nicole, the Castillo family stands with Nicole. From then on, Evelyn Ross will be our adversary. I don't want you caught in the middle."

Anthony's jaw tightened. "Grandpa, what exactly is going on with the Sterling Family? Aren't they both from the Sterling Family? How can they be mortal enemies?"

Mr. Castillo shook his head. "Some things, the less you know, the better. Go back. Tell Evelyn Ross not to waste her effort. I will find my daughter myself."

Anthony was unwilling. "Is there really no room for negotiation?"

Mr. Castillo's gaze was profound. "Unless Evelyn Ross is willing to marry you and bear your child. Blood ties are the strongest bond. Otherwise, why would I insist on this marriage alliance?"

Anthony clenched his fist.

His knuckles turned white.

Mr. Castillo patted his shoulder. "This matter was settled the moment Evelyn Ross rejected you. There's no room. Unless..."

He smiled, with a hint of self-mockery. "Unless Evelyn Ross herself has a blood relationship with us. But how is that possible."

Anthony lowered his head, exhaling heavily.

Mr. Castillo's tone softened. "Good boy, go to sleep. Be energetic tomorrow, to welcome your fiancée. Nicole is, after all, your distant cousin. Since you're marrying her, you must be responsible to her."

Anthony responded gruffly. "I know."

High-society marriage alliances were like this.

Everyone was a pawn with no choice.

Anthony wouldn't neglect Nicole just because she had a strong personality.

If they truly entered this alliance, he would at least treat her with respect and courtesy.

He turned to leave, then stopped. "The photo, give it to me first. Without the photo, how can I help you find the person?"

Mr. Castillo took an envelope from a drawer and handed it to him.

"Don't show the photo to just anyone. I don't want my daughter's information leaked, causing trouble for her. You can only show it to someone you trust."

"Understood."

Anthony took the envelope and went downstairs.

...

The Ashcroft residence.

Evelyn Ross and Alexander Vance lived in the suite specially prepared by Mr. Valentine, with Chloe Davis.

Chloe and the Sterlingny were already asleep.

In the living room, Evelyn and Alexander sat on the sofa, the atmosphere heavy.

Their original plan was to persuade Mr. Castillo with benefits.

They didn't expect the other party to be unmoved by both soft and hard tactics, only recognizing the marriage alliance.

Evelyn had so many identities and aliases she hadn't even revealed yet, and was flatly rejected.

She felt a sense of powerlessness, like punching cotton.

She rested her chin on her hand, looking at Alexander. "Luring with benefits didn't work. Should we try threats of force?"

Alexander spoke calmly. "That's not impossible either."

Evelyn raised an eyebrow. "But the Castillo family's main base is overseas. Domestically, it's just the grandfather and grandson. Where would I find overseas forces to threaten them?"

Alexander said calmly, "I can try."

Evelyn immediately looked at him.

She knew this man often held international conferences.

Occasionally hearing some sensitive terms, she had never probed deeply, nor asked Alexander what exactly his overseas influence did.

Hearing him say this now, it seemed... quite significant.

But she didn't ask further, just shook her head. "Even if threats of force succeed, the other party wouldn't be willing. It's useless."

She sighed, somewhat frustrated.

Then, her phone suddenly rang.

The number displayed on the screen wasn't unfamiliar.

It was the number Fox had used when monitoring Susan Langley's phone.

Evelyn narrowed her eyes, gave a cold laugh, and answered the call.

A familiar electronic voice came from the other side. "Bunny, ready to admit defeat?"

Evelyn's eyes turned cold.

It was indeed Nicole Sterling.

She said coldly, "Nicole Sterling, you think you've won?"

"Of course." The electronic voice held a smile. "Tomorrow is the engagement party. On the engagement night, I will consummate the marriage with Anthony Castillo. Once I'm pregSterlingt, the cooperation with the Castillo family will be completely solidified."

Nicole no longer disguised, continuing with the electronic voice. "I have no lover. Or rather, I never put love before profit. That's why I can win against you. Bunny, just send little Chloe over now, how about it?"

Evelyn clenched her fist, sneering. "If you have the ability, come and take her. I'll make sure you don't return."

"Hahaha..."

The other side laughed arrogantly. "What's the use of all these tough words? I'm the one who won. Actually, you can admit defeat and come be my follower. Then, I might spare your life. After all... we are in a life-and-death relationship. Oh, right, if you die, Chloe will have no one to care for her, then she'll be mine too... Hahahaha!"

After speaking, Fox hung up directly.

Evelyn's face turned ashen. She looked sharply at Alexander. "Threats of force, can you really do it?"

Alexander nodded. "Yes. But threats of force might destroy the Castillo family. Then, they can't become your support. We need to determine how important the Castillo family's support is for your future."

Evelyn was stunned.

Were Alexander's threats of force that powerful?

The Castillo family was, after all, innocent, just choosing sides.

Moreover, she and Anthony were considered friends...

While she was struggling, her phone vibrated again.

It was a text from Anthony Castillo: Grandpa gave me the photo, but won't allow pictures. Meet to talk?

Evelyn immediately replied: Okay, I'll come find you now.

She put away her phone and stood up.

Somehow, she had a premonition.

That photo might change everything.