Chapter 22

Vincent Sullivan's gaze never left Evelyn Laurent, his eyes brimming with paternal affection. The girl carried herself with innate grace, and her earlier display of authority had been both fierce and captivating—like a young leopard baring its claws, equal parts adorable and dangerous.

Under the spotlight, her composed demeanor mirrored Victoria Langley's elegance. An air of natural poise and quiet confidence radiated from her.

Vincent subtly nudged Ethan Sullivan's elbow.

Ethan schooled his icy expression into a polite smile. He stepped forward, taking Evelyn's delicate hand from Victoria, who gracefully retreated to Richard Langley's side.

The two figures stood side by side—one clad in black, the other in white.

One cold as frost, the other warm as jade.

Their contrasting auras blended seamlessly, as if destined to complement each other.

The Langley family gathered behind them, their gazes tender as they watched Evelyn. Ethan held her hand loosely, feeling the slight chill of her skin. She merely frowned faintly but didn’t pull away.

"This is Evelyn Laurent, the seventh daughter of the Langley family," Ethan announced, his voice smooth though his smile didn't reach his eyes. "And my fiancée."

His sweeping gaze turned the room frigid.

Richard followed with a grave warning. "My daughter values her privacy. Should anyone dare disclose her identity—" Before he could finish, the six Langley brothers hardened their expressions, their collective presence casting an oppressive weight over the ballroom.

Oliver Valentine observed from the front row, intrigued. Beside him, a young woman in white clenched her fists, resentment burning in her eyes. A sharp glance from her brother forced her to swallow her words.

"Rest assured, Mr. Langley," Oliver spoke first. "The Valentines will remain discreet."

A chorus of agreements rose from the crowd. No one dared defy the combined authority of the Langleys and Sullivans.

When the lights brightened again, Victoria guided Evelyn through the gathering of socialites, eagerly introducing her to every eligible young woman. She longed to present the world's finest offerings to the daughter she had once lost.

The memory of Evelyn's lonely past twisted Victoria's heart. From now on, her precious girl would never be alone again.