Chapter 281
Victoria Langley saw everything with perfect clarity.
She had watched Ethan Sullivan grow up. His character was an open book to her.
Yet it was precisely this familiarity that forced her to take drastic measures.
Her precious daughter had suffered enough.
Evelyn Laurent had endured seventeen years of hardship.
Victoria sighed at the thought.
"Our Evelyn is utterly clueless about matters of the heart," she murmured. "Consider this a chance for Ethan—and for Evelyn to discover what he truly means to her."
She suddenly looked up, unease flickering in her eyes. "Darling, do you think they'll resent me when they realize I orchestrated this?"
Richard Langley stroked her hair tenderly. "Never. Your intentions are pure."
"You always take my side," Victoria huffed playfully.
"My queen's word is law," Richard chuckled, pressing a kiss to her forehead.
A blush crept up her cheeks as she lightly punched his chest. "They're perfect for each other. Since Evelyn won't see it, we're giving them a nudge."
"Your wish is my command."
Evelyn remained oblivious to her parents' scheming.
Lying in bed, she stared at the pink diamond bracelet on her wrist. Its soft glow under the lamplight made her vision blur.
Ethan's face materialized before her.
Sophia's words echoed in her mind—Ethan's unrequited love was for her.
A strange warmth unfurled in her chest.
What had she done all those years ago to leave such an impression? Why had he remained silent during the Sullivan family's interrogation?
Would things have been different if he'd spoken up?
Evelyn shook her head violently. The engagement was over. She should be relieved.
She switched off the main light, leaving only the dim bedside lamp. Curling under the covers, she closed her eyes.
The nightmare struck without warning.
Dank basement air assaulted her senses—mold and blood intermingling. The fleeting image made her fists clench the sheets.
Darkness surged like a tidal wave. Fear morphed into a monstrous presence advancing relentlessly. She twisted restlessly, brows furrowed.
The scene shifted abruptly.
She was running through pitch-black nothingness. Malevolent laughter chased her. Footsteps grew louder.
"You little bitch! Keep running!"
"Leading an escape? I'll kill you!"
A meaty hand yanked her small body upward.
"Let me go!"
Young Evelyn drove her fist into the man's eye. As he recoiled, she scrambled free and kept running.
"I'll slaughter you today!"
The threats pursued her like shadows.