?Chapter 1227:


    Ste smiled and replied, “I just wanted to understand the Vazquez family dynamics. Le, I empathize with your loss; we’ve both experienced the pain of losing loved ones too soon. You’vee from so far away to live with Eileen. Considering your circumstances, I think it would be fitting for Gabri to take the Vazquez surname and inherit the Vazquez family’s assets. What do you think?”


    Le frowned and shook her head. “Why change Gabri’s surname now?” In Alverton, changing one’s surname was taboo. It was considered a harbinger of ill fortune.


    “If Gabri’s surname remains unchanged, do you want to ask Eileen to have another child with the Vazquez surname in the future?” Ste continued. “She’s married to Bryan, after all. If she has two children without one bearing the Dawson name, would you expect her to have a third child? Imagine the ridicule we’d face if word got out: three kids, three surnames. It’s unthinkable.”


    Then Ste realized that Le had no intention of agreeing, and her smile faded. Eileen finally understood why Ste had shown up unannounced.


    “Who told you I nned to have another child with the Vazquez surname?” Eileen asked, looking directly at Ste.


    Ste dodged the question. “The situation is obvious. We can’t disregard the Vazquez family’s influence and traditions.”


    “Yes, in the Vazquez family, the children have the mother’s surname, Vazquez. You’re aware of the Vazquez family rule now, but you didn’t know it before arriving here.” Since Ste was being evasive, Eileen had no choice but to be direct. “You wouldn’t havee here if you hadn’t heard something.”


    Le had discussed this matter with Eileen twice before, always in private, never in front of any outsiders. The first time was when she had mentioned it at home. The second time was today, when they had been in the mall.


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    Eileen couldn’t help but wonder if someone had overheard their conversation and told Ste about it. No, rumors wouldn’t have spread that fast.


    Someone had told Ste about it on purpose.


    “Hold on, let me rify,” Le said. “I was just encouraging Eileen to have more children, not necessarily with the Vazquez surname. Even though this rule was passed down from our ancestors, I’m open-minded. Ultimately, it’s Eileen’s decision.” She had discussed this with Bryan before. When they had talked about it, they had just been joking. She simply felt that more babies would bring joy to the family.


    Ste, setting her disapproval aside, nodded, believing that her words raised a valid point. How could they justify having three children with three different surnames?


    “Remember your stance then. When Eileen has another child, they should carry the Dawson surname,” Ste said, her voice softening.


    However, Ste’s attitude made Eileen frown.


    “Okay,” Le said, clearly ufortable with Ste’s stance, but she agreed nevertheless.


    “Then I won’t intrude further,” Ste said, standing up. “I’ll take my leave.”


    Le discreetly nudged Eileen, signaling her to escort Ste out. Eileen quickly snapped out of her thoughts and stood up to walk Ste out.


    As they made their way down the stairs, Eileen heard Ste sigh.


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