Chapter 667

Evelyn's heart sank heavily.

She and the old lady had long shared a deep bond.

Back in San Francisco, during the days the old lady lived in her home, she had always relied on Evelyn, defended her everywhere, and stood up for her.

It was also the old lady who had finally convinced Alexander to believe the fact of their marriage.

Later, no matter what Evelyn did, the old lady supported her unconditionally.

Yes...

The old lady's time had always been limited.

Back in San Francisco, the doctors had said she only had two months left. It was only after taking Evelyn's medicine that her condition was barely stabilized.

But after all, the old lady was eighty-seven years old. All her bodily functions had aged...

A heavy feeling welled up in Evelyn's heart. "If that's the case, you shouldn't have been with me these past days. You should have been with Grandma!"

Alexander lowered his gaze. "Grandma told me to stay with you."

Alexander had returned to the Vance home several times in between. Each time, Grandma would shoo him away, telling him to go be with Evelyn, afraid her granddaughter-in-law might disappear again.

Whenever Alexander thought of what the doctor had said, his chest tightened with pain.

Eleanor Vance had once told the doctor that she was afraid after she was gone, Alexander would have no family left in this world. So, she must protect Evelyn.

Evelyn was his only family now.

Even now, remembering those words made Alexander feel short of breath.

Back when Grandma's memory was confused, she still remembered her granddaughter-in-law.

Now that she remembered the past, she was still worried about him.

He unconsciously quickened his pace.

Evelyn immediately followed, stating directly, "You should have told me earlier. From now on, we'll stay at the Vance residence."

Alexander looked at her.

Evelyn's tone was firm. "I'll do my things, you handle your work. But we'll come back every night to be with Grandma. We won't go to the Ashcroft house anymore."

Alexander's throat tightened, his voice trembling slightly. "Thank you, Evelyn."

Evelyn gently patted his hand. "She's my grandma too."

"Yes."

They exchanged a smile, holding hands as they strode into the old lady's courtyard.

Natalie followed behind them, watching their clasped hands. She couldn't help but look down at her own.

She stared blankly for a moment, smiled self-deprecatingly, and silently followed.

The group entered the courtyard and saw Fiona accompanying Eleanor Vance on a walk.

Their backs were turned, unaware of the newcomers.

Eleanor was giving instructions. "Fiona, don't worry. When I'm gone, that boy Alexander will definitely take care of you in your old age!"

Fiona immediately became anxious. "Madam, what are you saying! You mustn't go! Even if Mr. Vance is willing to support me, the main branch will bully me! I need you here to protect me!"

Eleanor chuckled. "I'm eighty-seven. If I live any longer, won't I become an old monster? Fiona, don't worry. When I'm gone, you stay here. The main branch... they won't be jumping around for much longer."

Fiona was puzzled. "Madam, what do you mean?"

"You think Alexander can't really suppress those people from the main branch? All this back-and-forth fighting, pretending it's evenly matched, is just to make this old woman worry about him, so I don't dare to die. But ah, I discovered a little secret of Alexander's."

Fiona immediately asked, "What secret?"

"Alexander is very clever. He's been holding back when dealing with the main branch. Sigh, that child, it's for my sake. After all, that's my son, my eldest grandson, my great-grandson... He doesn't want to hurt me. So, the moment I close my eyes is the moment the main branch is dealt with."

Fiona's eyes welled up. "Madam, that's why you need to live longer. That way, whether Mr. Vance is pretending or not, he can protect the main branch a little longer."

But Eleanor waved her hand. "Fiona, the Vance family owes Alexander. His mother ignored him back then. After he stayed with the Vances, his father ignored him too. He was so very small. He had such a hard time living alone in the old mansion as a child, then later left home to study abroad... The Vance family owes him! I can't be so selfish. Just for an old woman like me, to let him live in such憋屈 all this time. So, when it's time for me to die, I should die."

Fiona cried. "Madam, please don't say that!"

"Why are you crying?" Eleanor sighed. "When Evelyn had that accident, I was truly scared. I forced myself to hold on, thinking I had to live a few more years. I was really afraid that if I went first, Alexander would follow right after. But now it's good. He still has someone he can't bear to leave in this world."

Fiona sobbed. "Madam..."

"Don't worry, I still have a month. But I'm truly tired, and conflicted, and hesitant... I don't know if I should die or not. Fiona, are sons born to collect debts from their mothers? That scoundrel Robert Vance, he's been so awful to Alexander, but to me... he's truly filial. Sigh..."

A tear slid down Eleanor's cheek. "So, this grandmother of his has been holding Alexander back..."

Hearing this, Evelyn immediately turned to look at Alexander.

The usually calm and composed man was already in tears.

Evelyn understood the old lady's conflict.

After all, that was her own son, her own grandson...

If Alexander truly went all out...