Chapter 718

They turned and left.

Eleanor Vance stared at their retreating backs, her lips curling in disdain.

What kind of people were they, to think they could order her granddaughter-in-law around?

Spitting on them was being polite!

Thinking this, Eleanor reached for her water glass to rinse her mouth.

Her fingertips had just touched the rim when the glass wobbled, threatening to tip over—

A pale, slender hand steadied it firmly.

Eleanor turned her head and saw Evelyn Ross standing beside her.

She immediately adopted a confused expression. "Young lady, you're very pretty. Who are you?"

"I'm Nora." Evelyn handed her the glass. "The medicine you're taking was developed by me. Both Alexander and I can tell. You're fine. No need to pretend."

Eleanor gave a bitter smile. "Even if you know, just pretend you don't."

Evelyn pulled out a tissue and gently wiped the corner of Eleanor's mouth. "Why? Can't we just spend your remaining days together properly?"

Eleanor sighed. "You don't understand. At my age, I'm losing control. Soon, I'll need help with everything. How could I bear to let you and Alexander take care of me like that?"

Evelyn's eyes reddened. "We're willing…"

"I know you are." Eleanor grasped her hand. "But I've lived a clean life. I don't want you to see me like that. Prolonged illness tests even the most filial child. It's not that I don't trust you. I just… want to leave Alexander with a dignified memory."

She smiled faintly. "Besides, I was never close to the eldest branch of the family in my life. In these final days, Evelyn, you stay with Alexander. Help him get used to life without me. It'll give me some freedom too. I can finally spend some time with the eldest branch…"

Evelyn nodded silently.

She picked up a cloth to clean the mess on the floor.

But Eleanor suddenly called towards the door. "Richard! My eldest grandson! Come here! Who is this stranger? Make her leave!"

Evelyn paused. "Grandmother, let me clean this up for you."

"No! Don't you touch it!"

Richard Evans walked over with a smug smile. "Sister-in-law, Grandmother only recognizes me and my father now. Sorry, but you'll have to step back."

Evelyn frowned. "Then what about this mess on the floor?"

Eleanor immediately pointed at Richard. "My eldest grandson will clean it!"

Richard froze.

He looked down at the vomit on the floor.

Eleanor had a weak stomach and ate little. The breakfast this morning didn't agree with her. She had deliberately eaten a few extra bites just to vomit it up.

The sour, foul smell filled the air. Richard wrinkled his nose instantly. "Me?"

"Yes! My eldest grandson will clean it!" Eleanor tugged Richard's sleeve and waved at Evelyn. "You go! Get away…"

Richard gritted his teeth. "Fine, I'll clean it! You stay away from Grandmother!"

Evelyn: "…"

She cleared her throat softly. "Then I'll trouble you, Brother."

She shoved the cloth into Richard's hand and turned towards the stairs.

Before she could step onto the first step, she saw Alexander Vance standing in the shadows on the second floor.

He was silently watching the scene below. She didn't know how long he had been there.

Evelyn quickly walked to his side. "Did you hear what Grandmother just said?"

"Yes." Alexander gently smoothed her hair. "She's right. Because of me, she never got close to the eldest branch in her lifetime. This is for the best."

Evelyn held his hand. "I understand what she means."

She lowered her eyes. "If I were old and couldn't take care of myself, I wouldn't want to burden my children either. I'd want to leave with dignity."

"She loves you the most. That's why she doesn't want you to see her in an undignified state."

Evelyn looked up at him. "But you are the one she worries about most in her heart. Alexander, don't be sad, okay?"

Alexander gazed at her deeply.

After a long moment, he asked softly, "What did you say just now?"

"I said Grandmother loves you most. Don't be sad."

"The sentence before that."

"She doesn't want you to face her decline."

"The one before that."

Evelyn had an excellent memory. She followed his words. "Was it 'I don't want to burden my children'?"

"Yes." Alexander suddenly took a step closer, leaning near her ear. His voice was low. "So, how many children do you want to have with me?"

Evelyn's ears grew warm.

Was he… teasing her?!