Chapter 227

"Laura, I heard you've been looking after Mother at the hospital these past few days."

Published by N?v''elD/rama.Org.

Laura smiled gracefully. "It's my duty as a daughter-in-law."

York studied Laura and couldn't deny his brother had excellent taste in women.

He compared her to his own wife Yvette, who had become rather unrefined over the years. After childbirth, she'd completely let herself go, transforming into a tired, frumpy housewife.

Even though Laura wasn't young anymore, she maintained her youthful beauty remarkably well.

Yvette's expression darkened when she noticed her husband's lingering gaze on Laura. She cleared her throat pointedly, snapping York back to reality. He gave an awkward smile and quickly changed the subject. "Speaking of family, where are Vivian and Zoe?"

Madam Victoria turned to Richard. "Yes, Vivian is your daughter after all. We should invite her to join us for dinner."

Laura's smile faltered slightly at Madam Victoria's words, though she hid it well.

When Richard thought about Vivian, he realized it had been quite some time since he'd seen her. Regardless of her past mistakes, she was still his flesh and blood.

"Have Laura call her over."

After Richard agreed, Laura forced a cheerful smile. "I'll contact Vivian right away."

Evelyn arrived just as the Vanderbilts were enjoying their meal, the timing impeccable.

Seeing Evelyn looking more radiant than ever while recalling her own struggles, Vivian's resentment flared anew.

Richard smiled warmly at the empty seat beside him. "Zoe, come sit by me."

Madam Victoria frowned disapprovingly. "That's your wife Laura's seat. You're giving your daughter's place to her instead?"

Laura, seated farther down the table, interjected smoothly, "It's quite alright, Mother. Let Zoe have it."

Evelyn took the seat beside her father. York smiled appreciatively. "You've grown into such a beauty."

Yvette couldn't resist a barbed comment. "Of course you'd compliment your sister-in-law's daughter."

He'd praised Vivian earlier, now Evelyn - yet never had a kind word for his own daughter.

Evelyn's lips curved slightly. "Thank you for the compliment, Uncle. I recall Lynn has been blossoming beautifully too. Why isn't she joining us?"

Her innocent question made both Yvette and Madam Victoria's expressions darken.

How dare she ask!

York shifted uncomfortably. He'd sent his daughter to the Zimmerman boy, waiting to see if she could secure that advantageous marriage.

His plain daughter paled in comparison to these sophisticated city nieces.

"York, you owe your freedom to Zoe." Richard broke the awkward silence while reminding his brother who'd helped him.

Before York could respond, Madam Victoria cut in sharply. "What nonsense! It was all Mr. Goldmann's doing."

Richard frowned. "Mother, why would Mr. Goldmann intervene if not for Zoe? Have you forgotten your granddaughter's assistance?"

"Moreover, I was the one who asked Zoe to help in the first place."

Madam Victoria flushed at being publicly corrected by her son.

This son of hers had truly lost all respect for her! Or perhaps they'd never been close to begin with.

Evelyn studied her father curiously as he defended her. Had he finally seen through Laura and Vivian's facades? This unexpected support suggested he might be waking up to the truth at last.