Chapter 680

Eleanor Vance's finger trembled as she pointed toward the door.

"Alexander and Grace are back. They're having dinner with me. You two…"

Before she could finish, Cecilia Evans beamed.

"That's wonderful, Great-Grandmother. Mother and I will stay and have dinner with you."

Eleanor was taken aback.

That wasn't what she meant.

The old woman frowned, about to speak, when the woman named Lillian Evans beside her spoke softly.

"Grandmother, I'm from a small town. I haven't seen much of the world. I might not know proper table manners. I can't compare to the others in the family. You won't look down on me, will you?"

Eleanor was speechless.

With that phrasing, if she asked them to leave, it would seem like she was looking down on their background.

The corner of the old woman's mouth twitched. For a moment, she didn't know how to respond.

Evelyn Ross chuckled lightly.

"I'm sorry. You came unexpectedly. The kitchen didn't prepare portions for you."

Cecilia immediately replied, "That's alright. Mother and I eat very little. We mainly want to keep Great-Grandmother company."

She turned to Alexander Vance with a gentle smile.

"Uncle, future Aunt. In the past, Julian and his mother were immature. Now that Mother and I have moved in, we'll come often to keep Great-Grandmother company. You wouldn't stop us from fulfilling our filial duty, would you?"

A single sentence laid several traps.

If Alexander insisted on sending them away, rumors would spread that he was preventing the eldest branch from being close to the old lady. But if they stayed—who wanted to see this mother-daughter pair during dinner?

It would ruin the appetite.

Alexander frowned deeply, about to speak, when Evelyn suddenly smiled.

"Of course we wouldn't stop you from being filial. It's just that Grandmother needs quiet rest now. Too many people might disturb her. I'm sure you understand."

Cecilia quickly responded, "Then Mother and I will stay. We have nothing else to do. Uncle and Aunt must be busy with work, right?"

She sighed, as if casually mentioning.

"The Vance Group's stock price dropped today, didn't it? It's all because of those reporters writing nonsense about Aunt, dragging the company down…"

Before she finished, footsteps sounded at the door.

Richard Evans strode in. Hearing this, he sneered.

"How can you blame the reporters? If certain people didn't have questionable conduct themselves, the reporters would have nothing to write about! The iron must be hard itself. People should look for reasons within themselves! Don't you agree, Alexander?"

Alexander lowered his gaze, his voice calm.

"Indeed, one should look for reasons within themselves. Think about why one's closest wife and son would rather leave this family with nothing than stay."

Richard's face changed dramatically.

Cecilia hurriedly smoothed things over.

"Brother is still young. It's just a rebellious phase. Once he suffers setbacks outside, he'll understand how good home is. He'll come back naturally then."

Richard snorted coldly.

"Exactly! Some people think giving a few small favors can win over my son? How much can he earn even with an investment? He'll have to come back eventually to inherit my family business!"

These words darkened Cecilia's eyes.

She exchanged a glance with her mother, Lillian.

Lillian lived up to her name. Her entire person exuded a melancholic aura. A faint sorrow always lingered between her brows, making anyone who saw her feel heavy-hearted.

Yet she was utterly obedient, gentle, and considerate toward Richard, far better than Margaret Evans.

Evelyn saw through this mother-daughter pair's game at a glance.

But Richard seemed to have been bewitched.

Who knew if he truly couldn't see it, or was just deceiving himself…

As she thought this, Richard looked at her.

"Cecilia is right. In the past, Julian and his mother were immature, unwilling to accompany Grandmother. I'll divorce Margaret tomorrow and bring Lillian into the family openly. From now on, let Cecilia and Lillian fulfill my filial duties on my behalf!"

Eleanor Vance: "…"

Really, no need!

She thought being alone and quiet was just fine!

The corner of the old woman's mouth twitched again. She wanted to say something, but Cecilia had already moved closer.

"Great-Grandmother, what are we having for dinner tonight?"

Lillian also smiled softly.

"Madam, I'm shamelessly having a meal at your place on my first visit. I knew you wouldn't look down on someone like me…"

Eleanor: "…"

Richard simply spoke up too.

"Your grandson is also shamelessly staying to have dinner with you, Grandmother. You won't refuse, will you?"

Eleanor took a deep breath.

"Really, no need. You all have your own things to attend to. I'm fine here…"

"We're not busy." Cecilia's words were as sweet as honey. "Nothing is more important than keeping Great-Grandmother company."

She was determined not to leave.

Everyone knew the old lady didn't have much time left.

In this last month, whoever served her more would get a larger share of the inheritance…

Lillian immediately stood up.

"Grandmother, let me help you wash your hands…"

Watching from the side, Richard couldn't help but sigh.

In the past, Margaret always complained that the old lady was too old, unwilling to serve her. Look at Lillian—as soon as she entered, she knew how to get closer to Grandmother…

Lillian was truly better!