Chapter 465

The festive spirit of New Year's Eve grew stronger in the city.

Lanterns hung high along the streets, and fresh spring couplets adorned every doorway. Evelyn Laurent stood by the floor-to-ceiling window of the Langley family mansion, watching snowflakes drift outside. Her fingertips traced the glass lightly.

This was her first New Year's celebration with the Langleys.

"Evelyn, come here!" Victoria Langley's voice called from the living room.

Evelyn turned to see the entire family waiting for her. The coffee table was piled with elegant gift boxes, each tied with red ribbons.

"These are your New Year's gifts." Nathaniel Langley handed her a thick red envelope. "And your lucky money."

Her fingers trembled slightly as she accepted it. Memories surfaced—previous years spent alone in her research dorm, her mentor boiling her a single bowl of dumplings before returning to work.

"Thank you..." Her voice caught.

The door opened, and Ethan Sullivan entered with Vincent Sullivan behind him. Uncharacteristically, Ethan wore a crimson cashmere coat that made his complexion appear even paler.

"Happy New Year." He approached Evelyn and drew a small velvet box from his pocket.

Inside lay an exquisite snowflake brooch. Silver filigree caught the light in delicate glimmers.

"Do you like it?" Ethan murmured.

Evelyn nodded, fingertips brushing the jewelry. She noticed the faint flush at the tips of his ears—clearly uncomfortable in such festive attire.

"It suits you," she whispered.

Fireworks suddenly exploded outside. Everyone moved to the balcony, where blossoms of light unfurled across the night sky.

Meanwhile, in a hospital room, Xander Quincy stood alone by the window. Bandages still wrapped his forehead as he stared blankly at distant fireworks.

His phone lit up with a message from Reginald Quincy: Happy New Year, Xander.

He didn't reply. Instead, he remembered years ago—Bianca Fairchild sneaking him out to watch fireworks, her laughter brighter than the sparks above them.

Boom—

Another firework burst open. Xander closed his eyes as silent tears fell.