Chapter 131

Vincent Langley's lips curled into a chilling smirk. "Isabella, don't you understand? The wealth of Sterling Manor is unfathomable. If the heir's identity is exposed prematurely, it becomes a death sentence."

"Sebastian Cortez has been suppressing the other branches for years. The undercurrents within the family have been turbulent."

"I kept you away from Sebastian because none of the women around him live long. The assassination attempts he's faced abroad are far more frequent than you can imagine."

"Adrian Valentine is the true rising star. In just one year, the Valentine family has advanced by leaps and bounds under his leadership. Surpassing Sterling Manor is only a matter of time."

A calculating gleam flashed in Vincent's eyes.

Eleanor Langley sat with her head bowed, sulking, oblivious to her husband's expression.

Isabella, lost in her own joy, also failed to notice the odd look on her father's face.

Eleanor suddenly stood and grabbed her phone, storming out of the room.

"Dad, what's wrong with Mom lately?" Isabella watched her mother's retreating figure. "She's barely spoken these past few days."

Vincent frowned. The year-long power struggles had left him little time to tend to his wife.

"I'll come home early tonight and bring her a gift."

Nothing could quell his thirst for power.

The memory of Evelyn's threat a year ago ignited a ruthless fire in his eyes. Once he obtained all the manuscripts, he would make that wretched girl beg for death.

Isabella shivered at her father's vicious expression, her fingers involuntarily curling in fear.

Evelyn Roland sat in Zachary Deross's car, gazing at the scenery rushing past the window.

The kind face of Beatrice Valentine surfaced in her mind.

A year without contact—she wondered how the old woman was doing. With her number changed, Beatrice wouldn't have been able to reach her.

Evelyn straightened, hesitating for a moment before dialing the familiar number.

"Hello?"

A frail voice answered.

Evelyn's breath hitched. "Grandma."

"Evelyn! You're back?" Beatrice's voice trembled with emotion.

"It's me. How have you been?" Her throat tightened. That year in the Valentine household, Beatrice had been the only one who truly cared for her.

In the courtyard villa, the elderly woman glanced at Adrian standing nearby. "Evelyn, is this your new number?"

"Yes. You can reach me here from now on."

"Silly girl, still thinking of this old woman." Beatrice sighed. "Have you met anyone suitable? You're my greatest worry."

"I will." Evelyn's voice softened. "I... I'm doing well."

"Can you visit me today? It's been over a year."

Evelyn checked the rearview mirror at the trailing vehicles. "Not today. I'll come see you once I've settled my affairs."

After hanging up, Beatrice slammed the phone onto the stone table and glared at her eavesdropping grandson. "Weren't you leaving? Why are you still standing there?"