Chapter 310

The word "uncle" caught in Anthony Taylor's throat.

He opened his mouth but only managed a soft sigh. "Please, have a seat."

The private dining room felt cavernous with only the ten-seat round table occupying it.

Teresa Taylor's wheelchair stopped beside the table as Anthony pulled out two chairs for her.

Evelyn Carter's gaze lingered on the seats across from them before she walked over without hesitation.

Teresa's eyes instantly welled up.

Anthony gave his wife's shoulder a comforting pat, murmuring something inaudible.

"Have you ordered yet?"

"Not yet," Anthony's voice trembled slightly. "We weren't sure what you'd like. Terry, please order anything you want. Mom and Dad—"

Evelyn flipped open the menu, her fingers tightening imperceptibly.

The vegetarian restaurant offered exquisite dishes at premium prices.

She mechanically checked two items before pressing the service bell.

"You like tofu?" Teresa suddenly asked.

"Just random choices."

"But two of the three dishes you picked are tofu-based..."

Evelyn closed the menu. "I assume today's conversation isn't about food?"

Tears spilled down Teresa's cheeks.

"How can our first meal with our daughter be random? Anthony, go order every tofu dish on the menu!"

Anthony hurried out with red-rimmed eyes.

The delicate aroma of tea rose between them.

Evelyn stood to pour Teresa a cup.

Teresa accepted it with both hands, her fingertips visibly shaking.

"Terry," she sipped tentatively, "do you usually drink tea?"

"Occasionally."

"What do you prefer then? Coffee? Bubble tea? I'll have Anthony fetch—"

"Auntie," Evelyn met her gaze directly, "a red string bracelet proves nothing."

Silence engulfed the room.

Teresa gripped her teacup tightly before blurting out, "There's something... I hope you won't be angry."

"What is it?"

"After losing our daughter for twenty-four years, that night we saw the bracelet..." She hesitated. "We couldn't sleep. To confirm, we... took some of your hair for a DNA test."

Evelyn's fingers stilled.

"Results don't come that fast."

"We pulled strings. The report arrives tomorrow afternoon."

"My hair?" Evelyn's brow furrowed slightly. "When?"

Teresa looked stricken.

"During our first meeting in the neighborhood, you hadn't seen the bracelet yet. At Cicada Temple, I don't recall shedding any."

"It was..." Teresa's voice dwindled to a whisper. "We went to your marital home with Alexander."

Evelyn suddenly laughed.

"But Annabelle lived there too. How can you be sure it was mine?"