Chapter 6

There was a knock on the door.

"Eve, they're back," Louise called out.

Evelyn didn't give any further thought to the resemblance she noticed. She put down the photo album and walked out of her bedroom. When she saw the two people who just returned, she called out happily, "Dad! Jules!"

Julian and Walter both looked at her.

"I got you a gift, Eve. Come see if you like it," Julian said, waving her over.

Evelyn's eyes lit up as she came over. "What did you get me?"

Julian set down a pile of packages on the coffee table. He pulled out a branded jewelry box and handed it to her. "Open it up and see for yourself."

Evelyn happily took the box, which held an exquisitely crafted gold bracelet. "Thanks, Jules. I love it!"

"I'm glad."

Julian reached out and ruffled her hair affectionately.

He had also bought a gold bracelet for Louise with a design that suited her, and skincare sets for both women. As for Walter, he'd brought some tea, wine, and some other local specialties from the place where he'd been.

The family chatted away in a cosy atmosphere that filled their home. Evelyn only ever felt completely relaxed when she was back here with them.

"When's your due date, Eve?" Julian asked out of concern.

Her belly was so large that she looked like someone in the late stages of pregnancy.

"Not for another two more months," she replied.

"I bet Eve is having a girl," Louise said with a smile.

Evelyn nodded. "Yeah, it's a girl."

"You've checked the gender already?" Walter asked.

Having thought of something, Louise grew nervous as well.

"Yeah, but Mrs. Shaw Senior is really looking forward to this child."

Walter let out a sigh of relief. "That's good. Once the baby is born, things between you and Carlton will gradually improve."

Evelyn lowered her gaze, her heart growing heavy. She didn't know how to tell them that Carlton had already brought up wanting a divorce.

But the news wouldn't stay secret for long. Besides, she'd already decided to move out of Crown Bay and live at home.

In the end, she decided to tell them after dinner.

Louise prepared a hearty dinner for the family.

Julian had co-founded a tech company with his friend. Two years ago, when the company was first being set up, Walter had provided the startup capital without hesitation. The company was now thriving, with a primary focus on the AI technology sector.

The trip Julian took was to negotiate a business deal, and it went successfully.

Meanwhile, Walter was busy wrapping up the sale of his property development company. Although the money from the Shaws had temporarily alleviated the company's financial difficulties, the real estate market remained as tough as ever. It would be difficult to restructure the company, and the company was having a hard time sustaining itself.

Now that Walter was getting older, he didn't have as much energy as he once had. He had a lot of faith in the future of Julian's company as well. Since it was entering the year-end financing phase, he figured he could sell his company and invest the money in Julian's company instead.

Walter also shared some good news over dinner. He'd decided to finally register his marriage with Louise.

Louise's eyes turned red. The two had been with each other for many years now, and they were finally getting married.

Evelyn had no objections. She knew Walter had avoided marrying Louise for so long because he still had lingering feelings for Joanne. All along, she couldn't figure out why Joanne would choose to divorce someone as wonderful as Walter, but it no longer mattered now.

Considering this was such a good day, Evelyn couldn't bring herself to ruin the atmosphere. Nevertheless, she finally broke the news. "Dad, Louise, Jules… Carlton is getting ready to divorce me."

Everyone fell silent, their expressions growing solemn. Walter looked down, his face tight. Even though this was to be expected, he didn't think it would happen so soon.

The Ramseys and the Shaws were now related by marriage, but no wedding ceremony had been conducted. Evelyn and Carlton simply registered their marriage. The two families hadn't had any contact since then either.

Carlton had never set foot in Evelyn's home. Even during the festive occasions, the Shaws never reached out, not even to send a greeting card.

Whenever Evelyn went back to Shaw Manor alone, Walter and Louise prepared gifts for her to give to the Shaws. Francine would politely accept the gifts, but Evelyn knew she gave them to the household staff.

Rita, on the other hand, had instructed the household staff to dump it into the trash right in front of Evelyn. She also told Evelyn to tell her family not to send over such worthless things.

Carlton simply reminded Evelyn not to engage in such pointless behavior.

Theirs was a marriage between two people of entirely unequal standing. It had always been a matter of time before they separated.

Pressing her lips together, Evelyn added, "I told Professor Jensen that once the baby is born, I'll be heading off to Steinfeld University next February to further my education."

Julian broke the silence first. "It's a good idea to further your education abroad. You're such a capable and talented young woman, Eve. You shouldn't be trapped in a marriage. You have my full support, no matter what you choose to do."

Evelyn smiled and nodded. "Thanks, Jules."

Walter let out a sigh that was heavy with helplessness and remorse. "If it's going to end in divorce, so be it. It's all my fault anyway. An ordinary family like ours was never worthy of being matched with an illustrious family like the Shaws."

Evelyn felt tears welling up in her eyes. Suddenly, all the pain she had endured over the past months seemed insignificant. She had her family's support. They would always be there for her. No obstacle was insurmountable.

Seeing this, Louise grabbed a tissue and wiped Evelyn's tears away while gently consoling her.

Eventually, the family was able to happily carry on with dinner.

…

At the same time, a Bentley drove into Southview Heights, a high-end residential neighborhood that had been around for over two decades. The infrastructure here was starting to look a little aged.

The car came to a stop outside Villa No. 12—the one the Ramseys had to sell off.

The window came down, revealing the handsome face of Elijah Moore. He stared at the villa, which was brightly lit inside. The warm streetlights reflected in his eyes, highlighting the mixed emotions and sense of loneliness in them.

After withdrawing his gaze, he lit up a cigarette.

Just then, his phone started vibrating. After answering the call, he asked gently, "What is it, Serena?"

"When are you getting here, Eli?" Serena whined. "I'm starving, but Carl isn't letting me eat yet."

A deep, affectionate voice rang out from the other end of the call. "Who's the one who told me to make sure she doesn't start eating first? How is it my fault now?"

Serena huffed back at him.

"Go ahead and start eating first if you're hungry. I'll be right there," Elijah said before dropping the call.

He put out his cigarette and took one last look at the villa before raising the window and driving off.