Chapter 332

"Mom, Dad, why don't you come visit me in Boston for a few days?" Evelyn Langley's cheerful voice carried through the phone.

William Langley felt his heart skip a beat.

He missed his daughter terribly. Besides, memories of his student days at Harvard still felt vivid, filling him with an inexplicable nostalgia for the city.

"But aren't you busy with your thesis? We don't want to disturb you."

"I already submitted it. I've got free time now."

"What about the weather—"

Victoria Langley cut off her husband's protest. "Don't listen to him. His eyes are practically sparkling."

William rubbed his nose. "I never said no."

Evelyn laughed. "Then it's settled! I'll book your tickets right away."

She ended the call and swiftly tapped on her phone.

......

The Langleys stared at their booking confirmation in surprise.

"Tomorrow?" William's eyes widened. "And business class? This girl..."

Victoria swatted his arm. "Isn't it sweet she wants to see us sooner? Business class is comfortable. Don't you remember how your back ached for three days after that last coach trip?"

"I just don't want her spending too much..."

"When your daughter shows such thoughtfulness, accept it happily." Victoria was already packing. "Comfort matters when traveling."

William raised his hands in surrender. "You're absolutely right, dear!"

Victoria carefully placed several new dresses in the suitcase, followed by neatly folded casual clothes.

Meanwhile, William crouched in their vegetable garden, distressed.

"These cucumbers are so crisp, and the tomatoes are perfectly ripe..." He wished he could transport the entire garden to Boston.

Victoria massaged her temples. "Are you going on vacation or running a farmers' market?"

"But they're all organic..."

"They'll rot during the trip." She decisively closed the suitcase. "Just bring two jars of homemade chili sauce."

William cast one last longing glance at the garden.

......

At the train station exit, Evelyn immediately spotted her parents.

"Mom!" She rushed forward.

Victoria recounted William's packing "adventures" from the previous night, sending both women into fits of laughter.

William trailed behind silently, carrying their luggage.

"My apartment's just ahead." Evelyn pointed as they walked. "It's an older building, but the location's perfect."

They climbed seven flights of stairs without noticing the effort, chatting and laughing all the way.

Evelyn pulled out her keys.

The door across the hall suddenly opened.

Adrian Klein stepped out with an armful of laundry, freezing when he found himself facing three pairs of staring eyes.

The air turned to ice.