Chapter 35 The Smith Family Ancestor
Ruby always favored sons over daughters. When Hayden divorced his first wife, Ruby was dead set against it. Her reason? She didn't want the Smith family name to end there.
Later, Hayden married Grace and they had Thalia, but Ruby just saw her as a financial burden.
Thalia wiped the water off her face. Good thing she hadn't worn makeup today, just some sunscreen.
She flicked the water off her fingers. "What got Grandma so worked up?"
"You..." Ruby had expected Thalia to argue, but she was taken aback when Thalia asked so calmly.
Seeing Ruby's surprise, Thalia sighed dramatically. "Is it about Chase? Elizabeth came to see me a few days ago, saying Chase got another college girl pregnant. They almost had a fight over it. Chase is just a playboy; don't let it get to you."
"When did this happen?" Ruby's expression hardened.
Thalia blinked and thought for a moment. "A few days ago. I've been busy filming and didn't pay much attention."
Ruby spat angrily. "That worthless brat."
"After all the effort I put into raising him, and this is how he turns out."
Thalia's eyes gleamed as she gently patted Ruby's shoulder. "Don't let it get to you."
Successfully diverting Ruby's attention to Chase, Thalia seized the moment. "Grandma, why don't you move to the estate with my mom? There have been a lot of shady characters around the Smith family house lately, and I'm worried they'll scare you."
"What?" Ruby's eyes darkened.
Thalia sighed. "You know the rumors about Dad's health have spread. People he's wronged in business are waiting for him to kick the bucket! Not to mention those women from his past, all wanting a piece of the Smith family fortune, trying to tear us apart. My mom's been driven to a nervous breakdown by them."
As Thalia spoke, she wiped away tears, looking despondent.
Ruby glanced at Grace, knowing well Hayden's character. "You've been through a lot."
Grace, a master at acting, choked up upon hearing Ruby's words. "I don't mind the hardship, but if the Smith family falls apart, I won't be able to face you."
Thalia coaxed Ruby and Grace to Willowbrook Manor.
Watching them leave in the car, Thalia's expression turned cold as she got into Evelyn's car.
"What! Your grandma's giving you a hard time again? How can she be so unkind to you? Isn't she a woman herself?"
"Just drive."
"Where to?"
"Whisper Hall."
Evelyn was startled. "What are you planning?"
"Ruby's back, and she'll support Chase. If I don't act now, I won't get a penny of my dad's estate."
Evelyn glanced at Thalia. "You're ruthless."
"Your fans must be blind. How can someone as scheming as you be seen as a pure celebrity?"
Thalia wiped the water from her hair, her eyes filled with malice. "The water she splashed on me, I'll make sure she regrets it."
At Whisper Hall's parking lot, Thalia sat in the back seat, pulling out a lipstick from the console to touch up.
Soon, the car door opened, and a woman got in beside Thalia, glancing at Evelyn in the driver's seat. "New driver?"
"Yeah."
"I've set everything up like you asked. Don't worry."
"How's the investigation on William going?"
"William's identity is pretty fascinating. His connections are really complex. Most interestingly, he's got ties to the capital."
"The capital?" Thalia was taken aback.
The woman nodded. "Yep."
"Details."
"Can't be too specific. You know how the capital is—too deep for us to dig into."
Evelyn's hand slipped from the headrest, startled.
So William had such a powerful background?
No wonder there were rumors about William's clever tactics!
Thalia furrowed her brows, deep in thought. The woman chuckled softly. "Haven't secured him yet, huh?"
"If William were easy to get, he wouldn't be William."
"True," the woman nodded. "Many have tried various shady tactics against William and failed."
Thalia stayed silent, the car falling into an uneasy quiet. She fiddled with the lipstick cap, scheming.
"If I were you, I wouldn't let an old man near death have a chance to interfere. An eighty-year-old can die in many ways—heart attack, sudden illness..."
Evelyn couldn't help but glance at her through the rearview mirror.
She talked about killing an old man as casually as discussing grocery shopping.
"Taking a life for money?"
The woman flipped her hair. "You haven't taken lives?"
Evelyn was stunned, looking at Thalia with surprise.
...
Driving back, Evelyn kept glancing at Thalia, deep in thought.
Thalia ignored her, lost in her own contemplation.
Evelyn's sudden cough interrupted her.
"What do you want to ask?"
"About the lives you've taken..." Evelyn's curiosity was overwhelming.
Thalia smirked. "You said it's about lives. How could I tell you?"
Evelyn: ... "Aren't we good friends?"
"For your own good."
"Guess why, despite my dad's many illegitimate children, only I enjoy my current status?"
"Because you're beautiful and rich."
Thalia flicked her hair, dropping her scheme, and spoke coquettishly. "Thanks for the compliment."
"Rest assured, I won't do anything illegal."
"Take me to William's law firm."
Evelyn gave her a sideways glance. "Still going after him?"
"Of course. He's crucial to my success."
With Ruby back, Thalia felt surrounded by danger. Her best move now was to keep Chase and Ruby apart.
Once William agreed to be her lawyer, Hayden would be doomed.
At William's law firm parking lot, Thalia got out of the car and saw William exiting the elevator, unable to avoid him.
"Mr. Brown, what a coincidence?"
"Mr. Brown?" Brian glanced at William inquiringly.
"I have business to attend to, no time for chit-chat..."
Before William could finish, a van sped towards them. William, quick on his feet, pulled Thalia to safety.