Chapter 725

Eleanor Vance was momentarily stunned.

She turned her head.

Alexander Vance had already charged at Richard Evans.

He kicked the man, sending him flying.

Eleanor could finally breathe again.

But in her heart, she knew.

It was already too late.

This body had long been unable to hold on.

Just moments ago.

She had felt her time was near.

That's why she had suddenly pulled Richard Evans upstairs.

Now.

Alexander was supporting her.

But Eleanor smiled faintly.

She pointed to the side. "There's a camera over there."

"Alexander."

"The evidence of Richard Evans strangling me is irrefutable."

"You must avenge me."

Alexander's eyes were rimmed red.

He stared at his grandmother.

He had been wrong.

Terribly wrong.

He thought Grandma was just feeling guilty.

He thought she wanted to get closer to the main branch.

But he never expected.

That even in her final moments.

Grandma was still thinking about clearing the main branch for him.

If Grandma passed away.

And he immediately moved against the main branch.

He would be labeled as heartless and ruthless.

But now it was different.

Richard Evans had done this.

If he acted now.

He had both reason and justification.

A tear rolled down Alexander's cheek.

A frail, aged hand reached up to wipe it away.

Eleanor looked at him. "Alexander."

"A real man."

"Does not cry."

Alexander choked back a sob and nodded. "Okay."

"I won't cry."

He fought desperately to hold back his tears.

Eleanor gently touched his face. "My good grandson."

"You didn't blame Grandma for not acknowledging you these past few days, did you?"

Alexander shook his head. "No."

"Grandma."

"How could I blame you..."

"That's good."

Eleanor smiled.

She looked toward Evelyn Ross.

Her hand trembled as she reached out.

Evelyn immediately stepped forward.

She knelt on the other side.

She took Eleanor's hand. "Grandma."

Eleanor smiled.

She placed Evelyn's hand and Alexander's hand together.

She spoke slowly. "Granddaughter-in-law."

"Grandma doesn't know what you're doing."

"But whatever it is."

"Can you promise Grandma one thing?"

Evelyn spoke directly. "Tell me."

Eleanor sighed. "No matter what happens in the future."

"Never let go of this stubborn boy's hand."

"Okay?"

Evelyn's eyes instantly welled up.

She said through her tears, "Okay."

"Okay!"

Eleanor smiled. "Granddaughter-in-law."

"You promised me."

"You must keep your word..."

"I'm entrusting this stubborn boy..."

"To you..."

With the last word spoken.

Eleanor closed her eyes.

The hands that had been holding theirs.

Fell limp.

"Grandma!!"

"Grandma!"

Alexander and Evelyn cried out in unison.

They held Eleanor's body and wept bitterly.

Alexander didn't mention resuscitation.

Evelyn didn't either.

At Eleanor's age.

With her condition.

Resuscitation held little meaning.

Even if she were revived.

She might only last a couple more days.

And she would have to endure the pain of CPR.

They both knew.

The old lady had already made her peace with leaving.

So they let her depart with dignity.

Dignity...

Thinking of that word.

Evelyn suddenly realized.

Eleanor was wearing brand new clothes today.

The old lady usually preferred dark blue.

This outfit looked like burial clothes.

They hadn't noticed anything unusual...

Evelyn's eyes reddened.

Tears streamed down her face.

Grandma...

Her heart was filled with reluctance.

She wished the old lady could live a hundred years.

To stay with them.

But they all knew.

It was impossible.

...

Eleanor Vance's funeral was conducted with great dignity.

The old lady had come into this world with dignity.

And she left with dignity.

All five major families of New York.

Almost all came to pay their respects.

The representative from the Sherwood family was William Sherwood.

After expressing his condolences.

He said nothing more.

He left directly.

Alexander's mother did not appear.

The heads of the other major families all came in person.

Everyone understood.

What Eleanor meant to Alexander.

The Valentine family sent the most people.

Mr. Valentine.

Evelyn's several brothers.

Spencer Valentine all came.

Everyone wore black suits.

With white boutonnieres.

After offering incense to the old lady.

Mr. Valentine walked up to Alexander.

He patted his shoulder.

He seemed to want to say something.

But felt nothing should be said at this moment.

He just patted his shoulder.

And left.

Marcus Valentine came with Mina Sherwood.

Mina was five months pregSterlingt.

It was quite noticeable.

She wore loose clothing.

Trying to conceal it.

But it was still somewhat visible.

Those in the know could guess something.

Evelyn immediately spoke with concern. "Why did you come?"

"You shouldn't have come."

Mina grasped her hand. "This is a major event for your fiancé."

"How could I not come?"

Mina said softly, "It's a good thing your fiancé is so filial to the old lady."

"It shows he has good character."

"Grace."

"This man is reliable."

Hearing the name "Grace."

Evelyn's heart clenched.

She had been using her sister's identity.

To navigate New York society.

She hadn't wronged anyone.

Except for one person.

That person was Mina Sherwood.

Mina's kindness toward her.

Was all because of Grace Sterling.

Mina was Grace Sterling's friend.

Not hers...

Yet Mina had endured so much for her...

For a long, long time...

And now, she came despite the risk of her pregSterlingcy being discovered.

Also to comfort the friend in her heart.

Yes...

The matter of Mina's pregSterlingcy.

Had not been publicly announced by the Valentine family.

Marcus Valentine had been targeted regarding his health.

Rumors about his infertility kept circulating.

It showed how audacious the people behind it were.

Even though they now knew the "Fox" was Natalie Castillo.

There was still that unseen "Lion"...

So the Valentine family didn't dare take risks.

They were still keeping it secret from the outside world.

But Mina came today...

Perhaps it was because of Eleanor Vance's passing.

That made Evelyn feel a complex mix of emotions.

And made her feel sad.

Or perhaps because of something else...

At this moment.

Looking at Mina.

She suddenly didn't want to keep hiding anymore...

Thinking of this.

Evelyn held her hand. "Mina."

"There's something."

"I want to tell you."

Mina looked at her, puzzled.

She followed Evelyn to the side.

Marcus watched them with concern.

Mina gave him a look that said not to worry.

She followed Evelyn to an open area.

No one could eavesdrop on their conversation.

Mina looked at Evelyn. "Grace."

"What do you want to tell me?"

"Is it something important?"

Evelyn looked at her.

Suddenly smiled.

And spoke. "Mina."

"Actually..."