Chapter 1574

Over the next day, lan was incredibly busy. Eleanor stayed out of his way, giving him space, until she received a text around ten that night saying he wouldn't be coming back to the villa; he was staying at the Goodwin estate.

Reading the message, Eleanor felt a swirl of complicated emotions.

Evelyn was fast asleep, but Eleanor lay awake. Tomorrow was the funeral. Her mind replayed countless memories of Magdalen-her warmth, her endless patience, how she had never once spoken a harsh word or shown an ounce of dissatisfaction toward her.

She found small comfort in knowing Magdalen had passed peacefully. Ian had made the difficult choice to let nature take its course, allowing her to leave with dignity.

But as for Magdalen's final wish... Eleanor's eyes shone in the darkness as a clear, unwavering resolve settled into her heart.

With lan's status and wealth, having a son would be effortless. There was an endless line of women who would eagerly give him an heir.

She needed to step aside and let him fulfill his grandmother's dying wish.

The next morning, Eleanor dressed Evelyn in a black dress. It was the first time the little girl had worn all black, and she looked up in confusion. "Mommy, where are we going?"

"Evelyn, today we're going to visit Great-Grandma where she's resting. We're going to say goodbye, okay?" Eleanor said, fighting back tears as she smoothed the little girl's collar.

"Did she die like Grandpa and Grandma? Will I never see her again?" Evelyn asked softly.

Eleanor froze, looking at her daughter. A flicker of real sorrow crossed Evelyn's eyes. "I'll always remember her," the little girl murmured. "And I'll miss her." Joslyn, standing nearby, wiped her eyes. "Evelyn is growing up so fast." Eleanor took a shaky breath, nodded, and took her hand. "Let's go, sweetie." Lanny's car was waiting out front. Eleanor and Evelyn climbed in and headed toward the memorial service.

The funeral was being held in a massive hall. The sheer scale of the event exceeded Eleanor's expectations, serving as a silent testament to the Goodwins' deep-rooted influence and untouchable status among the elite.

When Eleanor arrived, she spotted Gina and Serena greeting the attendees. Ian was nowhere to be seen.

Eleanor took,

inthe sea of floral

tributes and the subtle, somber

scent of white roses filling the space The crowd of mourners had

been pouring in since ear since early

morning-political figures, business tycoons, tech billionaires, and cultural icons.

As Eleanor approached with Evelyn, Gina's eyes welled with tears. "Eleanor, I have to ask you to keep an eye on Evelyn. Serena and I need to receive the guests. There's reception at noon; please stay for lunch before you leave."

"Of course."

"Grandma," Evelyn said, suddenly hugging Gina.

The gesture broke through the fragile composure Gina had just managed to build. Tears spilled over her lashes. "Be a good girl, Evelyn. Go say goodbye to Great- Grandma."

"I will!" Evelyn nodded seriously.

Just then, Eleanor spotted lan standing near the inner sanctum. He was shaking hands with a highly respected elder statesman, flanked by the mayor and another middle-aged man.

Eleanor recognized the man instantly—he was a close aide to Garth from the Ellington family. It seemed even the highest political circles had sent their respects.

Evelyn spotted her father and immediately tried to run to him, but Eleanor held her back gently. "Evelyn, wait a moment. Daddy is talking to some very important people. Let him finish his work first, okay?"

Evelyn nodded, obediently holding her mother's hand. The heavy, solemn expressions on everyone's faces seemed to communicate the gravity of the day to the little girl. She lost her usual bubbly energy and stood quietly.

lan was dressed in a crisp black suit,

UT

a white carnation pinned to his lapel, standing where the family formally thanked the mourners. His expression was calm, maintaining his flawless composure and grace as he greeted each guest without a single slip in his stoic facade.