Chapter 372

"Mom, why did you suddenly transfer money to me?"

Evelyn Langley frowned at the bank notification on her phone screen.

Victoria Langley and William Langley exchanged knowing smiles. "Your father and I discussed it," Victoria said gently. "You contributed so much for the villa purchase. We couldn't help before, but now we finally can."

"I don't need the money."

"We know," Victoria patted her daughter's hand. "We're not giving it because you need it. We're living in that villa too—it's only right we contribute."

"But we're family."

"Exactly," Victoria blinked. "Then why are you keeping score?"

Evelyn fell silent.

"But—"

"No buts," William interrupted. "Listen to your mother. Would you refuse if we needed financial help later?"

Evelyn pressed her lips together. "...Of course not."

"Then it's settled. Oh, we have an early train tomorrow—you should rest."

"...I'll keep this money saved. Just tell me whenever you need it."

"Alright, go get some sleep."

Watching their daughter retreat to her room, Victoria sighed. "That girl will definitely overthink this."

William mused, "Actually, Evelyn probably isn't short on funds..."

He vaguely knew his daughter had substantial savings—though unclear of the exact amount, it definitely reached eight figures.

Victoria said firmly, "Her finances are hers. What we give, however small, is our parental love."

This wasn't about the sum.

"We couldn't provide her a nice home growing up. Now we're living in her villa—that's not something we take for granted."

William lowered his head. "I wasn't capable enough..."

"You still had your uses."

"Darling..." William's eyes grew moist.

"I couldn't have birthed Evelyn without you."

"?"

......

At 9 AM the next morning, Evelyn saw her parents off at the train station.

She watched until their figures disappeared into the crowd before turning away.

Arriving home, she nearly collided with Adrian Klein at her doorstep. The physicist held a stack of documents, finger poised at her doorbell.

"Professor." Evelyn quickened her steps up the final stairs.

Adrian looked up. "Is your father home?"

"They left this morning. Did you need him for something?"

"Just delivering printed copies of the research materials he requested." He waved the papers.

"Ah... they just departed..."

"No matter. I'll email you the digital version to forward to him."

"You shouldn't have gone to this trouble!"

"Not at all," Adrian's lips curved slightly. "Your father is... unique."

The man's insistence on addressing him as "brother" was particularly memorable.

......

After her parents' departure, Evelyn's life regained its quiet rhythm.

Her days flowed between home and the library.

Time passed like water—soon it was September, and graduate school began anew...