Eleanor Vance frowned deeply, her eyes filled with unease as she looked at Alexander Vance.

This was bad. Robert Vance had found a leverage point.

If the young man refused now, word would get out that he was suppressing his own brother. How could he maintain authority within the Vance Group after that?

Eleanor coughed lightly, preparing to play the sick card.

Everyone knew about her illness. It was better for her to act difficult than for the young man to face criticism.

Just as Eleanor was about to speak, Alexander suddenly spoke up. "That's acceptable."

Eleanor was stunned.

She looked at Alexander in disbelief. "Young man?"

Alexander gave her a reassuring glance before turning to Robert. "You're right. It's better to transfer the shares to me first... my wife."

After announcing their marriage, he had often used the term "wife" at home.

Since it was all a facade, he hadn't paid it much mind.

But today...

The word suddenly felt scorching on his tongue.

He instinctively glanced at Evelyn Ross.

She was低头 eating her dim sum, seemingly completely oblivious.

He felt a wave of relief, followed by an inexplicable sense of disappointment.

...She didn't seem to care about this marriage at all.

Then again, they had agreed to divorce eventually.

A shadow passed through Alexander's eyes.

He didn't see Evelyn pause briefly while eating.

A faint blush colored her cheeks.

The word "wife" sounded particularly smooth coming from Alexander's lips.

His deep voice was like a subtle electric current brushing against her heart.

It felt a little sweet.

She couldn't help the slight upward curve of her lips.

Robert frowned. "Transferring first is possible, but the share transfer agreement hasn't been prepared yet..."

"It's ready."

Alexander interrupted him with a wave of his hand.

Thomas Watson walked in smiling and handed the contract to Robert. "Mr. Vance, please sign here."

Robert was taken aback.

He looked down. It was a transfer agreement.

The Vances claimed the shares were for the daughter-in-law, but the contract still transferred them to a Vance family member.

This agreement was for Robert to transfer two percent of his shares to Alexander.

He had no objection to that.

He would never feel comfortable giving shares to a true outsider.

He looked up with a cold smile. "Quite prepared! You haven't even fully taken control of the Vance Group yet, and you're already eyeing my shares?"

The statement was utterly unreasonable.

The dim sum in Evelyn's mouth suddenly lost its flavor.

She looked at Alexander.

She never expected such a powerful man to have such a messy family life.

A biased father, a manipulative older brother, a dramatic sister-in-law...

Alexander remained composed and unyielding. "Weren't you the ones who came to Grandmother asking for shares today? I certainly didn't have the foresight to know you would offer me shares."

Thomas explained with a smile. "This transfer document was originally prepared for Mrs. Vance, specifying a two percent share transfer. We simply need to change the name..."

Robert snorted but didn't argue. He signed the document promptly.

Then he added, "Since it's ready, change it to five percent and have Mrs. Vance sign it as well."

Thomas smiled. "No problem. It will only take a few minutes to amend."

Alexander said calmly, "I assume a few minutes' wait is acceptable?"

Robert remained silent.

Margaret Evans couldn't let the atmosphere turn cold. She smiled warmly. "Of course, we can wait... Let's eat breakfast first. It's been so long since I've tasted the breakfast here at Grandma's. I've missed it!"

She didn't fight for a seat anymore, simply sitting next to Robert on his other side, placing Isabella Ashcroft between herself and Evelyn.

Thomas took the transfer agreement to the study.

The table appeared to return to a state of calm.

Margaret was very friendly towards Isabella, even serving her food. "Isabella, you represent the Vance family's image. You should eat more."

A flash of triumph crossed Isabella's face.

She instinctively glanced at Julian Evans, only to find his gaze wandering, repeatedly drifting towards Evelyn.

Isabella's expression darkened.

She clenched her fists and lowered her eyes.

Suddenly, she smiled and looked at Evelyn. "Evelyn, are you settling in alright?"

Evelyn was eating and looked up at the question.

Isabella continued, "Dad asked me to remind you that the Vance estate is large. Don't wander around and disturb others. Once you've had your fill, you should return home early. Your husband is waiting for you."

She then seemed to remember something. "Evelyn, your husband doesn't own a house or a car, right? You have nowhere to live? Julian, you have an apartment in the city. Why not give it to Evelyn as thanks for saving Great-Grandmother?"

Evelyn fell silent.

This was clearly an attempt to repay the favor with money and send her away!

Isabella was acting completely like the lady of the house!

Evelyn's lips curved into a faint smile. "In your mind, is Mrs. Vance's life only worth an apartment?"

Isabella was momentarily speechless. "That's not what I meant. I was just concerned about you..."

Evelyn looked down. "Save the fake concern. You can worry about me after you're officially married into the family."

Isabella's face turned ugly. "You..."

Margaret frowned. "Miss Ross, Isabella will receive the shares soon. She and Julian are practically married, making her half the mistress of this house. Is that how a guest speaks to their host?"

Isabella lowered her head without a word.

Julian spoke up. "Evelyn Ross, don't think you can do whatever you want just because Great-Grandmother favors you! Isabella is my wife. Disrespecting her is disrespecting me!"

Just as Evelyn was about to retort, Alexander spoke calmly. "Who taught you to speak to a guest of your elder like that? Is that the Vance family's way?"

Julian was rendered speechless.

Margaret said, "Alexander, this is a matter between Evelyn Ross and Isabella. Isabella is the Vance family's recognized future daughter-in-law. She now has a sterling reputation. Will you side with an outsider and let her be wronged?"

Alexander chuckled coldly. "Sterling reputation? Are you sure?"

Margaret was stunned.

Alexander placed his phone on the table. "Before you speak, I suggest you check Twitter's trending topics. Then we can discuss whether she is the perfect daughter-in-law you claim."