Chapter 443
And Edith’s always on about it: “I think Carlene’s great; she’s got a knack for painting, and Eric talked to her today; is he getting feelings for her or what?” Since Carlene’s painting skills were really top–notch and she’s got a leg up on her peers, she’s the most likely candidate to become Herbert’s protégé.
So she busted through Edith’s bias about her background, and Edith gave her the green light to marry Eric.
Back when lan and Carlene got together, Edith blew her top, saying lan stole Eric’s woman and would get his comeuppance.
But then, when Eric had his mishap, Edith started grilling lan on how things were going with Carlene.
In that moment, lan didn’t feel cared for, but repulsed..
It was like Edith was trying to keep Carlene on reserve for Eric, hoping lan would take up the mantle.
So, even now, lan’s not too chummy with Edith.
At this moment, the table at Raymond Mansion was set with fancy dishes.
lan had just come back from a call outside, and there was an icy vibe to him.
Edith was a bit miffed. “I invited you to dinner; why the long face?”
There was something sharp in lan’s eyes.
Edith was instantly at a loss for words, then got testy.
“lan, you’re part of this family now; you can put away your big–shot attitude from the office. Grandpa Holden saw something in you and made you his heir, but you should know this was supposed to be Eric’s spot, if not for his mishap.
Just as Edith was about to take it too far, Selena stepped in.
“Mom, lan’s been working hard these years; the Wall Street papers are all over him for interviews.”
“What good are those empty accolades? He should take a leaf out of Eric’s book and serve his country.”
lan put down his glass, his tone frosty. “If I were him, I’d probably be six.”
His comment left the two women as white as sheets.
lan got up, picked up his coat, and left with grace.
“Enjoy your meal.”
His words implied that Eric may have been reincarnated.
Both women were seething, especially Edith, who was cursing out lan.
Selena just sat there, powerless, trying to placate Edith.
“Mom, stop it. The reason lan’s not close to us is because you always say these things.”
“Did I say something wrong? He’s no match for Eric!”
lan had already left the Raymond Mansion; the chill wind outside blew as he lit a cigarette.
Actually, he got along pretty well with Eric.
All the other kids had it in for the Raymond family; only Ian and Eric were actually cool.
Everyone thought there wasn’t room for two tigers on one mountain and that he and Eric would be at each other’s throats.
But Eric actually looked out for him.
Ian’s pride kept him from telling anyone about this.
The only thing he could do for Eric was to find out the truth about his death.
Edith and Selena both favored Eric; only Holden had always admired the wildness in lan.
“He’s just like me when I was young; he wants to excel at everything.”
“If Eric wasn’t my eldest, I’d definitely hand the heir’s spot to lan. The business world needs people with his kind of wildness; Eric’s too mild–mannered; he’s better suited for research.”
lan got in his car and rested his hand on the window.
He held a cigarette between his fingers, but he only took one puff and let it burn.
He wasn’t dependent on smoking; he only did it when he was feeling off.
When the cigarette had almost burned down to his fingers, he tossed the butt into a trash can outside.
A small burn blister formed on his finger, which was very noticeable.
Unexpectedly, he didn’t drive to a hotel but got on the highway.
At three in the morning, he arrived at Crystalbrook Valley.
After smoking a cigarette outside the courtyard, he called Maja..
“Where are you?”
Maja was clearly just waking up, still groggy.
“Mr. Raymond?”
“Mmm.” Ian’s voice was cold and low: “I’m at Crystalbrook Valley.”
Maja snapped to attention: “Mr. Raymond, I’m at Riverside Haven, is something wrong?”
I’m outside Riverside Haven.”
Maja quickly put on her shoes, and sure enough, she saw lan’s car at the courtyard gate.
He didn’t have the entourage he usually had when he came here, and she felt a bit disoriented.
