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."

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

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

My mother left behind a successful company. I’ve built my own business

"Of course. Come

"Grandpa Graham, I’m going to visit my mother’s grave. In the meantime, please go over the estate’s finances with Teresa.

she looked back to Walter,

they stepped outside, he was surprised to see four armed guards already stationed by the rear door. A glance at Eleanor told him

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,

felt lonelier than the rest. Eleanor had no memory of her mother. All she knew was that this woman had chosen

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. No grand inscriptions, no epitaphs... just a quiet, dignified

Then, quietly, she signaled to one of the guards. Within moments, he returned with a broom. She

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

Eleanor stood, gave the grave one last glance, and turned back toward the

go to London. I’ll come to see you again whenever I can. I