Chapter 7

Vincent Lowell swatted Margaret Hill's hand away with a dark expression. "Don't mention that jinx. Hurry and prepare the gifts. We can't be late for Miss Evelyn's birthday banquet."

Margaret's cheerful expression faded, replaced by worry. "But the Langley family in the capital is an elite dynasty. We can't even touch their doorstep."

Brandon Lowell and Sophia Lowell exchanged frustrated glances.

Vincent gritted his teeth. "I pulled some strings to get us positions as waitstaff."

"What?" Margaret shrieked. "You want us to serve tea and water?"

Sophia clenched her skirt, her nails digging into her palms.

Vincent slammed the table. "You don't understand! Countless people would kill for this opportunity!"

His burning gaze locked onto Sophia. "This is your chance to enter elite circles. Once you get into Harvard..."

Sophia's eyes lit up briefly before dimming again.

Margaret muttered resentfully, "It's all that jinx's fault..."

A ruthless glint flashed in Vincent's eyes. "We'll deal with her when we get back."

Meanwhile, in the VIP lounge of Cloudhaven International Airport.

Evelyn Laurent eyed Ethan Sullivan warily. "Where are you taking me?"

Ethan tapped the armrest with his long fingers. "Home."

"My parents are in Evergreen Village," Evelyn scoffed. "Or are you planning to kidnap me?"

He arched a brow. "How much are you worth?"

She sat down without hesitation. "A free plane ticket? I'm not passing that up."

Ethan typed a message on his phone. "Your little wildcat has sharp claws."

Three hours later, at the capital's international airport.

Evelyn eyed Ethan's full disguise. "Afraid to be seen?"

Ethan remained silent.

His bodyguards stifled laughter.

A group suddenly rushed toward them from the VIP corridor.

"Evelyn!"

Before she could react, Evelyn was engulfed in a warm embrace.

"I finally found you..." Victoria Langley wept uncontrollably.

Evelyn stiffened like a startled cat.

Six sharply dressed men surrounded them, their eyes red-rimmed.

Richard Langley gently pulled his wife back. "Don't scare her."

Victoria's trembling hands cupped Evelyn's face. "You've lost weight..."

Evelyn took a step back, her gaze sharp. "Don't call me family until the DNA results come back."