Chapter 127

Evelyn watched Scarlett devour her meal with gusto—a shrimp clutched in her left hand, a whole slice of beef in her right, sauce smeared at the corner of her lips. The messy, unrestrained way she ate suited her bold personality perfectly.

A memory surfaced—those quiet nights when Adrian wouldn't come home. She'd buy a cut of beef, braise it, slice it thin, and pair it with red wine while working late in the study.

"Full?" Evelyn pushed the thought aside and smiled.

Scarlett let out a satisfied burp. "Victoria's cooking is divine! If it weren't for her, I wouldn't keep coming over."

Victoria shook her head in amusement. Clearly, this woman only visited for the food.

"As you like." Evelyn set her bag on the sofa, her gaze warm.

She studied Scarlett discreetly. Four months had passed, and the woman still hadn't noticed the children. The thought of the two little ones upstairs—now sitting and giggling—made her heart melt.

"Just kidding!" Scarlett wiped her mouth. "It takes forty minutes to drive here from downtown, worse during rush hour. I can't afford to exhaust myself daily."

Dreams were plump, but reality was bony. Her career was on the rise, and she couldn't slack off.

"What about your promise to cook for me?" Scarlett stood. "Rain check. I need to go monitor the ratings."

Evelyn arched a brow. "Leaving so soon?"

Scarlett suddenly bent down and hugged her. "Evelyn, tomorrow's important. I'm borrowing your fame for some publicity—time to teach that fake angel Isabella a lesson."

A cold glint flashed in Evelyn's eyes. "You're using me?"

"Heh, isn't that what best friends are for?" Scarlett nuzzled her shoulder. "I'll come by tomorrow night."

Watching Scarlett rush off, Evelyn sighed. Even while leaving, she'd swiped another slice of braised beef—some things never changed.

"Are the children upstairs?" She turned to Victoria.

Victoria brightened. "Gabrielle's with them. They refused to sleep, waiting for you."

Evelyn hurried upstairs. Pushing the door open, she found two little bundles sitting on the rug, playing with toys. At the sound of her entrance, they waved their tiny hands and beamed.

Gabrielle closed her medical book and nodded at her.

All exhaustion vanished in that instant. From their first month to now, she'd guarded these two lives without leaving their side.

Now, it was time to let them see the sun.