Chapter 551
Evelyn Ross had come to visit today specifically to complete the third task.
The Guardian wanted her to marry Anthony Castillo, which was essentially to win over the Castillo family and secure their support.
So she had come today to see if there were any areas for cooperation with the Castillo family.
She never expected that Old Mr. Castillo would reject her outright with a single sentence.
Evelyn's expression tightened.
Natalie Castillo spoke up.
"Grandfather, it can't be that absolute, can it?
The engagement is tomorrow?
That's too fast!
And my brother really doesn't like Cousin Nicole!"
Even after Natalie said this, Nicole Sterling remained unperturbed.
She leaned back slowly, as if watching a joke unfold.
It seemed not being liked by Anthony had no effect on her at all.
Evelyn genuinely admired her psychological fortitude.
Old Mr. Castillo looked directly at Natalie.
"This has nothing to do with you.
Be quiet."
"No!"
Natalie snorted.
"How does it not concern me?
She's Spencer Valentine's cousin, which makes her my cousin!"
Old Mr. Castillo was confused.
"What did you say?"
Natalie stated directly, "I said, I've taken a liking to that boy Spencer Valentine.
Grandfather, can you go and propose a marriage alliance for me?"
As she spoke, Natalie moved closer to Old Mr. Castillo, blinking her big eyes.
The old man was speechless.
"You've only known him for a few days!"
Natalie replied, "Our family practices arranged marriages, right?
Otherwise, you wouldn't treat my brother this way.
So, arrange mine too!
That Spencer Valentine is good-looking, smart, and most importantly... a bit silly and very obedient!"
Natalie's eyes were shining.
"So, can you go and propose?"
Old Mr. Castillo twitched his mouth.
"In our culture, only the man's family proposes to the woman's.
Where have you seen the woman's family propose to the man's?"
Natalie said, "Then have him come and propose to me."
Old Mr. Castillo was baffled.
He had had enough of Natalie's pestering and pushed her away.
"Today, we're discussing your brother's matter!
He must marry before you can."
Natalie was stunned.
She pouted.
"Grandfather, you're so unreasonable!
My brother can't clarify his feelings, but I can.
Why should there be such a rule?"
Old Mr. Castillo ignored his granddaughter.
He looked at Evelyn.
"Miss Ross, make your choice.
Don't say later that I didn't give you an option."
Evelyn felt this was no choice at all.
She spoke directly.
"Mr. Castillo, I believe there can be a win-win solution."
"I don't need one."
Old Mr. Castillo stared at her.
"In my view, only a marriage alliance, and quickly producing an heir, is the most reliable method...
Anything else...
No matter what profits you can bring me, I'm not interested."
His expression became meaningful.
"Our Castillo family does not lack money."
Evelyn clenched her jaw.
She had looked into the Castillo family's overseas status.
They seemed to be dukes or something in a small country.
They truly did not lack money.
Evelyn frowned.
Old Mr. Castillo asked again.
"So, will you choose love or your career?"
Evelyn clenched her fists tightly, remaining silent for a moment.
Beside her, Alexander Vance also tensed his jaw.
His heart was filled with uncertainty, feeling profoundly insecure.
He had seen how much Evelyn cared for Sophia Ashcroft.
After their reunion, she was practically a 'momma's girl,' content as long as she had her mother.
Even before their reunion, she always showed great tolerance when facing Sophia.
The Sterling Family had bullied her repeatedly, especially Isabella Ashcroft, who constantly challenged her limits.
Yet, despite having the ability, she never severely punished them.
Wasn't it all because of Sophia?
Alexander didn't dare to gamble.
He didn't dare to bet on whether he or Sophia held a higher place in her heart...
Deep down, he knew he couldn't compare to Sophia...
Sophia was Evelyn's salvation, the mother she had longed for since childhood...
So, if Evelyn chose to abandon him to save Sophia, he wouldn't complain or get angry.
He would bless her...
Wouldn't he?
He wasn't sure.
The mere thought of losing her again made Alexander feel like he was going insane.
He clenched his fists tightly.
Evelyn glanced at him.
Her eyes held firm resolve.
She had never considered abandoning Alexander Vance.
Just as she was about to speak, her phone vibrated.
Evelyn immediately picked it up.
She saw a message from that unfamiliar number.
"If you don't want your mother to die, choose Anthony Castillo."
Along with the message, the sender also attached a video.
In the video, Sophia Ashcroft was tied up, a rag stuffed in her mouth, unable to speak.
Beside her, someone held a knife pressed against Sophia's chest.
Seeing this, Evelyn's pupils contracted sharply.