Chapter 342
"We're here."
Isabella Langley placed the carefully prepared gifts gently on the living room floor, a polite smile curving her lips. She took a deep breath before turning to her parents on the sofa. "Dad, Mom, this is Oliver Valrose. My boyfriend."
Oliver gave a slight bow, his smile perfectly measured. "Mr. and Mrs. Roland, it's a pleasure to meet you."
Edward Roland's gaze swept over him briefly. "Have a seat."
The moment Oliver sat down, he met Edward's piercing stare. His back stiffened instinctively.
"We didn't tell you about our relationship sooner because the timing didn't feel right," Isabella said, surprising her parents as she rarely made excuses for anyone. They exchanged a glance.
The doorbell rang.
Edward and Sophia Roland stood simultaneously, their faces lighting up. Sophia rushed to the entrance and pulled her daughter into a tight embrace. "Evelyn! I've missed you so much!"
"Mom, I'm home," Evelyn Roland murmured, patting her mother's trembling back.
"Look at you, crying when our daughter's return should be a happy occasion," Edward chided gently as he wiped his wife's tears.
"I'm just overjoyed," Sophia choked out. The recent online scandal had kept her awake with worry, but her health had delayed her travel plans. By the time she was ready to leave, the matter had already been resolved—leaving her with lingering guilt.
Evelyn squeezed her mother's hand. "Really, I'm fine. I would've told you if something was wrong."
"You're just like your brothers, always bearing everything alone," Sophia scolded, tapping Evelyn's forehead affectionately.
As the family of three spoke, Evelyn tugged lightly on the sleeve of the person beside her. Only then did Sophia notice the bright-eyed girl standing behind her daughter.
"Auntie, I'm Bianca Savigny, your daughter's apprentice," the girl said with a radiant smile. "You're so much younger than I imagined! If I didn't know you were Evelyn's mother, I'd have thought you were her sister."
Sophia burst into laughter. "What a sweet talker!"
"Uncle," Bianca greeted Edward, straightening her posture unconsciously.
Edward gave a slight nod. "Welcome."
"Let's put the gifts down first," Evelyn reminded.
Sophia finally noticed the numerous bags in Bianca's hands and waved dismissively. "You shouldn't have brought anything just to visit."
"It's only proper," Bianca replied sincerely.
With an arm around each girl, Sophia led them toward the living room. Edward followed, an uncharacteristic smile softening his features.
"Sister!" Isabella suddenly rose from her seat, her voice dripping with saccharine sweetness. "You're finally back. Mom and Dad talk about you every day."
Evelyn responded with a faint, "Mm."