Chapter 340

Evelyn gazed at the two sleeping children, her eyes softening with tenderness.

Since their arrival, warmth had gradually filled her world.

She rose quietly and slipped into the adjacent study. The computer screen flickered to life, displaying a clear feed of the Langley family living room.

Vincent Langley sat across from Margaret Valentine.

"You've been returning early lately," Margaret remarked, lifting her teacup.

Vincent's expression was gentle. "The diamond concession matters are settled. I wanted to spend time with you."

"Isabella mentioned dowry arrangements today," Margaret shifted topics abruptly. "How much are you planning to give?"

Vincent's brow furrowed. "Adrian's been increasingly distant. There's no rush for marriage."

"Because you indulged her schemes," Margaret countered coldly. "What man would marry such a woman?"

Vincent's gaze turned sharp.

Margaret's lips curved knowingly. She understood this paranoid man too well.

"How could you speak of your own daughter that way?" Vincent's voice darkened. "Surviving in the Valentine family requires strategy."

"Those filthy tactics can't stay hidden forever," Margaret held her ground. "We agreed to start fresh, yet you let her repeat past mistakes."

"You've been acting strangely lately." Vincent stood abruptly. "She even secured Master Peachbloom's mentorship! She's always been our most accomplished daughter!"

He stormed out, slamming the door.

Margaret watched the trembling doorframe, a chill curling her lips. Off to see that old mistress again.

Evelyn chuckled at the screen. The cracks in this marriage were widening.

Margaret held Vincent's darkest secrets after twenty years together.

The hypocritical man paraded his angelic wife in public while keeping a plain-faced lover in the shadows.

Evelyn recalled the paternity test. She already had samples from Isabella and Margaret. Just one more piece remained...

She sent Zachary an order: Obtain Margaret's DNA sample.

Tomorrow she'd visit Julian at the hospital for his dressing change. Closing the laptop, she returned to the bedroom.

Dawn's first light had barely touched the sky when frantic knocking startled Evelyn awake.

Instinctively, she pulled the frightened children close, soothing them with gentle pats until their breathing steadied. Barefoot, she padded to the door.

Victoria stood there, face pale with alarm.

"Sister, something terrible has happened!"