Chapter 171

Gabrielle's eyes sparkled as she spoke of this.

She flipped open her notebook with practiced ease, words tumbling out in excitement. "Evelyn, their memory is just like yours—photographic. When I taught them colors, they remembered instantly. Next time they saw black and red, both Ethan and Sophia pointed correctly without hesitation."

"Their observation skills are exceptional too. Ethan fixates on black toys, while Sophia waves her arms wildly at anything red."

"But their reasoning ability?" Gabrielle raised a finger triumphantly. "I showed them a puzzle twice. The third time? They turned away—already mastered it."

Evelyn paused while wiping Sophia's drool. "That impressive?"

"Wait, there's more." Gabrielle leaned in. "Their focus is terrifyingly strong—exactly like you as a child. Oh, and the curiosity! Remember how you grilled everyone about roosters and hens—"

Evelyn's ears burned. "Must you bring up ancient history?"

Gabrielle muffled a laugh. "Because the whole family was in stitches while you deadpanned those questions."

"Focus." Evelyn squeezed her daughter's plump hand. "Are you saying they'll surpass me?"

"Beyond that." Gabrielle shook her head. "Natural talent needs nurturing. Their genes are superior, plus my months of conditioning—their physical development outpaces peers."

A premonition of dethronement prickled Evelyn.

Right on cue, Gabrielle declared: "The smartest Roland is about to be dethroned!"

Sophia chose that moment to smack Evelyn's cheek with a soft "Mwah!"

"Darling?" Evelyn looked down.

Her daughter puckered up, planting a sloppy kiss.

"Adorable!" Evelyn melted, showering the baby with kisses.

Not to be outdone, Ethan yanked her shoulder demanding equal attention.

"Alright, alright." Evelyn alternated kisses, heart swelling.

Gabrielle watched sourly. "You should marvel at their genius, not just cuteness."

"Speaking of," she added seriously, "your birth parents must have remarkable genes. You always outpaced everyone effortlessly—our idol growing up."

Evelyn wiped Ethan's saliva off her face. "Nonsense. Your medical skills long surpassed mine."

"Never you." Gabrielle reached for the twins. "Go shower. I'll play with them."

Both babies squirmed toward Evelyn, faces scrunching in protest.

Gabrielle pouted. "After all my care..."

Laughing, Evelyn headed to the bathroom. These two kept her too busy for thoughts of Adrian Valentine.

Men? She had far greater priorities now.