In high school, Grace O'Sullivan attended the same school as Alexander Sterling. Later, she studied abroad. A few years ago, she immigrated with her parents.
When Eleanor Sterling first saw the investigation report, she was suspicious. But when she saw Grace in person, she vaguely saw the shadow of Iris Hart from years ago. Grace's beautiful, delicate features were even more striking than in the photos. So Eleanor had to believe the information in the report.
At that time, Alexander took Grace's hand and said, "This is my girlfriend, Grace." Suddenly, Eleanor remembered the image of Iris holding Alexander in one hand and her own daughter in the other. Others joked that Alexander had found his future wife at such a young age. Back then, Eleanor just laughed and didn't think much of it.
Unexpectedly, after all these years, Iris had disappeared when her daughter was less than three years old. Even though Eleanor spent a fortune helping the family search, they still couldn't find the girl. It was as if the daughter had vanished from the world. Now, she stood right in front of Eleanor, as Alexander's girlfriend.
Shocked, Eleanor didn't show any abnormality. She just watched the situation unfold. Even at first sight, she didn't like the girl. She felt Grace was too charming, too seductive, and lacked dignity.
But the real reason Eleanor disliked her came down to a small incident. At that time, her eldest son, Thomas, had just passed away. Eleanor was still drowning in grief. Depressed, she was walking alone in the garden when she overheard a conversation between Grace and Alexander.
Grace told Alexander she didn't like it here. She was more used to the pace and environment of life abroad. She hoped that after Alexander dealt with his brother's affairs, they would go back and settle overseas.
After hearing those words, Eleanor's face darkened. She walked away without listening further.
Later, Eleanor found a chance to talk to the girl alone. On one hand, she wanted Grace to understand that Alexander couldn't continue his studies. As the only adult man left to care for the family, he was duty-bound to shoulder the burden. So settling abroad with her was even more impossible. On the other hand, she wanted to test them. Even if she didn't like Grace, her son's feelings mattered.
But that meeting ended unhappily. At first, Eleanor offered Grace a condition. If she was willing to leave her son, Eleanor would give her a sum of money as compensation. Grace refused, saying their love couldn't be profaned by money.
This was what Eleanor expected. If Grace was after money, she wouldn't accept the offer and give up a cash cow. If she wasn't after money, then the bribe was meaningless.
Later, Eleanor's attitude grew firmer. She said their family had looked after their legacy for generations. The Sterling family couldn't be ruined by this generation. As the family's keeper, Alexander was destined to shoulder the burden of the Sterling Group.
For this, Grace argued with her. She said Eleanor couldn't ignore Alexander's happiness just because of her so-called care for the family's interests.
To Eleanor, Grace's eloquence was just childish whispering. She sneered inwardly, but her face remained calm. She continued.
"It's not impossible for you to be together. But are you sure your so-called love can last? Our family background is what it is. Alexander will have to marry sooner or later. If you want to be with him, you'll probably only end up divorced after his marriage. Of course, if you're willing to be a mistress, that's another matter."
"Since Alexander will get married anyway, it's not inappropriate for him to be with me now. My family may not be one ten-thousandth of the Sterlings, but we are a scholarly family. I believe I can help Alexander if he stays to manage the family business," Grace replied confidently.
Eleanor found it ridiculous that anyone could hold such ideas in this day and age.
"The O'Sullivans are a scholarly family, I don't deny that. But are you sure you're truly from that family?" Eleanor asked faintly, looking at her.
Grace's expression changed instantly. She blurted out, "Did you investigate me?"
"Don't be too surprised. No matter who wants to enter our family, we first learn everything about them. Even if they don't end up joining the family, at least they should be innocent!" Eleanor replied calmly.
"Whatever my background is, you have no right to investigate me. If Alexander wants to know something, he can come and ask me. But you have no right. You're violating my privacy!" Grace protested indignantly.
"Yes, I did. What can you do about it?" Eleanor asked calmly.
Grace's face turned red with anger. But just as Eleanor said, even if she was furious, she couldn't do anything to Eleanor. After all, Eleanor was Alexander's mother.
Grace turned and walked toward the door. "I forgot to tell you. You were sold by your own father. And your mother—"
"I don't want to know this! You don't have to tell me!" Grace interrupted directly.
"Maybe Alexander would be interested in this information. Don't you think?" Eleanor continued.
"Don't push me too far!"
"My request is very simple. Leave my son. You can't help him. Besides, you're not suitable for him!"
Grace glared at Eleanor angrily. But Eleanor remained calm and composed. In terms of presence and restraint, Grace was far inferior to Eleanor.
"I think Alexander is willing to be with you because you're excellent, beautiful, and cultured. But if he finds out about your background, wouldn't that leave a bad impression? Also, since Alexander is taking care of the family, his marriage isn't entirely his decision. If you don't mind wasting years of your youth, you can wait and see," Eleanor continued.
"Please don't tell Alexander!" Grace said after taking a deep breath.
"That depends on your behavior."
Not long after that, Grace broke up with Alexander. As for the reason, Eleanor didn't care. As long as the result was satisfactory.
But after that, for several years, Alexander devoted himself to the Sterling Group's growth. The company became stronger than before. But Alexander became more gloomy and indifferent. Eleanor once felt she had made a mistake.
Until Alexander married Evelyn Vance. She was relieved to see Alexander gradually regain his cheerful personality. In the end, the clouds parted to reveal the moon.
After her nap, Evelyn called her sister, Victoria.
"How can you call me when you're so busy?" Victoria said on the other end of the phone, holding it against her shoulder.