Chapter 23

Ingrid and Roxanne soon arrived at the old Everett Mansion, situated on a mountain near the coast. Despite its age, the mansion was one of Greyport's most expensive estates. The Everett family owned countless properties worldwide, but Margaret had always resided in the old mansion. Bruce returned there during the holidays to be with his grandmother.

Driving along the mountain road, Ingrid was enveloped by the lush greenery and abundant, clean air—a stark contrast to the air pollution of the bustling city of Greyport. This place felt like an isolated paradise.

At the gate, a handsome young guard stopped the car, asking warily, "What is your business here?"

Ingrid hastily rolled down the window, offering a sweet smile. "It's me. I just spoke with your butler. I have an appointment with Margaret at ten o'clock!"

"Oh, you must be Mrs. Haynes!" the guard replied, opening the gate.

They passed two more gates before finally arriving at the villa's front yard after more than ten minutes.

Margaret's butler, Korbin, greeted them, having waited at the door. Neatly dressed in a tailcoat and gold-rimmed glasses, he exuded politeness and meticulousness. He had worked there for over thirty years and was Margaret's most trusted servant.

"Oh, dear, this place is enormous! It's several times bigger than our house," Ingrid exclaimed, her amazement evident despite her wealth.

Ten minutes later, the butler led them into the living room, which Roxanne described as more like a banquet hall—large enough for hundreds of guests. Their eyes immediately fell upon Margaret Everett, sitting on a sofa, glasses perched on her nose, and wearing a gown with a silk shawl. Her noble and dignified presence hinted at her former beauty.

"So nice to meet you, Mrs. Everett!" Ingrid said, smiling obsequiously as she approached to shake Margaret's hand. "It's been a long time!"

Margaret remained seated, ignoring Ingrid's flattery.

"It has," she replied indifferently. "Now, please, be seated."

Smiling awkwardly, Ingrid presented the fancy gifts. "Here, this is our gift for you, Mrs. Everett. A small token of our appreciation."

"Oh, you're so kind," Margaret said, turning to instruct the maids, "Tea for our guests!" She petted the cat in her arms, showing little interest in the gift.

Ingrid placed the gifts on the coffee table, and she and Roxanne sat down stiffly as the maids served tea.

"So, um, is Bruce back from his business trip?" Ingrid asked tentatively.

Margaret raised an eyebrow. "No, he returns tomorrow," she replied aloofly.

"Oh, well then will he…"

"Why are you here, Ingrid?" Margaret interrupted. "Let's get to the point."

Ingrid laughed dryly. "Nothing important. I just thought I should visit. Roxanne misses you so much. She keeps saying she'll come see you…"

Margaret's lips curled into a faint sneer, her sharp eyes fixed on Roxanne, who was too nervous to meet her gaze, managing only a forced smile. Roxanne had initially tried to impress Margaret, acting innocent and sensible, but her efforts had failed. Margaret saw through it.

"Oh, well," Margaret said, rising. "Since you have no important matters, I'll take my nap."

Ingrid stopped her. "Please wait! Um, I do have something to discuss. I'm just hesitant."

Margaret sneered. "Then perhaps you shouldn't."

Ingrid, speechless but inwardly cursing Margaret's ruthlessness, maintained her false smile. "Uh, well… it's about Bruce and Roxanne. They've been dating a long time. Maybe it's time for them to marry?"

Margaret frowned silently. Roxanne nervously rubbed her fingers, her face flushed. Normally, the groom's family would initiate wedding discussions, but Roxanne would ignore tradition to become Bruce's wife.

Ingrid offered another sheepish smile. "The sooner they marry, the sooner they can have children! Imagine, Margaret, great-grandchildren!"

Margaret's mouth twitched. "Discuss this with Bruce. I have no objections to his timing."

"Right, right, but young people avoid such matters. As their guardians, we should make arrangements, don't you think? And…"

Margaret stood up before Ingrid finished. "That's enough, Ingrid. I'm tired. Bruce is a grown man. He can decide."

"What? But Mrs. Everett, I…"

"Korbin, show the guests out!"

Ingrid's anxiety grew.

Korbin stepped forward, blocking Ingrid's view. "Mrs. Haynes, Mrs. Everett is unwell and needs rest. Please, allow me to see you out."

"Fine…"

Defeated, Ingrid and Roxanne left.

After they departed, Margaret snorted. "Humph, those two fools thought we Everetts are idiots!"

Bruce emerged from his bedroom. Unlike his usually reserved demeanor, he hugged his grandmother, smiling brightly.

"Grandma, why are you prejudiced against Roxanne?"

He had returned from a European business trip the previous day but had lied about his return to avoid seeing Roxanne.

"How can she be any better than her mother? Like mother, like daughter!" Margaret replied, disliking everything about Ingrid. Though aging, Margaret still controlled Everett Corp; an incapable old woman wouldn't have helped her grandson become the city's most successful entrepreneur. Ingrid's past as a gold digger, even her marriage to Shaun Haynes, was no secret to Margaret's sharp eyes.

"Grandma, Roxanne is different. You can't…" Bruce argued.

Margaret interrupted, her face hardening. "Did you do what I asked?"

Bruce looked confused. "Do what?"

"Joanna's children! Didn't I tell you to invite Joanna and her sons? I want to see them." Bruce froze.