Chapter 657

Mr. Valentine's words carried immense weight.

The shareholders below immediately grew restless, rising from their seats one after another.

"Sir, we absolutely did not mean that."

"That's right, how can we blame you for the stock price fluctuations? The Vance Group's success today is entirely due to your leadership."

"..."

Mr. Valentine raised a hand to silence them. "Enough. Someone must take responsibility for this matter."

His gaze swept over the crowd. "Still not leaving? Planning to stay for dinner?"

"Of course not, of course not."

The shareholders hastily stood up to take their leave.

Evelyn saw complex emotions on their faces—unspoken words, fear and anxiety, and resentment buried deep within, too afraid to surface.

After everyone had dispersed, Evelyn looked at Mr. Valentine. "I will give you an answer within a week."

"No need to force it," Mr. Valentine said calmly. "I've been wanting to retire anyway. It's a good time for Marcus to take over the Vance Group."

Evelyn was momentarily speechless.

Mr. Valentine smiled. "Don't put too much pressure on yourself. This matter has nothing to do with you. Those people are as timid as mice. They won't cause any real trouble."

Marcus also smiled. "Don't worry. Even though Uncle and I don't understand why you want to help that person, we trust you have your reasons. Even if you're wrong, we'll back you up."

Evelyn pressed her lips together, then suddenly smiled.

Her martial arts brothers at the Cortez Sect might have complaints, but they remained silent out of respect for their master.

The Valentine family was the same.

She had implicated the Valentine family, yet her father and brother were defending her like this...

As she was thinking, a warm hand rested on her shoulder.

She turned and met Alexander Vance's deep gaze.

A warmth spread through Evelyn's heart.

Without even realizing it, she had gained family, friendship, and love.

She lowered her lashes and whispered, "Thank you."

Mr. Valentine suddenly looked at Alexander. "Aren't you going back to check on things?"

Alexander paused. "Uncle, do you find me in the way?"

Mr. Valentine snorted. "The Vance Group's shareholders were thoroughly disciplined by me years ago. I can handle them alone. The news that Evelyn is your fiancée has already spread. The Vance Group will likely be affected too. You left just one special assistant there. Do you think he can keep your brother's family in check?"

Alexander's jawline tightened abruptly.

Mr. Valentine stated directly, "Here in the Valentine family, I can provide a stable environment for Evelyn. What about the Vance family? When do you plan to clean house with the main branch?"

He smiled. "I won't let my daughter marry into a mess and clean up your family's problems for you. It's best to deal with them all before the wedding."

Alexander nodded.

Evelyn couldn't help but speak up. "Dad, Alexander's family situation is different..."

In the Valentine family, the eldest and second uncles shared a deep brotherly bond with Mr. Valentine. The family was harmonious.

The ties of blood and sibling affection ultimately connected them.

Alexander had no affection for the main branch. He didn't even have a close relationship with his own father. But the Vance family still had Eleanor Vance...

The elderly Mrs. Vance's time was limited. No matter how despicable the main branch was, they were still her grandchildren. Mrs. Vance couldn't be completely heartless.

The reason Alexander tolerated the main branch staying in the Vance family was simply to let his grandmother enjoy the happiness of family.

Thinking of Mrs. Vance, Evelyn looked at Alexander. "Shouldn't you go back and see Grandma?"

Alexander nodded. "Yes, I'll go back tonight."

"Alright."

Alexander bid farewell to Mr. Valentine and left.

Watching him depart, Mr. Valentine glanced at Evelyn. "Not even married yet, and you're already defending him?"

"We're already married," Evelyn stated frankly. "We are legally husband and wife."

Mr. Valentine: "..."

He sighed with exasperation. "I'm pushing him to deal with that mess at home because I want you to live comfortably in the future."

Evelyn lowered her eyes. "Back when I was still a love child, and you were targeting me, he never looked down on me. Now, I won't look down on him either."

Mr. Valentine: "..."

He coughed and looked at Marcus.

Marcus understood and smiled. "I'll go keep Mina company. You two talk."

After Marcus left, only Mr. Valentine and Evelyn remained in the living room.

Evelyn felt a bit awkward. She rarely spent time alone with her father.

As she was thinking about what to say, Mr. Valentine suddenly spoke. "I heard your grandmother married your grandfather, Mr. Castillo, just to have a child?"

Evelyn was taken aback. "Yes."

Mr. Valentine turned his head to look out the window. "Then do you think... your mother was with me back then for the same reason?"

Evelyn froze.

It was the first time she had seen uncertainty and hesitation on Mr. Valentine's face.

Mr. Valentine continued to gaze out the window. "Your mother lived a free and unfettered life. Back then, she left without a second thought, without any attachment. Did she really... ever love me?"