Chapter 728

Richard Evans's face was dark with fury.

He stared fixedly at the will document in Elder Howard Vance's hand, a mocking sneer twisting his lips.

"Listen, everyone, just listen—"

He raised his voice, sharp and grating.

"The old lady's favoritism runs bone-deep! Even an outsider, a granddaughter-in-law, gets five percent of the shares. And what about the eldest branch? Not a single hair!"

Elder Howard Vance looked up sharply.

His gaze was sharp as a blade, cutting toward Richard.

"Silence!"

Elder Howard barked.

"Let me finish reading the will!"

Richard snorted, crossing his arms.

"What difference does it make? The result is the same. The eldest branch gets nothing!"

Elder Howard ignored him.

He cleared his throat and continued reading.

"The remaining fifteen percent of shares are bequeathed as follows: to my son Robert Vance, my grandson Alexander Vance, and my great-grandson Julian Evans, each receiving five percent."

"Two properties in San Francisco are bequeathed to my grandson Alexander Vance."

"One property in New York is bequeathed to my great-grandson Julian Evans."

"Total deposits of nine hundred million USD are to be divided equally among the aforementioned three heirs."

"All jewelry and personal ornaments are bequeathed to my granddaughter-in-law Evelyn Ross."

Silence fell.

A dead quiet enveloped the funeral hall.

Everyone was stunned.

The sneer froze on Richard's face.

His eyes widened, his mouth slightly agape. He stood rooted to the spot as if struck by lightning.

"Impossible…"

He muttered to himself.

"This can't be… How could the old lady give shares to the eldest branch?"

Elder Howard looked at him coldly.

"Originally, those shares were meant for you."

His voice was icy.

"But you brought this upon yourself. Now, all the eldest branch's inheritance passes to Julian Evans."

Richard staggered as if struck.

His legs weakened, and he stumbled back two steps, nearly falling.

"Impossible… This can't be…"

He repeated the words, his eyes unfocused.

Alexander Vance stepped forward slowly.

His gaze was calm as he looked at Richard.

"Grandmother was good to me, but she never mistreated the eldest branch either."

His voice was low.

"Brother, do you understand now?"

Richard shook his head violently.

"No… I don't believe it…"

He suddenly turned, his eyes locking onto Julian.

"I am your father!"

He rushed over, grabbing Julian by the collar.

"Transfer those shares to me now! All of them!"

Before Julian could speak, Alexander's cold voice cut in.

"You have been expelled from the Vance family."

His tone was flat, yet carried undeniable authority.

"All shares under your name were transferred to Julian Evans long ago. Rest assured, I won't let the eldest branch die out."

Richard shuddered.

Not die out…

But he had been cast out!

He jerked his head toward Robert Vance, opening his mouth to call out "Dad."

Before the word could leave his lips, Alexander's expression changed abruptly.

Earlier, he had allowed Richard to make a scene out of respect for their grandmother.

But now—

"Guards."

Alexander's voice was frigid.

"Remove Richard Evans."

Robert's face paled, and he moved to plead.

Alexander's gaze immediately swept toward him.

That look was piercingly cold, devoid of any warmth.

"Anyone who pleads for him—"

Alexander enunciated each word.

"—will be removed as well."

Robert erupted in anger.

"How dare you! You dare to control even your own father?!"

Alexander turned to Elder Howard.

"Second Grandfather."

He said mildly.

"What is your opinion?"

Elder Howard spoke immediately.

"Robert, be silent!"

Robert tried to argue further.

But Alexander had already taken another step forward.

He looked down at his father.

No trace of familial affection remained in his eyes, only icy detachment.

"Father."

His voice was calm.

"Since you are so disobedient, after Grandmother's burial tomorrow, you will return to the old family estate with Second Grandfather."

Robert was stunned.

"What did you say?"

Alexander leaned in slightly.

"I said, you and Second Grandfather will return to the old estate to live out your years in peace."

He paused.

"Didn't you often say you missed your childhood life there?"

Though phrased as a question, the commanding tone left Robert speechless.

He stared blankly at his son.

Only now did he realize Alexander stood half a head taller than him.

In this son's eyes, there was only coldness and distance.

Robert swallowed hard.

Alexander turned to Elder Howard.

"Second Grandfather."

His tone softened slightly.

"I entrust my father to your care."

Elder Howard understood immediately.

He nodded firmly.

"Rest assured."

The funeral hall remained utterly silent.

Everyone present sensed keenly—

The sky over the Vance family had truly changed.

From this day forward, Alexander Vance would hold absolute power.

Several bodyguards strode in, seized Richard by the arms, and began dragging him out.

Mr. Valentine quietly moved closer to Evelyn.

"Letting him off that easily?"

He whispered.

Evelyn shook her head slightly.

"His punishment isn't here."

Her voice was very soft.

"When Alexander punishes someone, he ensures they suffer a hundredfold in spirit."

Julian and Margaret exchanged a glance and followed them out.

Just outside the funeral hall, they saw the bodyguards shove Richard onto the ground.

He stumbled to his feet, his face livid, opening his mouth to curse.

The butler stood at the entrance, watching him coldly.

"Mr. Richard Evans."

The butler's voice was calm.

"You'd best think carefully. Causing a disturbance here, disturbing the late Madam's funeral… I cannot predict what Mr. Vance might do."

Richard remembered the murderous look in Alexander's eyes.

He immediately shut his mouth.

He awkwardly straightened his clothes. Looking up, he saw Julian and Margaret.

He immediately straightened his posture and sneered.

"Come to laugh at me?"

He mocked.

"Let me tell you, even if I leave the Vance family, I'll live well! Unlike you two good-for-nothings!"

Margaret sighed.

"I wanted to ask—"

She looked at Richard.

"—are we still getting a divorce?"

Richard scoffed.

"What? Changed your mind?"

He lifted his chin.

"Then I'll give you one chance. Apologize, and have Julian return the shares to me—no, not return them. Have Julian act as my puppet!"

A crazed light flashed in his eyes.

"I'll have Julian enter the Vance Group, cause trouble for me! Help me take back the Vance Group! If you do this, I won't divorce you!"

Margaret spat.

"What I meant was—"

She said coldly.

"—how will we divide the assets during the divorce? Does your son need to pay you alimony?"

Richard choked.

His face flushed red. It took him a moment to force out the words.

"No need!"

He glared fiercely at the two of them.

"All you care about is money! Lillian and Cecilia would never be like this! You two vulgar people, stay here! I'll live a good life with Lillian and Cecilia!"

Seeing him still so deluded, Margaret and Julian both sighed.

Julian stepped forward.

"I hope you remember your words today."

His voice was calm.

"If they refuse to support you, don't come back looking for my mother."

"Nonsense!"

Richard roared in fury.

"How could Lillian and Cecilia abandon me! I'll call them right now, have them come pick me up!"

He pulled out his phone, his hands trembling as he dialed Lillian's number.