Chapter 183

Emily Anderson stood frozen in place.

She had expected a scolding from her sister, but Evelyn Carter's reaction took her by surprise.

Even more shocking was Peter Harrison's sudden change in attitude.

Watching her sister walk away with Peter after paying the bill, Emily felt like a heavy stone weighed on her heart.

Kyle Carter's face darkened. "What was that about? Your sister and that guy think I'm dragging you down? They just look down on me!"

"Stop," Emily whispered, her voice trembling.

Inside the car, Peter frowned.

"You're always the rational one. Kyle's family situation is a mess. Are you really going to convince your parents to let Emily go to Beijing with him? Are you willing to gamble with her future? What if he abandons her there, using 'parental orders' as an excuse?"

Evelyn fastened her seatbelt. "So what do you suggest? Forcing them apart?"

"At least make Kyle commit to ending that childhood betrothal."

"If it could be resolved, it would've been done by now. The fact that it's dragged on this long means he's either a mama's boy or keeping his options open."

"And you're just going to watch Emily walk into this disaster?"

"Don't you remember teenage rebellion? The more you oppose them, the more they dig in. They'll turn it into some grand 'love against the world' drama. If I play the villain now, I’ll only push them closer."

Peter raised an eyebrow. "Didn’t realize you were such an expert."

"Remember Vivian and her situation? The harder her family resisted, the more determined she became."

"So what’s your plan?"

Evelyn gazed out the window. "Give her time. She’s not that foolish."

Peter started the car, then suddenly frowned.

"That white Cayenne is following us again."

"Let it." Evelyn closed her eyes.

Peter kept glancing in the rearview mirror, but seeing Evelyn's indifference, he relaxed slightly.

The Cayenne had appeared too often lately.

At first, he suspected Alexander Hamilton. But then he reconsidered—Hamilton Group had been embroiled in scandals for months. The CEO’s hit-and-run arrest, his new fling making headlines, the plummeting stock price. Alexander had enough on his plate without playing stalker.

Besides, today was his engagement party.

Evelyn’s calmness was unsettling.

The atmosphere at home was heavier than expected.

When Evelyn opened the door, her parents sat stiffly in the living room, the air thick with tension.

"Mom, Dad, how was the bus ride?" she asked, forcing lightness into her voice.

Andrew Anderson patted the couch. "Sit down."

"What’s wrong?"

"Evelyn…" Her father hesitated, then sighed. "Let your mother explain."