Chapter 127

Evelyn Langley overheard the blatant exploitation and psychological manipulation in her mother's phone conversation with the editor.

"Please, just this once~"

"Fine, I'll send it tonight. But I doubt you'll make it through."

Evelyn's voice was firm. "I'll read every single word!"

......

At the front door, William Langley stood on a ladder, adjusting the holiday decorations. Squinting, he shifted the position while Evelyn directed him. "Dad, a little to the right."

"Higher," Victoria Langley interjected, having just parked the car. She scrutinized the placement. "No, too high. Lower it."

William obediently moved it down a few inches.

"Now it's too low," Victoria frowned.

Evelyn made the final call. "Perfect."

Climbing down, William studied the decorations with dissatisfaction. "Why does it look uneven?"

Victoria suddenly burst into laughter. "You mixed up the front door and living room decorations, didn’t you?"

William rubbed his nose sheepishly. "...Seems like it."

No wonder it looked off.

Victoria scoffed. "Did your brain take a vacation too?"

William: "..."

Evelyn couldn’t hold back her laughter.

......

New Year's Eve.

Victoria personally rolled out dough and made Evelyn’s favorite sauerkraut dumplings—thin wrappers stuffed generously, dipped in aged vinegar for a tangy bite.

William prepared a feast: braised fish, poached chicken, steamed pork with preserved vegetables, and crystal dumplings—symbolizing abundance and prosperity.

At 5 PM, the family gathered for the reunion dinner.

After the meal, Evelyn offered to wash dishes, but Victoria shooed her away. "Go watch the gala. We’ve got this."

William poked his head out from the kitchen, smoky from cooking. "If you’re bored, go light fireworks in the yard."

Evelyn insisted on clearing the table, then washed and sliced fruit into a platter, arranging nuts and snacks in a basket.

By 7 PM, sporadic firecrackers popped outside.

Evelyn pushed open the window. Fireworks bloomed across the night sky. Resting her chin on her hand, she savored the rare warmth of the moment.

Her phone buzzed.

A New Year’s greeting from Sophia Laurent. Smiling, Evelyn replied with a long, heartfelt message.

A video call instantly flashed on the screen.

Sophia, usually bold and flashy, looked refined with pearl hairpins holding back her curls—every inch the elegant lady.

Evelyn understood immediately. "Meeting the parents?"

But Sophia froze, staring at the background behind Evelyn. "You’re back home? I was going to ask you out for New Year’s."

In previous years, Evelyn had always spent New Year’s in the city with Nathan Evans.