Chapter 275

Evelyn Laurent quietly moved to the sofa and sat down with caution.

Her head was lowered, fingers unconsciously twisting the hem of her dress.

Victoria Langley's expression softened slightly, but when her gaze landed on the documents on the coffee table, her brows furrowed tightly again. "Evelyn, tell me the truth. What is all this?"

The papers trembled faintly in Victoria's grip.

Evelyn discreetly glanced around the room.

Her father, Alexander Langley, wore a stormy expression. Her five brothers were equally stone-faced.

The atmosphere in the living room was suffocating.

"I—"

Before she could speak, Theodore Langley cut in angrily, "Did that bastard Ethan Sullivan force you to sign this?"

Theodore's fists clenched audibly, his eyes burning with fury.

The agreement spelled it out in black and white: Their relationship was a sham. Once Ethan found the woman he truly wanted to marry, the engagement would be terminated immediately.

Every clause stabbed at the Langley family's hearts.

Ethan had used their treasured daughter as a shield.

Worse, his heart still belonged to the girl who had been kidnapped with him a decade ago.

Victoria's hands shook slightly, her eyes brimming with disappointment.

Evelyn took a deep breath and lifted her chin. "He didn't force me."

Her voice was soft but firm.

"I was the one who wanted to call it off first."

"This is better for both of us."

The room fell deathly silent.

Evelyn bit her lip before continuing, "Mom, Dad, brothers... I don’t want to be tied down by an engagement so soon."

"I know you all like Ethan, but..."

She paused, her gaze clear and resolute. "Right now, marriage isn’t what I want."

It was the first time she had spoken her mind so openly.

Julian Langley was the first to respond. "Evelyn’s right. There’s no need to rush into this."

"I support ending the engagement," Theodore immediately agreed.

The others nodded in unison.

Victoria studied her daughter’s stubborn expression and finally sighed. "As long as you’re happy."

Evelyn’s eyes grew slightly damp. She knew her family would always stand by her.