Chapter 50: No One's Charity

Morty deliberately dragged out the last syllable, making it painfully obvious he was enjoying the moment.

Ellis shot him a cold glare. “Teh! Why put on an act? If you have the guts, say this in front of Easton. Stop pretending to be one person in front of him and another behind his back.”

With that, she walked past Morty and headed straight for the estate’s entrance. She didn’t expect him to get back into his car and slowly drive alongside her.

“Need a ride?”

Morty’s so-called kindness was the last thing she needed. She acted as if she hadn’t heard him and kept walking straight ahead.

Morty didn’t follow her far before speeding up and driving off. Even with him gone, she wasn’t at ease. His words lingered.

Everyone in Stonebridge’s high society knew Victoria was about to become the new Madam Easton. Sophia had just returned from abroad today, and Easton had immediately brought Victoria to see her. His intentions couldn’t be more obvious.

How long would it take for Sophia to accept Victoria as her new daughter-in-law? Ellis didn’t believe for a second that Sophia had to have her as a daughter-in-law. But the thought of how easily she could be replaced, how no one in this world truly loved her, left a dull ache deep inside.

Meanwhile, Morty had just driven out of the estate’s gates when he dialed Easton.

“I ran into your wife at my place,” he reported simply.

“And?” Easton asked indifferently.

“She seemed to be in a bad mood. She cursed me out.” Morty paused thoughtfully. “She didn’t drive. I offered her a ride home, and she turned me down.”

“So what, you want me to step in and defend you?”

“No, it’s just—”

“Busy. Hanging up.”

Easton had no interest in hearing about who Ellis had cussed out. She had a short temper and a habit of lashing out regardless of time, place, or person. If Morty had gotten caught in the crossfire, that was his own problem. Besides, even if he did try to step in, Ellis wouldn’t listen. She’d probably just make an even bigger scene. He’d already been on the receiving end of her sharp tongue enough lately.

Remembering how she had called him a rotten cucumber at the estate, his face darkened.

Morty called again.

“What now? And don’t waste my time with more crap about Ellis swearing at you.”

Morty pulled his car to the side of the road. “No offense, but isn’t your wife acting way too out of control? She doesn’t just represent herself—she represents you, Mr. Easton. Shouldn’t you rein her in?” He sighed. “Honestly, your last wife knew how…”

The call cut off. Easton had hung up.

Monty raised his eyebrows and switched to texting Victoria.

Madam Easton’s title isn’t in your hands yet. You’re moving too slow.

Victoria happened to be looking at her phone when the message arrived. She read it, then glanced up at Sophia, whose face remained stiff and unreadable.

Good things take time.

She hit send, then put on a sweet smile.

“Madam Sophia, do you like the tea I brought you?”

Sophia glanced at the tea set and answered coolly, “It’s average.”

Easton had brought Victoria home tonight right after she had made it clear she didn’t like her. What else could it be but an attempt to spite her? Whoever said sons were warm, fluffy jackets clearly never met hers. He was more like a walking headache.

Victoria edged closer. “Madam Sophia, my skincare brand is launching soon. I need help getting it into the right sales channels. Easton told me you could help.”

Sophia’s face instantly darkened. “I can’t.”

She shot a glance at her son, who had just returned from taking a call, and her expression remained just as sour.

“Easton, Madam Sophia says she can’t help me.” Victoria stood up, looking slightly aggrieved.

“Mom, why not? You have plenty of resources in the beauty industry.” Easton sat back down like nothing was wrong. “Helping Victoria a little now could benefit her greatly.”

Sophia ignored him completely and turned to the butler. “See the guest out.”

The butler hesitated, unsure if she meant just Victoria or if Easton was also getting kicked out. Sophia made it clear by pointing directly at Victoria. Victoria’s eyes darted to Easton for help, but before he could say anything, the butler swiftly picked up her bag and gestured toward the door.

Sophia cut off any chance of argument. “Easton, you stay put.”

With no way to defy Sophia’s direct order, Victoria had no choice but to leave. As soon as she was gone, Sophia’s sharp gaze turned to her son.

“What do you take me for? A charity worker? You really think I’m going to waste my time supporting Victoria?”

Unlike many other wealthy wives, Sophia had built a real career through her own efforts. She held an actual position in the business world, not just waiting around for her husband or son to provide for her. But after Easton lost the Hudson family inheritance race, her own struggles had nearly cost her everything.

And now, her son wanted her to pour her resources into Victoria?

Ridiculous.