Anthony Castillo stared at his phone screen.

A message from 'Iron Deficiency' popped up: ["I don't care who you are. You can't take my life."]

He frowned slightly and looked at his assistant. "Miss Ross says she can't give me her umbrella."

The assistant adjusted his glasses. "Boss, you and Miss Ross aren't familiar yet. Just chat with her more."

Anthony pondered. "Chat about what?"

The assistant smiled. "Share daily life. Express emotions. Close the distance."

Anthony nodded.

The car exited the underground garage. He suddenly spotted a pile of dog poop on the roadside.

He frowned, took out his phone, and sent a message to Evelyn Ross.

...

The Bentley left by Alexander Vance was parked in the Vance family garage.

Evelyn had just gotten in the car when her phone vibrated again.

A message from Anthony appeared: ["Just saw a pile of dog poop in the garage. What a shocker!"]

Evelyn raised an eyebrow.

Was this guy mentally unstable?

She smirked and replied: ["I suggest you see a neurologist."]

The car drove into the Vance estate.

The Vance household was unusually busy that afternoon.

Margaret Evans and Isabella Ashcroft directed the staff to prepare for the gala.

It was Eleanor Vance's 86th birthday. Her doctors said she only had months left.

This celebration was especially grand.

All the elites of San Francisco would attend.

Ingredients arrived by the truckload.

Eleanor Vance snorted. "All this fuss. They should just treat me better and stop annoying me!"

Evelyn chuckled softly. "Everyone expresses themselves differently."

Eleanor took her hand. "Granddaughter-in-law, do you know what gift I want most?"

Evelyn paused. "Tell me. I'll do my best to get it."

She added, "But not a great-grandchild. I can't produce one in two days."

Eleanor laughed. "No great-grandchild. I want you to promise me you'll stay by that rascal's side. Don't let him be alone."

Evelyn was stunned.

Her time with the Vances had revealed some truths.

Robert Vance favored his eldest son's family. He was cold to Alexander.

Alexander held 51% of the company's shares only because he managed Eleanor's stake.

Once she passed, the shares would be divided. Alexander's position would become precarious.

He was so exceptional, yet得不到父亲认可，被兄长算计。

His mother had abandoned him when he was just seven months old.

In this family, he had no one but his grandmother.

A faint ache spread through Evelyn's chest.

She looked at Eleanor.

The old woman's eyes were clear. Her wrinkled face held a gentle, resigned warmth.

It was as if she wished she could stay with her grandson longer, but couldn't fight fate.

Evelyn nodded firmly. "Okay."

Eleanor smiled. "That rascal said he'll announce your身份 at the gala. Granddaughter-in-law, stand proudly by his side from now on. Let's see who dares gossip then!"

Evelyn finally understood Isabella's words.

It was Alexander and Eleanor's plan all along.

She curved her lips. "Okay."

Footsteps sounded from outside.

Isabella entered with a group of people. "Great-grandmother, Mother-in-law sent me to select your礼服."

Eleanor waved a hand. "Anything is fine for me. The focus is on my granddaughter-in-law!"

She pulled Evelyn to choose an evening gown. They finally settled on a light blue dress. "This color suits you. No one else could carry it off."

Evelyn nodded. "I'll follow your choice."

Isabella's eyes darkened.

She said nothing more. After helping with the selections, she left with her team.

Halfway down the hall, Isabella stopped.

She pointed to another light blue gown. "Keep this one too."

The brand manager respectfully agreed.

A maid whispered, "Madam, are you going to wear this?"

Isabella glared. "Of course not."

She knew her looks couldn't compare to Evelyn's. She never wore the same style.

She had another use for this dress.

Isabella smiled. "Auntie is returning for the gala. She probably has no礼服 prepared. I'll keep one for her."

An outfit clash was the best way to sow discord.

That mysterious aunt would never allow herself to be outshone by Alexander's mistress.

Isabella wouldn't need to lift a finger. The two women would clash on their own.

She smiled with satisfaction.

Julian Evans returned home that evening. He changed clothes while asking, "How are the gala preparations?"

Isabella smiled. "Don't worry. Evelyn Ross will be utterly disgraced."

Julian nodded.

Two days passed in a blink.

Eleanor Vance's birthday gala finally arrived.