Single Mother of a Werewolf Baby novel Chapter 38

Chapter 38: A Lonely Tombstone

After nearly an hour of conversation, Eleanor finally grasped the current state of the Langford family. Not long after her mother’s death, her grandfather, Edward Langford, had fallen gravely ill and was forced to pass on the Earl title to his younger brother, Walter Langford.

Walter had done his best to maintain the family’s estate and influence in the region, but times had changed. With shifting political dynamics and the steady decline of noble power in modern society, it became harder and harder to maintain the balance. As the family’s income dwindled over time, so did their sway over regional affairs.

Walter’s son, Frederick Langford, was currently serving as a Lieutenant Colonel in the Royal Marines. Due to the demands of his position, he couldn’t offer much assistance in running the estate. His daughter, Florence Langford, a respected doctor at The Royal London Hospital, was married and had her own life far removed from the family’s internal affairs. Walter didn’t wish to burden her with the estate’s troubles either.

Although the Langfords had not yet sold any part of their ancestral lands, they had been forced to cut back on staff and significantly reduce operational expenses. The estate was still running, but just barely.

Complicating matters further, the family’s waning influence had made them vulnerable to political machinations. Local politicians and council leaders, once reverent toward the Langford name, now treated them as relics of the past. Their absence from public ceremonies, the growing propaganda about the family’s downfall, aggressive buyout offers on their land, and even harassment of their staff... it all told the same story: the world was moving on without them.

Once Eleanor understood everything, she walked over to Walter Langford, who sat quietly in his chair, observing her.

"I know you must have many questions," Eleanor said gently, "but I only learned about this side of my family yesterday. I had no idea my mother had asked her friends to keep everything hidden from me until I was old enough to make my own decisions. She wanted me to grow up free, away from political manipulation. I don’t know what happened between her and my grandfather that made her leave this house and never return, but I believe it must have been serious. Still, she never told me to hold a grudge against anyone here, and I won’t."

Walter looked at her, his eyes reflecting years of quiet guilt. She continued, her tone firmer now, "So let’s leave the past where it belongs. I’m here now. And from this day forward, you don’t have to worry about petty politicians or greedy opportunists. I’ll handle them. You’ve carried this burden long enough. It’s time for the younger generation to take the reins."

Walter gave a slow nod, his voice low and heavy with regret. "Your mother was free-spirited. My brother... your grandfather, should have let her live her life the way she wanted. But he tried to force a political marriage. After that, she left and never returned. When she died and came back only in death, it broke your grandfather completely. He never recovered."

Eleanor gave a small, sad smile. "Let the past remain the past. My mother left behind a successful company. I’ve built my own business empire as well. Money is not an issue. Today, I just want to visit her grave. Could you show me the way?"

Walter stood, "Of course. Come with me."

Eleanor turned to the butler. "Grandpa Graham, I’m going to visit my mother’s grave. In the meantime, please go over the estate’s finances with Teresa. She’s an expert and might come up with a solid recovery plan."

Then she looked back to Walter, "Granduncle, please lead the way."

Walter led her through the back of the castle. As they stepped outside, he was surprised to see four armed guards already stationed by the rear door. A glance at Eleanor told him everything he needed to know. She acted like their presence was completely normal. Clearly, they were hers.

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