Chapter 231

Laura could only lower her gaze and murmur meekly, "Mother, I... I'll return home tonight."

"Tonight? Are you mocking me?" Madam Victoria's eyes flashed with irritation as she noticed Laura's fearful glance toward Richard. She turned sharply to her silent son. "If you've summoned your wife back, then act like proper spouses. What will society say when they discover your wife spends days here but flees to her own residence every evening?"

"Mother, don't blame Richard. This is entirely my doing." Laura absorbed all criticism gracefully, her demeanor radiating the perfect image of a devoted wife.

Richard set down his teacup. Though he'd recalled Laura and Vivian to the Vanderbilt estate, her fabricated pregnancy remained an open wound.

Yet observing Laura's genuine behavioral transformation recently, he finally conceded, "Since you've returned, you may stay permanently."

The divorce proceedings remained incomplete, and continued separation would undoubtedly fuel malicious gossip.

Laura's lips curved into a docile smile. "Very well, I shall remain here henceforth."

Richard's phone interrupted abruptly. "Mr. Zachary?"

Madam Victoria's face darkened instantly, recalling her son's determination to transfer his Viana Jewelry shares to Evelyn last night upon hearing the lawyer's name.

After exchanging brief words, Richard excused himself and ascended the staircase.

Watching his retreat, Madam Victoria ground her teeth. "That ungrateful wretch truly intends to surrender Viana to that harlot?"

A calculated glint flashed through Laura's eyes.

'My sole purpose in returning is reclaiming Vivian's birthright. Richard discarded decades of companionship without hesitation—he deserves no mercy.'

'I deliberately mentioned Viana at the hospital to manipulate Mother into harassing Evelyn. As long as Evelyn remains occupied, she can't interfere with my Vanderbilt schemes.'

'Last night, Mother conspired with Yvette to pressure Richard into transferring shares to that incompetent Henry. They've backed him into a corner.'

'However, I detected York's lingering attraction yesterday when serving tea. My subtle signals at dinner successfully hooked him.'

'Let Mother and Yvette battle Evelyn for Viana shares. While they're locked in mortal combat, I'll manipulate York to usurp everything from the shadows. Ultimately, only Vivian and I shall remain standing in the Vanderbilt dynasty.'

Meanwhile, Evelyn studied the text from Mr. Zachary in her office. Her father had entrusted the contract to his lawyer and scheduled a board meeting to announce his heir in two days.

This confirmed her suspicions—her father likely intended to use the board to silence Madam Victoria's faction.

As his daughter, she'd provide additional leverage.

Yvette received a photograph of Richard entering a law firm.

After scrutinizing it, she immediately contacted Madam Victoria.

Having noted Richard's earlier departure, Madam Victoria deduced he'd gone to finalize the share transfer documents.

"Mother, if Richard truly gifts Viana to that slut, what future remains for the Vanderbilts?" Yvette pressed urgently. "Consider Henry—our Coralia ventures have collapsed. He's grown enough to inherit his uncle's company now. Only by securing Viana can we preserve the Vanderbilt legacy."