Chapter 726

Before Evelyn could speak, Natalie had already walked over quickly, cutting her off directly.

"She wanted to say that I'm actually not a bad person. Sister-in-law Mina, could you consider me a friend to hang out with in the future?"

Mina was taken aback.

She looked at Evelyn in confusion.

Evelyn pressed her lips together tightly, her jawline rigid.

Natalie smiled slightly.

"Alright, big brother is waiting for you over there... Sister-in-law, you should go."

Mina looked at Evelyn again.

Evelyn still wanted to speak, but Mina suddenly leaned close to her ear, her voice very low.

"Grace, I don't care who you are. I only know you will always be my good friend."

Evelyn's breath hitched.

Mina smiled at her and gently patted her shoulder.

"I'm going home first."

Evelyn nodded.

Watching Mina walk away, Evelyn shook her head with a bitter smile.

Yes.

Mina and Grace Sterling grew up as inseparable best friends.

Having impersonated her sister for so long, how could Mina have noticed nothing?

Was she just deceiving herself?

Or did she know Grace had secrets, knew Evelyn meant well for Grace, and so chose to remain silent?

As she was pondering, Natalie's voice sounded beside her.

"You weren't planning to confess to her, were you?"

Evelyn frowned and looked at her.

Natalie sighed.

"Why are you so emotional? Acting on impulse? What if Mina finds out you're not Grace and becomes wary of you? What if the Sherwood family changes their support for you because of it? Can't you think of the bigger picture and not be so willful?"

Evelyn was silent.

After the scolding, Natalie sighed again.

"How does Rabbit have such a sentimental sister!"

"..."

Natalie shook her head and walked to the side. Spencer immediately moved closer.

"Natalie, what have you been busy with here these past few days?"

"Eating!" Natalie's voice drifted over, sounding secretive. "The communal meals are especially delicious. Remember to have an extra bowl later."

Evelyn was speechless.

So nothing can change your foodie nature, is that it?

She shook her head helplessly.

Mr. Valentine then walked over, pointing towards the mourning hall.

"What's going on with the eldest branch?"

Richard Evans had been tied up by Alexander and forced to kneel before the mourning hall the entire time.

Although the surrounding guests found it strange, no one dared to ask.

Everyone understood that with the old lady gone, Alexander would be the one calling the shots in the Vance family from now on.

Evelyn lowered her eyes.

"He almost strangled Grandma."

Mr. Valentine frowned, glanced at her, then looked at Alexander. After a long moment, he said, "Was this Alexander's idea? His grandmother was on her deathbed, and he still used this to suppress the eldest branch? Ruthless, but efficient."

Evelyn replied, "...No, it was Grandma's arrangement."

Mr. Valentine choked, then snorted after a pause. "Then he's just indecisive!"

Evelyn immediately retorted, "That's not it. It's just that some lines cannot be crossed. Grandma was his line. Just like you and Mom are mine."

These words warmed Mr. Valentine's heart. "I... am also your line?"

Evelyn was puzzled by the question but nodded. "Of course. You're my dad."

Mr. Valentine suddenly smiled. "Hmm. But your mom is your most important line. If you had to choose between me and your mom, always choose your mom. Because your mom is also my line."

Evelyn nodded firmly.

Even if Mr. Valentine hadn't said it, her mother Sophia's position in her heart was irreplaceable.

She was, of course, the most important person.

The Valentine family did not leave.

Eleanor Vance was considered an elder to Mr. Valentine, so they all stayed to help.

After the seven-day vigil ended, the guests who had come to pay their respects finally dispersed.

Only the immediate Vance family and the Valentine family remained at home.

The Valentine family staying here was actually not appropriate.

But with Mr. Valentine's cold expression present, no one dared to ask them to leave.

Mr. Valentine sitting here was lending his support to Alexander.

He was worried Robert might cause trouble. Alexander, after all, belonged to the younger generation and could be easily pressured.

Alexander understood his intention and simply spoke directly. "Grandma's funeral is over. Now, let's discuss Richard's punishment."

As soon as he finished speaking, Richard abruptly raised his head, glaring at him furiously. "I was set up by Grandma! You know that! You—"

Before he could finish, Alexander kicked him hard in the chest.

The force was vicious.

Richard grunted in pain, curling up on the ground.

Alexander's voice was icy. "You still dare to deny it? I recorded the video of you strangling Grandma. Second Granduncle has seen it too."

Robert immediately looked at Elder Howard. "Uncle, Richard definitely didn't mean it! Please be lenient!"

Elder Howard snorted coldly. "Didn't mean it? In the video, he clearly did it on purpose! Even though I couldn't hear what they were saying, my eyes aren't blind! He flew into a rage, rushed at Sister-in-law, and strangled her neck! He strangled her to death!"

Elder Howard's face had been grim since attending the funeral.

After watching the video, he was even more furious.

He had already beaten Richard once.

Robert had long known there was video evidence and couldn't refute it.

He looked at Elder Howard in despair. "Uncle, then how do you plan to... punish him?"

Elder Howard sighed. "Richard Evans, for his unfilial act of strangling his own grandmother. According to Vance family rules, he must surrender all Vance family shares, leave with nothing, and be expelled from the family!"

Robert slumped heavily into his chair.

The situation was hopeless.

But Richard burst into wild laughter. "Ha! That was exactly that old poisonous woman's goal! She did it to clear the way for her most beloved son! Hahahaha!"

He suddenly looked at Alexander, his eyes filled with venom. "You think this can suppress me? Let me tell you, even if I leave the Vance family, I still have capital! I can still make a comeback!"

Alexander stared at him coldly. "What capital do you have?"

Richard laughed. "I still have Lillian, and Cecilia. Over the years, I've given them enough money. Even if I'm kicked out, I still have them to rely on!"

Alexander's expression remained unchanged.

He spoke calmly. "Then haven't you noticed they haven't appeared at all throughout the entire funeral?"