Chapter 830

Mr. and Mrs. Langley, frail with age, had spent years praying for their daughter to find happiness. The news of Bianca's return to prepare for her wedding had filled them with joy, but as days passed without any updates, their hearts grew heavy with worry.

"How will you explain it to them?" Evelyn asked softly.

It was better for Bianca to break the news herself than let Vincent, that madman, do it first. That man was capable of anything.

Bianca pressed her lips together.

"I'll say Adrian and I had a fight and broke up. If I act devastated enough, they won’t press for details. Once some time passes, I’ll tell them I’m going to Europe to clear my head."

"I’ll ask Aunt Margaret to cover for you," Evelyn said, recalling the overseas call from Mrs. Langley. If she hadn’t been holding the baby to distract them, the truth would have slipped out already.

Bianca nodded gratefully. "I’ll owe you all for this. I’ll make sure Vincent can’t reach my parents."

"My parents are key witnesses to prove he never fulfilled his responsibilities as a father. If they can’t testify, he might still get visitation rights." A steely resolve flashed in Bianca’s eyes. "So I’ve decided to do what men like him do—just take my child and disappear."

It wasn’t honorable, but against someone like Vincent, who had no boundaries, it might be the only way. Evelyn thought of the "Purple Ribbon Mothers" cases and had to admit this might be the only solution.

Alexander frowned. "There are safer options."

"Safe forever?" Bianca smiled bitterly. She couldn’t rely on others forever—some paths she had to walk alone.

The day she left was bathed in sunlight, just like the day she and Evelyn had first met. Baby Chloe slept soundly in her cradle, her cheeks rosy, blissfully unaware her mother was about to leave.

Evelyn stood nearby, her fingers lightly brushing the baby’s cheek. Should she wake her? The choice twisted her heart.

"Don’t," Bianca whispered. "She’s been sleeping lightly lately. If she wakes up cranky, I don’t want to leave Alexander with that trouble."

She leaned down and pressed a kiss to the baby’s forehead, silently saying her goodbye. When she turned away, her back was resolute and unshaken.

To avoid Vincent’s spies, Bianca pretended she was just going for a walk. Vivian’s car was already waiting in the park. The three chatted under the trees like ordinary friends. When it was time, Bianca got into Vivian’s car—and never returned.

Vincent’s men lost track of her. It wasn’t until dawn the next day that they realized something was wrong.

On Saturday morning, Evelyn and Alexander took the baby to the sunroom. Grace had moved back to her own home, and Aunt Margaret visited often. The Hamilton estate was so quiet you could hear the sunlight touch the ground.

The baby chased after Peanut on the rug while Evelyn paged through a medical journal and Alexander reviewed documents, exchanging the occasional remark.

"Bianca reads people well," Alexander finally said what had been weighing on him. "If she didn’t leave now, Vincent would haunt her like a shadow."

He set down the file, his brow furrowed. "Lately, I’ve noticed cars following me—different models, different colors. To confirm it wasn’t coincidence, I took detours through the business district, but they’re sharp. They always shake off my driver."

Evelyn’s chest tightened. "Why didn’t you tell me sooner?"

She’d thought Vincent was just persistent, not bold enough to stalk them openly.

"I didn’t want to worry you or pressure Bianca." Alexander’s gaze was steady and warm. Time had taught him restraint—and how to protect those he loved.

Outside, spring light spilled generously, but the sunroom held a quiet sorrow. No one knew how long this silent farewell would last.