He laughed and shook his head, but his eyes were somber, "Oh Yara, are you still trying to persuade me to let her go?"
"No." Tristan Hawthorne responded calmly, "I already said, deep down I’m on your side. If Evelyn Clayton was truly the type of woman who could be subdued with force, I wouldn’t be saying more than a word today. By now, I’d be home getting a gift ready for you."
James Grant stared at him, silent, as if trying to gauge the truth in Tristan Hawthorne’s words.
"But you know better than I do what kind of woman Evelyn Clayton is. She managed to survive the Lockwood Family, and could even cut ties with her own mother just like that." Tristan let out a light laugh, "Do you know where Charlotte Sterling is now?" New ɴᴏᴠᴇʟ ᴄhapters are published on NoveI-Fire.ɴet
James Grant frowned, "What?"
"Charlotte Sterling, Evelyn Clayton’s mother." Tristan swirled his wine glass, "After taking the money, Charlotte went abroad, and two months ago, she lost everything in Vegas Casino City. Charlotte tried to contact Evelyn, but Evelyn had already blocked all her contacts."
James Grant’s pupils slightly dilated, "Charlotte Sterling gambling... was it Evelyn Clayton’s arrangement?"
"That, I do not know. I have no idea if Evelyn Clayton has such far-reaching influence, but I do know that once Charlotte Sterling left the country, her identity was revoked. Even if she cleared her debt, she could never come back. And who else but Evelyn could accomplish nullifying Charlotte’s identity, turning her into a non-entity?"
The answer was obvious.
It was Evelyn Clayton, Charlotte’s only child.
James Grant never expected Evelyn Clayton to go this far.
Tristan observed James Grant’s expression without a hint of emotion, "If she can do this to her own mother, what do you think she’ll do to you once she rises?"
James Grant scoffed softly, muttering to himself, "Can she really take my life?"
Although now, it feels no different from having his life taken.
"Although it may not come to that, James, ask yourself honestly, can you really bear to reach that point with her?"
Tristan’s words were almost heartfelt advice.
James Grant wasn’t a fool; he knew for sure there was more to Tristan’s words and it wouldn’t just stop here, but he also knew the extent of truth in Tristan’s words.
Moreover, deep down, he naturally didn’t want things to escalate to that level.
Seeing a slight shift in James Grant’s gaze, Tristan felt a hint of joy.
"I spoke to Yara Reagan today, she’s been friends with Evelyn for so many years and is the last person who wants to see Evelyn suffer. So, the things she said to you that day, you should understand, were just a bluff. If things can be resolved peacefully, she’s willing."
James Grant’s eyes shifted slightly, "What did Yara say?"
"Find a time to let them meet. If Evelyn Clayton is willing to start over with you, Yara won’t interfere further. By then, you should let her out, take it slow."
Tristan patted James Grant’s shoulder, speaking earnestly.
James Grant remained silent, not responding.
But Tristan knew today’s meeting wasn’t in vain, and his words wouldn’t be said for nothing.
Keith Donovan, having had his fill of drinking and singing, noticed the silence and came over to join in.
"So, have you talked it out?" Keith said cheerfully, "Don’t ruin our years of brotherhood over a woman."
"Besides, James, I heard that Lynn Yates still won’t agree to marry Jasper Grant. With Lynn’s personality, you never know what she might do. Don’t let her get riled up and cause more trouble for you."