Chapter 134

Evelyn's fingers twisted together. After a long pause, she finally murmured, "Dad, I..."

"When did you learn to fight like that?" William suddenly mimicked her mop-swinging motion from earlier.

Evelyn was momentarily speechless.

"Ahem!" William put on a stern face. "Young ladies should be more refined."

"Dad," Evelyn looped her arm through his, "just tell me—did it feel satisfying or not?"

William's mouth twitched. "...Satisfying."

"Was it her who tore down our wisteria vine by the fence?"

There had been an empty plot between their houses that Brenda had arbitrarily claimed for vegetable gardening. The Langley's wisteria had barely crept over the wall when she yanked it out by the roots.

William was mild-tempered, and Victoria disliked confrontation. Over the years, Brenda had come to believe the land rightfully belonged to her.

"She said it was blocking sunlight from her vegetables." William sighed. "Your mother couldn't sleep for days afterward."

Evelyn bit her lower lip. She hadn't realized how much her parents had silently endured all these years.

"Dad, what they said about me..."

"Don't listen!" William's voice suddenly rose. "Nobody knows my daughter better than I do!"

Evelyn's eyes grew warm.

"Don't mention this to your mother. She takes things to heart."

"Okay."

...

On the second day of the New Year, Victoria dragged Evelyn out of bed at dawn.

"Hurry up and get ready. Wear something nice—we're visiting your uncle Richard's."

Among the four Langley siblings, William was the third eldest. Richard had built his fortune in construction materials and was now a prominent local businessman.

In previous years, only William and Victoria paid the New Year's visit. This time, Evelyn joined them.

"Happy New Year, Aunt Elizabeth."

Elizabeth stared at the graceful young woman at the doorway. "Is that... Evelyn?"

Victoria handed over a gift with a smile. "Happy New Year, sister-in-law."

"You shouldn't have brought anything!" Elizabeth accepted the present. "We've been waiting—come in!"

A shrill voice carried from the living room. "Oh my, Evelyn? After all these years of absence, what brings you back this time?"