Chapter 119

Knock. Knock. Knock.

William Langley wiped his hands on a dish towel as he hurried from the kitchen. The freshly steamed perch on the cutting board still emitted wisps of aromatic steam. He carefully transferred the fish to the dining table before answering the door.

In the living room, Victoria Langley paused her watering can mid-air. "Who's there?" she called toward the foyer. "Is that Adrian coming early?"

"Adrian said he wouldn't arrive until the day after tomorrow," William replied while walking. "Probably Vanessa from next door bringing those organic eggs we asked about..."

The door swung open.

Evelyn Langley stood on the doorstep, staring at the father she hadn't seen in six years. More silver streaked his temples than she remembered. Deep grooves carved his forehead like weathered stone. The man who once lifted her effortlessly now stood slightly stooped.

"Dad..."

William froze. His expression cycled through shock, anger, then settled into icy detachment. "Why did you come back?"

Silence swallowed the house. Victoria set down her watering can with a clatter and stepped into the courtyard. "William? Who is—"

The metal can hit the paving stones when she recognized their visitor.

Evelyn's eyes burned. Time had been kind to her mother, preserving the same elegant grace. Her voice trembled. "Mom..."

Victoria's lips quivered before she managed, "Come inside first."

The living room air turned viscous.

William sat rigid on the sofa, his face stormy. "Have you forgotten what you said?"

That rainy night six years ago played vividly in Evelyn's mind. When her father rushed to Massachusetts General Hospital, he'd learned she'd abandoned her direct PhD admission for a man. His blood pressure had spiked so severely he required emergency treatment.

She'd declared then, without hesitation: between love and academia, she chose the former. No regrets.

"You're no daughter of mine." William turned away. "I didn't raise someone like you."

"William!" Victoria patted his back urgently. "Your blood pressure again?"

She glanced at their daughter, torn between anger and heartache. This stubborn girl had refused all reason back then. As a mystery novelist who'd crafted countless headstrong heroines, Victoria never imagined her own child would outdo them all.

"Your father's health isn't what it was," Victoria said sternly. "If you still consider this your home, don't upset him further."

Tears spilled down Evelyn's cheeks.

"Mom, Dad... I know I was wrong." Her voice fractured. "Dad always wanted me to soar higher. I failed you."

She turned to her mother. "You taught me independence and strength, but I—"

"I came back to beg your forgiveness." She bowed deeply. "Please give me a chance to make things right."