Chapter 709

Julian Evans stood before Eleanor Vance.

His eyes felt slightly warm.

Just yesterday, he had truly understood that his great-grandmother did care for him.

A mother's kindness and a child's filial piety were always mutual.

Richard Evans always complained that Eleanor was biased.

But since he returned to the Vance family at fourteen, his approach to Eleanor had been with an agenda.

How could she not see through it?

Putting oneself in another's shoes, who would treat someone sincerely if they came only for personal gain?

Julian took a deep breath, suppressing the lump in his throat.

Eleanor looked at him with a gentle smile.

Her aged hand patted the back of his hand lightly.

"I heard you're starting a business. Those things are prepared for you. Take good care of yourself out there."

Tears instantly rolled down Julian's cheeks.

"Silly child." Eleanor's voice was soft.

"To be a person, you must first be yourself. You are not someone's son, or someone's grandson. You are Julian Evans. If you want something, go and strive for it. That is what matters most."

Julian nodded firmly.

"I understand."

"Go on." Eleanor smiled.

"Come visit me when you have time."

"I will."

Julian stood up.

He had just reached the doorway when he bumped into Cecilia Evans and Lillian Evans.

Seeing him, both women were visibly startled.

Lillian spoke first, her tone deliberately concerned.

"Julian, you're back? Are you struggling outside? If you need money, tell me. I can prepare some for you and your mother..."

Cecilia immediately chimed in.

"Mom, don't say that. How could Julian and his mother possibly want your money? They used to look down on you the most."

"Don't say that." Lillian feigned a sigh.

"They're having a hard time now. What's wrong with money? Besides, Julian, the problems between your mother and your father reaching this point... your mother bears too much responsibility. As a woman, she should be gentler. Your father always complains to me, saying she's like a shrew. Take these words back to her. Tell her to change. Maybe your father will soften and take you both back..."

"Shut up!" Julian abruptly cut her off, his gaze icy.

"A mistress has no right to comment on my mother."

Lillian's face changed.

Her eyes instantly reddened.

"What mistress... Your father and I truly love each other..."

As she spoke, she began wiping her tears.

Cecilia immediately stepped in front of her, glaring angrily at Julian.

"Julian, how dare you speak to my mother like that? Is this your upbringing? Every time I see your mother, I am always polite!"

Julian found it utterly ridiculous.

"My mother is my father's lawfully wedded wife. She is a homewrecker who intruded into another family. Why should I be polite to her?"

"You insolent brat!"

A furious shout came from the doorway.

Richard Evans stormed in.

Without a word, he raised his hand and slapped Julian hard across the face.

Slap!

The crisp sound of the slap echoed in the living room.

Julian's cheek instantly reddened and swelled.

A trickle of blood seeped from the corner of his mouth.

He merely raised his hand to wipe it away, letting out a cold laugh.

Richard pointed at him.

"Apologize to your Aunt Lillian!"

"No."

"Apologize!"

"I said, no!"

Richard was enraged.

He raised his hand again.

This time, Julian did not endure it.

He grabbed Richard's wrist and shoved him away forcefully.

Richard staggered back two steps, hastily supported by Lillian.

"You've rebelled!" Richard's face was livid with anger.

"You beast! You dare lay hands on me?!"

Cecilia also shrieked.

"Julian, you've completely changed since leaving the Vance family! You dare push your own father? Have you no conscience?"

Lillian supported Richard, sighing.

"I know you don't like me, but you can't treat your father like this. Julian, you really need to learn some manners."

Julian looked at the scene before him, feeling nothing but irony.

He turned his gaze to Richard.

"Dad, she openly disparaged my mother. Do you think she's worthy?"

"Of course she's worthy!" Richard roared.

"She's a hundred times better than your mother! Lillian has been with me all these years, not for my money, not for status... For that alone, you should respectfully call her Aunt Lillian!"

Julian sneered.

"You think they aren't after your money? Let me tell you, my mother was the one who truly cared for you!"

"Your mother only cared about money! Lillian is different!" Richard stated with absolute certainty.

"Fine." Julian's eyes turned sharp.

"In that case, would she dare sign an agreement, declaring she renounces all inheritance rights to your property?"

The moment the words left his mouth, Lillian's face froze.