CHAPTER 372: CHAPTER 372: SHE IS GROWING

Her tone was calm, as if she wasn’t talking about someone’s life or death.

Rachel Lynch took another step back, feeling that Eleanor Hollis was terrifying in this moment.

Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed her husband approaching and hastily adjusted her expression before leaving in a hurry.

Eleanor stood still, watching her panicked silhouette, a look of sarcasm on her face.

She knew as soon as she found out the person hadn’t died, that this person was selfish to the bone; otherwise, they wouldn’t have failed to contact her or Grandma for all these years.

Her heart ached a bit. Blood is thicker than water, yet this was the loss of a kin. Ever since Rachel did that thing, Eleanor knew their relationship as mother and daughter was over.

Many people came to Old Master Quinn’s memorial, all affluent and influential figures in Serenford.

Hugo Quinn was handling the guests on the side, speaking in formal tones.

Eleanor found a spot in the corner, not joining the crowd.

"Is that Eleanor Hollis over there? I heard Old Master Quinn was angered to death by her."

"Really? She doesn’t seem like the type."

"Hmph, of course it’s true. Old Master Quinn disliked her the most, but she clung to Hugo, naturally angering him. He couldn’t withstand the anger, and his health gave out."

A few women not far away were whispering, pointing in Eleanor’s direction.

Eleanor felt the strange gazes from everyone, her brows furrowed.

The women’s fingers were almost poking her face, and she overheard their gossip.

"Who told you Old Master was angered to death by me?"

She slowly stood up, her face composed.

The women were momentarily speechless, then spoke up angrily.

"That’s what they said; you’re truly malicious!"

Eleanor raised an eyebrow, the corners of her mouth lifting slightly.

"Who are ’they’? Ladies, slander has consequences. If you can’t provide evidence, expect a lawyer’s letter tomorrow."

Her face remained calm throughout, showing no expression even when threatening them.

The woman was intimidated by her aura, stuttering instantly, quickly pointing at her companion beside her.

"She’s the one who told me. Eleanor Hollis, don’t think we won’t speak because Hugo Quinn likes you!"

The woman being pointed at jumped instantly.

"It’s not my concern! I didn’t say it, don’t wrong me!!"

The woman confronting Eleanor was instantly bewildered. Clearly, the other woman had spoken first, so why deny it now?

Eleanor scoffed coldly, beckoning with her hand, and several bodyguards swiftly entered.

"Escort her out, remember her face, and don’t allow her to attend any future Quinton Family events."

The Quinton Family was now Hugo’s domain, and she was with Hugo, so the bodyguards were discerning enough, promptly ejecting the woman.

The whispers around them ceased instantly. Previously, everyone thought Eleanor was an easy target, but now it was clear she had grown significantly.

Having dealt with the nuisance, Eleanor forced a smile and exchanged a few greetings with the surrounding people, then returned to her spot in the corner.

She didn’t speak again until the funeral concluded.

In the evening, Hugo tiredly embraced her, heading upstairs into their room.

"I’m very sleepy, stay with me for a while."

His eyes had deep circles, and his voice carried a slight tremor from exhaustion.

After driving back to Serenford all day, there was no time to rest before visiting the old man, then preparing for the funeral; he hadn’t rested well for days.

Eleanor sympathized, holding his head without speaking further.

In less than a minute, Hugo fell into a deep sleep.

Looking down at him, Eleanor’s eyes were filled with love.

However, Hugo only rested for two hours before continuing to prepare the arrangements for the old man’s affairs.

It wasn’t until half a month later that he had some free time.

"The Wexler Family suddenly announced they would relocate their company back home, while news from the Crawford Family indicates they’ll be opening a branch in Serenford."

Lan Yancy reported while holding a stack of documents to Hugo.

Hugo’s brow furrowed; in recent years, no large companies had settled in Serenford because Grandeur was too powerful, and those companies could hardly survive, often going bankrupt after a few years.

"Wasn’t the Wexler Family doing well over there?"

He flipped through the documents, discovering the Wexler Family was indeed acquiring territory, and making significant moves.

"President, the Wexler Family’s business intersects with ours. Once their company is established, they’ll likely discuss cooperation with us."

Hugo nodded, then set the documents aside, not intending to engage further.

He called Xavier Crawford, but he was still blocked, inexplicably blacklisted. It was really frustrating.

But fortunately, that afternoon, Xavier called him.

"Sorry, I didn’t realize I had blocked you. It’s strange; I don’t remember doing it."

Xavier muttered, explaining, "If I hadn’t thought to call you, I wouldn’t know you were blocked."

The more he spoke, the heavier his heart felt.

He wouldn’t block Hugo, and the only one who could access his phone was Cole Crawford.

Why would Cole block Hugo?

Hugo’s eyes narrowed as he speculated that the texts on Eleanor’s phone back then weren’t sent by Xavier but by his brother, Cole.

Most likely, Old Master made some private agreement with him, and being a businessman, Cole would do anything beneficial for him.

Xavier briefly mentioned the development plans in Serenford and then hung up.

As soon as he hung up, he looked up at the person in front of him, his expression dark.

"Why block Hugo? Brother, are you hiding something from me?"

Messing with his phone without reason, even from a brother, was intolerable.

Cole held a cup of coffee, lightly raising an eyebrow.

"It was just a transaction with Old Master Quinn, paving the way for you. This time, going to Serenford, you can secure the most luxurious business street."

Xavier furrowed his brows; he’d heard from Eleanor that the old man seemed to dislike her. Could this be related to Eleanor?

"What did you do to Eleanor?"

This person had promised him not to meddle in Eleanor’s matters again.

Cole stood up, his expression cold.

"I merely sent a text from your phone, causing discord. But the couple is doing fine now, so perhaps Old Master’s plan failed."

Xavier sighed in relief; as long as they were okay, he wouldn’t feel guilty.

"You agreed to go to Serenford this time. I hope you won’t disturb me then. I will establish the company."