Chapter 267

Victoria Langley crossed her arms, glaring at her six foolish sons with exasperation.

And one foolish daughter.

Evelyn Laurent felt utterly bewildered. The situation was spiraling out of control.

If she was hearing this correctly...

Did Ethan Sullivan actually have feelings for her?

Why else would he dote on her and gift her such expensive presents?

But...

Evelyn couldn't forget Ethan's words.

He was waiting for someone.

The girl who had been kidnapped with him.

He had sworn they would break off their engagement.

Hadn't he loved that girl? Why was it suddenly her?

Evelyn couldn't make sense of it.

Her chest tightened like a stone weighed on her heart.

She lowered her head in silence.

The tension in the living room eased as the six Langley brothers relaxed.

The air remained heavy for a long moment.

Finally, Victoria broke the silence. "Everyone, get some rest. I trust Ethan."

She turned to Evelyn, her gaze softening. "Evelyn, do you love him?"

The question carried gravity.

Though the engagement had lasted years, Victoria had witnessed Ethan's devotion to Evelyn.

But what mattered most was her daughter's heart.

She needed to know if Evelyn truly loved Ethan.

She wanted her to follow her heart and be with someone she genuinely cherished.

Evelyn rarely showed uncertainty, but now she hesitated before whispering, "Mom... I don't know."

Strictly speaking, she had only known Ethan for half a year.

She had only returned to the Langley family six months ago.

Before that, she hadn't even understood familial love—let alone romance.

She couldn't define her feelings for Ethan.

Love?

She didn't even know what love meant. But being with Ethan felt... comfortable.

Victoria wasn't surprised by her answer.

She gently ruffled Evelyn's hair. "You're still young, sweetheart. There's no need to rush. But if Ethan ever hurts you, promise you'll tell me."

Richard Langley added firmly, "Evelyn, always protect yourself."

"Your mother and I would never force you into a marriage you don't want. You're not a pawn for alliances, so don't pressure yourself."

Evelyn's nose stung.

She had feared becoming a sacrificial lamb for the family's interests. After all, arranged marriages were common among elites like the Langleys.

Hadn't Ethan initially kept their engagement to avoid another match?

The thought tangled her emotions further.

But she masked it well, offering a faint smile. "I understand, Dad."

Straightening her posture, she declared with pride, "Don't worry. No one can bully me."

Anyone who tried would learn the meaning of absolute power.