Chapter 459

Ethan Sullivan's warm palm enveloped Evelyn Laurent's cool fingertips.

A swirl of complex emotions rose in Evelyn's chest.

She turned her face toward the window, unwilling to let Ethan see her reddened eyes.

Outside, the bleak winter landscape stretched endlessly. Withered yellow grass swayed in the wind.

The desolate view transported her back to her days in White Rock Village.

Back then, she had traveled between construction sites and the village, relying on her physical strength to earn meager wages.

"We're here."

Ethan's voice signaled the convoy's gradual stop at the village entrance.

Ten black Range Rovers lined up in perfect formation, drawing curious stares from the villagers.

Victoria Langley's eyes welled up the moment she stepped out.

Low adobe houses. Pothole-riddled dirt roads. Wispy smoke curling from rooftops. Gaunt elderly faces.

Evelyn took a deep breath and stepped onto the familiar soil.

"It's Evelyn!"

"Evelyn's back!"

Several sharp-eyed villagers recognized her, their excited shouts ringing out.

Evelyn flashed a radiant smile and waved. "Uncles, aunties, I've come back to see you!"

She moved quickly toward the crowd, but Ethan caught her wrist.

"Wait." His voice was low. He turned and signaled for everyone to exit the vehicles.

The Laurent family and their bodyguards formed a neat line behind Evelyn.

"Thank you all for taking care of our Evelyn!"

Their thunderous gratitude startled sparrows from the treetops.

The villagers gaped at the well-dressed city folk, unsure how to react.

Trembling, Victoria stepped forward, tears spilling over. "I'm Evelyn's mother. Thank you..."

Her voice broke. She could only bow deeply.

Evelyn gazed at the familiar faces as memories flooded back.

The scrawny girl from those days had finally returned—standing tall.