Chapter 27

Evelyn took a deep breath and spoke solemnly, "Dad, Mom, there's something I need to tell you."

Richard Langley and Victoria Langley set down their teacups simultaneously, their gazes fixed intently on her.

"I've been granted special admission." Evelyn enunciated each word clearly. "No need to take the entrance exams."

Victoria's teacup tilted abruptly, spilling tea onto the tablecloth. She ignored the mess and grasped Evelyn's hand. "Evelyn, what did you say?"

Richard frowned deeply. "Special admission? Which university?"

Evelyn sensed her parents' tension and replied softly, "Harvard University."

The living room fell into absolute silence.

Victoria's fingers trembled slightly. She knew exactly what Harvard represented—the most prestigious institution in the country, where only a handful of students gained admission through special recruitment each year.

"Evelyn..." Victoria's voice quivered. "Are you certain this is real?"

Evelyn nodded. "Professor Klein personally recommended me."

Richard suddenly stood and paced across the room. He stopped abruptly and stared at Evelyn. "Professor Klein? The eminent physicist?"

"Yes," Evelyn answered quietly.

Victoria covered her mouth, her eyes instantly welling up. She pulled Evelyn into a tight embrace. "My precious daughter! I'm so proud of you!"

Evelyn froze in her mother's warm arms, inhaling the faint scent of her perfume. She had expected skepticism and doubt, not this overwhelming display of affection.

Memories flooded back—the time in elementary school when she'd rushed home excitedly after acing a midterm exam, only to be slapped across the face by Vincent Lowell, who accused her of cheating. Her tearful explanations had earned her harsher punishment.

"Mom..." Evelyn's voice cracked. "You...don't doubt me?"

Victoria cupped her daughter's face, her gaze steady as stone. "Why would we? You're our daughter."

Richard approached and gently ruffled Evelyn's hair. "I believe in you. Harvard doesn't make mistakes."

Evelyn's eyes suddenly brimmed with tears. She lowered her head, not wanting her parents to see her emotional state.

"But..." she whispered. "My grades weren't good before..."

Victoria tenderly wiped away her tears. "Silly girl, that was because of your environment. Now that you're home, of course you'll shine."

Richard snorted coldly. "Let's see who dares call our Evelyn a country bumpkin now!"

Evelyn looked up and saw the pride gleaming in her father's eyes. In that moment, she knew—their joy was genuine. They truly celebrated her achievement.

"Dad, Mom..." Evelyn's voice was barely audible. "Thank you."

Victoria hugged her again, whispering in her ear, "We should be thanking you—for coming back to us."

Sunlight streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows, stretching their three shadows long across the floor until they merged into one.