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 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."

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.

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.

built my own business empire as well. Money is not an issue. Today, I just want to

course. Come

going to visit my mother’s grave. In the meantime, please go over the estate’s finances with Teresa. She’s an expert and

back to Walter, "Granduncle,

surprised to see four armed guards already stationed by the

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

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

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 name and the years she lived.

and began clearing the grave with her hands. Then, quietly, she signaled to one of the guards. Within moments, he

small talk with them. But they were tight-lipped and

long time, Eleanor stood, gave the grave one last glance, and turned

to visit my grandfather when I go to London. I’ll come to see you again whenever I can. I know you