Single Mother of a Werewolf Baby

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 becharder and

harder to maintain the balance. As the family’s incdwindled 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 sstory: 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 | only learned about this side of my family

yesterday. | had no idea my mother had asked her friends to keep everything hidden fromuntil | was old

enough to make my own decisions. She wantedto grow up free, away from political manipulation. | don’t

know what happened between her and my grandfather that made her leave this house and never return, but |

believe it must have been serious. Still, she never toldto hold a grudge against anyone here, and | 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 tfor 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 cback 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, | just want to visit her grave. Could you

showthe way?"

Walter stood, "Of course. Cwith 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 cup 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.

The castle grounds stretched far. It took nearly ten minutes of walking to reach the family cemetery. Along the

way, Walter pointed out landmarks... the old orchard, the stables, a crumbling gazebo now overgrown with vines.

Eleanor listened quietly, absorbing each piece of history.

When they finally reached her mother’s grave, a strange, inexplicable sadness settled over her. The tombstone

stood quietly among others but somehow felt lonelier than the rest. Eleanor had no memory of her mother. All

she knew was that this woman had chosen death over life to give her a chance to live. That fact alone made

Eleanor bow her head in reverence.

The grave was modest, a concrete structure with dense, untended pansies blooming over it. Dry leaves were

scattered around, rustling softly in the breeze. There was a simple portrait of her mother as a young woman

embedded into the headstone, along with her nand the years she lived. No grand inscriptions, no epitaphs...

just a quiet, dignified tribute.

Eleanor crouched down and began clearing the grave with her hands. Then, quietly, she signaled to one of the

guards. Within moments, he returned with a broom. She cleaned the grave slowly, methodically, not caring

about the dust that clung to her suit.

Walter stood a respectful distance away with the guards. His curiosity got the better of him, and he attempted to

make small talk with them. But they were tight-lipped and professional. The only information he managed to

gather was a single name, Heimdall Technologies. Beyond that, they said nothing. No one wanted to disturb

Eleanor’s quiet communion with her mother.

After a long time, Eleanor stood, gave the grave one last glance, and turned back toward the castle.

Once seated in the hall again, Eleanor addressed Walter. "Granduncle, I'll try to visit my grandfather when | go to

London. I'll cto see you again whenever | can. | know you still have questions, but we'll talk aboutlater.

Teresa will handle the estate recovery. If you need anything... money, support, anything... just let her know."

Then she turned toward the staff

gathered in the hall and raised her

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voice slightly. "Everyone, please

listen. Outside of this gee Saul

Eleanor Elizaketh Ray r.No one

must kriow about my connection to

the Langford family. | intend to

restore the estate to its former glory,

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but for that, I'll need to shift the

political landscape around here.

Being seen as an outsider will be

more beneficial to that cause. Do you

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understand?" The content is on

novelenglish.net! Read the latest

chapter there!

Everyone nodded, smore solemnly than others. "We understand."

Pf : I

Satisfied, Eleanor smiled. "Thank you.

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I'll be leaving now. If there are-gny)

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content is on novelenglish.net! Read

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She turned back to Walter. "Granduncle, take care of yourself. I'll see you again soon."

Walter rose and walked with her to the front. "Please do visit. This house has been too quiet for far too long."

Eleanor gave him a warm nod before stepping into her vehicle. Teresa followed, and the convoy of black cars

started rolling down the driveway.

Walter stood by the castle steps,

watching the impressive line of cars

and heavily armed guards disappear

into the distance. Wth@longdigh he

Ca &

Sa It'F&€1 ike a dream...

Esmeralda gave birth to such a

daughter. The entire tshe was

here, it felt like she was the lord of

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the estate, not me. Maybe it's t|

step aside and let the younger

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generation take charge." The content

is on novelenglish.net! Read the latest

chapter there!

Butler Graham, standing beside him, nodded slowly. "Indeed. She carried herself like a queen."