Chapter 345

"This miracle must come to fruition. Holding my great-grandchild soon would make my life complete."

Evelyn chuckled. "Grandpa Leonard, does that mean I'll be replaced in your affections?"

"You'll always be our precious jewel. Nothing could ever change that."

Leaning against Leonard's arm, Evelyn cooed, "I knew you loved me best, Grandpa."

...

The next morning found Evelyn conducting her usual virtual meeting for Kingsley Industries, which lasted until nearly noon.

She stretched lazily before exiting the study.

As fate would have it, she crossed paths with Dominic returning home. His suit jacket bore telltale wrinkles from being worn all night.

Recalling Leonard's words from the previous evening, Evelyn's curiosity flared anew.

"Dominic, where were you all night?"

Her brother froze momentarily.

But he recovered swiftly, deflecting with practiced ease. "Why? Did you just wake up?"

"Hardly." Evelyn denied quickly. "I just finished my meeting. Where did you—"

Before she could complete her question, Dominic interrupted. "What a coincidence. I've got a meeting at corporate headquarters too."

With that, he disappeared into his bedroom, shutting the door firmly behind him.

Evelyn blinked in astonishment. Dominic had changed!

Never before had he behaved this way. Love truly worked wonders on a person.

Shaking her head slightly, Evelyn descended the stairs where the housekeeper, Marjorie, presented her with a gilded invitation. "Ms. Carter, this arrived this morning."

The embossed "Winslow" on the cover told Evelyn everything she needed to know.

As expected, it was an invitation to a family banquet at Winslow Manor in three days' time.

Evelyn arched an eyebrow before tucking the invitation away. Proper guest etiquette demanded thoughtful gifts.

"Marjorie, please have the driver ready. I need to go out."

"Right away, Ms. Carter."

After changing upstairs, Evelyn grabbed her purse just as Dominic emerged, clearly heading out.

"Going shopping?" he asked first.

Evelyn nodded. "Just some essentials at the mall."

Dominic opened his wallet, extracting a black card. "Get whatever you want. It's on me."

"Dominic, need I remind you? I have my own black card. Save this for my future sister-in-law."

Her brother didn't argue, simply advising, "Be careful out there."

"Always am."

Dominic pocketed his card and departed first.

...

Upon arriving at the luxury mall, the manager personally greeted Evelyn.

"Ms. Carter, we've cleared all floors except the ground level. Please select anything you desire."

With a gracious nod, Evelyn took the elevator upstairs.

The manager continued his introduction. "To your left are handbags and apparel, to your right footwear. The third floor houses our jewelry collection..."

After browsing, Evelyn ultimately selected several exquisite accessories from the jewelry boutique.

Meanwhile, Sylvia and her clique shopped on the bustling ground floor. Former classmates of Evelyn's, they now knew her true identity and couldn't help whispering.

"Who would've guessed Evelyn was actually the Carter heiress? I used to call her a country mouse."

"Don't even start! I said she lacked sophistication. The thought makes me cringe now."