Chapter 54

"Grandmother, you're playing favorites." Gregory clenched his fists, his eyes dark with resentment.

The Dowager scoffed. "Hearts are always biased. Some have blood on their hands yet remain oblivious—they deserve no fairness."

She knew this family's true nature all too well.

Gregory's face turned ashen.

Was this old hag making veiled accusations?

In the end, the Dowager signed the equity transfer agreement, handing all her shares to Adrian.

Margaret trembled with rage but stayed silent. Her scheme against Evelyn had backfired, benefiting Adrian instead.

A complete and utter loss.

Isabella hid a smirk. The richer Adrian became, the better her life would be.

Gregory stormed out, slamming the door behind him.

Martha was taken away by the police.

Evelyn's name was finally cleared.

The Dowager gazed at Evelyn with sorrow.

Evelyn understood. To protect the Valentines' reputation, the Dowager had chosen to endure humiliation rather than air their dirty laundry.

Sacrificing for the greater good.

"Evelyn, we owe you today. But I'm sorry Adrian struck you." The Dowager's voice cracked.

The woman who had treated her illness had slipped away unnoticed, witnessing everything from the shadows.

The Valentines' world was too treacherous. Evelyn's departure was for the best.

If Isabella wanted to play the fool, let her—she'd pay the price eventually.

The Dowager only wished to protect Evelyn's kind heart.

Her son's mysterious death years ago—the killer was in this very house. Now they'd targeted her too. She was exhausted.

But she couldn't collapse yet. She had to uncover the truth about her son's death.

For now, Evelyn would have to bear the injustice.

"As long as you're safe, Grandmother." Evelyn smiled faintly.

"I'll be fine. Live well, find a man who cherishes you, have beautiful children. Evelyn, you must be happy."

The Dowager's eyes glistened. After this parting, who knew when they'd meet again? The Valentines didn't deserve her.

Seeing the tears in the Dowager's eyes, Evelyn knew her affection was genuine.

"Take care, Grandmother. I'm leaving now." Evelyn walked out of the villa without looking back.

Sophia shot Adrian a glare before following.

Adrian's gaze lingered on that slender retreating figure. This time, he'd wronged her.

"Adrian, take me to the Courtyard Villa. I'll live there from now on." The Dowager rose and instructed Martha to pack.

Margaret watched coldly. Good riddance to this useless old woman.

Adrian personally drove the Dowager to her retirement home—a property she'd prepared long ago.

Stripped of her shares, she was now worthless to the Valentines.

Here, at least, she'd have peace.

She sent Martha to tidy the rooms while she led Adrian to the garden—the safest place to talk.

Besides herself, she trusted only Evelyn.

That girl had a pure heart.

Settling into a wicker chair, she studied her grandson. His handsome face was icy, his eyes terrifyingly hollow.

She'd raised him. She knew him best.

"Adrian, there are countless ways to love. Must you hurt Evelyn like this?"