Chapter 473

Sunlight streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows into the office. Evelyn Laurent was engrossed in reviewing the latest season's design proposals. Her fingers glided across the tablet screen, her expression shifting between thoughtful frowns and pleased smiles.

The timid girl from three years ago had undergone a complete transformation.

"Ms. Laurent, the Starlight Group's logo proposal requires your signature," her assistant reminded softly.

Evelyn took the document and signed it with swift precision. The silver bracelet on her wrist glimmered as it caught the light—a birthday gift from Ethan Sullivan last year.

Her phone vibrated. Seeing Ethan's name on the screen, her lips curved into an unconscious smile.

"The meeting was canceled?" she answered, amusement lacing her voice.

Ethan's deep voice resonated through the line. "Postponed until tomorrow. Should I come see you now?"

"No," she said firmly. "You should return to the office and prepare for tomorrow's meeting."

A resigned sigh came through the phone.

"I'll pick you up tonight," Ethan conceded. "Rachel's welcome dinner, remember?"

"Of course I remember," Evelyn chuckled. "Go on, Mr. Sullivan."

After hanging up, she gazed out the window. The rainy night three years ago still felt vivid—when she had huddled in the corner of her rented apartment, unable to imagine ever having a life like this.

Now, her design firm had gained recognition in the city, with an increasing stream of clients. Though it couldn't compare to Sullivan Group's scale, every project was built through her own hard work.

Her phone buzzed again. A message from Rachel: "See you tonight! Got a surprise for you~"

Evelyn arched a brow. Ever since studying abroad, her best friend had developed a penchant for unexpected antics.

What she didn't know was that at this very moment, on the top floor of Sullivan Group, Ethan was frowning at a table full of proposal plans.

"Too ordinary," he dismissed one stack of proposals. "I want something Evelyn will never forget."

His assistant wiped his brow. "Sir, Ms. Laurent prefers minimalist styles—"

"Revise it," Ethan cut him off, his gaze lingering on a photo of Evelyn on his screen.

The woman in the picture smiled radiantly, a far cry from the girl she had been three years ago. She had learned to manage a company, to navigate social intricacies—yet she still refused his marriage proposal.

With that thought, Ethan dialed Victoria Langley's number.

"Mrs. Langley, I plan to propose to Evelyn tonight," he said, an uncharacteristic tension in his voice.

A delighted gasp came through the line. "Wonderful! What do you need me to prepare?"

"Just your and Mr. Langley's presence," Ethan paused. "I'm afraid... she might refuse."

Victoria laughed. "Silly boy, that girl has had you in her heart for ages."

After hanging up, Ethan opened a special group chat. Its name had changed from "Evelyn's Guard" to "Princess Evelyn's Fan Club," marking his gradual acceptance back into the Langley family.

Taking a deep breath, he typed: "I'm proposing to Evelyn tonight."

The chat exploded instantly.

Richard Langley: "Finally came to your senses!"

Sebastian Langley: "Venue secured?"

Julian Langley: "Need a band? I know—"

Nathaniel Langley: "Booking a flight back now!"

Dominic Langley: "Don't mess this up."

Theodore Langley: "Should I arrange medical standby?"

Ethan smirked at the flood of messages. This time, he would make sure Evelyn became Mrs. Sullivan.

As night fell, Evelyn stepped out of her office building. Gazing at the starry sky, she suddenly remembered Ethan's words from three years ago:

"I'll wait for you—until the day you're ready to believe in me."

She had no idea the surprise awaiting her tonight would change everything.