Chapter 497

Victoria Langley suddenly stopped at the street corner, her gaze falling on an unassuming old-fashioned pastry shop.

"I want mung bean cakes," she murmured softly.

Evelyn Langley followed her mother's line of sight. The shop's facade was worn, its sign faded, even the glass display window coated with a thin layer of dust. Only by approaching the counter could one make out the blurred handwriting on the menu.

Mung bean cakes topped the list.

"Mom, how did you know they sell mung bean cakes here?" Evelyn asked curiously.

Victoria frowned slightly. "I just had a feeling they would. And that they'd taste good."

William Langley caught up with them, chuckling. "Your mother has a nose sharper than a bloodhound. She can sniff out quality from a mile away."

Ethan Winston's voice suddenly came from behind them. "What a coincidence. I'm here for mung bean cakes too."

"Who are they for?" Evelyn turned to face him.

"My grandmother." Ethan gestured toward a nearby teahouse. "She got tired from walking and is resting there."

Evelyn's eyes lit up. "Your grandmother is here? She missed me at the bookstore signing last time. This is perfect—I can finally meet her."

While queuing, Evelyn deliberately ordered two portions of mung bean cakes and handed one to Ethan.

"How much do I owe you?" Ethan pulled out his phone.

"Don't worry about it. It's my treat for your grandmother." Evelyn blinked playfully. "You didn't hesitate when you bought me water last time."

A faint smile tugged at Ethan's lips.

Inside the teahouse, Eleanor Atlante leaned against the window with her eyes closed. At the sound of approaching footsteps, she slowly opened them.

"Grandmother, this is Evelyn," Ethan introduced gently. "She brought you mung bean cakes."

The elderly woman's face brightened. "Oh my, I can't possibly let such a sweet girl spend her money on me..."

Evelyn quickly explained, "I was already in line, so it was no trouble at all."

Eleanor reached out to take Evelyn's hand, then hesitated. "Child... may I touch your face? My eyes aren't what they used to be. I'd like to know what you look like..."

Evelyn's heart softened. Just as she was about to agree, William's voice suddenly called from upstairs. "Evelyn!"

Everyone looked up. William stood by the second-floor railing, waving. Beside him, Victoria was already descending the stairs at a brisk pace.

"Those are my parents," Evelyn told the elderly couple. "They're coming over now—perfect timing for introductions."

As Victoria drew nearer, Evelyn noticed her mother's face had turned unnaturally pale.