Chapter 241

Evelyn's hand trembled slightly as she gripped the cake knife.

The flickering candlelight reflected the complex emotions in her eyes. This was the first time someone had prepared a birthday cake for her.

As the knife pierced the cream, fragmented memories flashed through her mind.

The damp basement. The nights spent starving. The forgotten birthdays in dark corners.

But now, those were all in the past.

"The first slice is for Aunt Victoria." Evelyn handed the cut cake to Victoria Langley with a soft voice.

Next was Richard Langley, followed by her brothers.

When it was Ethan's turn, she deliberately chose the largest piece.

A smile tugged at Ethan's lips as he accepted the plate. His earlier disappointment vanished instantly.

He stared at the noticeably bigger slice, warmth spreading through his chest.

So he still mattered to her.

The cream melted on his tongue, perfectly sweet.

Evelyn took small bites, her eyes curving into crescents.

Waiters brought out dish after dish, each one her favorite. Laughter drifted from the penthouse into the night breeze.

At Beverly Hills, Vincent Sullivan stood by the floor-to-ceiling window, lost in thought.

"Old Zhang," he suddenly said, "when do you think Ethan will finally marry Evelyn?"

The butler stifled a chuckle. "Sir, Miss Laurent just turned eighteen."

Vincent sighed heavily.

The legal marriage age loomed like an insurmountable barrier. Two years was too long—too many variables.

His fingers drummed anxiously against the armrest.

"Did Ethan deliver the gift?"

"The young master took it personally," the butler confirmed.

Vincent nodded, but his gaze remained distant.

How he wished he could have seen the girl blowing out her candles.

The butler suppressed a smile at his master's restlessness.

Apart from Ethan, Evelyn was the only one who could make Vincent Sullivan this concerned.

"By the way." Vincent's expression darkened abruptly. "Any movement from Sebastian Royston?"

His voice turned icy.