Evander's attitude was no longer as resolute or as cheerful as before.

Seeing that she had managed to stir up trouble, Lemira finally smiled and said to the newly arrived butler, “Bring out all the dishes I like. As for those who don't like it, let them leave."

It was obvious she was referring to Evelina.

Evelina glared angrily at Lemira's back, then turned to Evander with a pitiful look. “Evander, Lemira is deliberately trying to drive a wedge between us. She's hoping we'll turn on each other, hoping that you'll never have an heir."

Evander let out a cold snort. “She wouldn't dare! As long as I'm here, nothing will happen to my child."

He glanced at Evelina's stomach and said, "You'd better make sure the child you're carrying is really mine. Otherwise, I promise you'll regret ever being born."

Evelina shivered despite herself and said softly, "Evander, can't you trust me, after everything we've been through?”

Evander grabbed her chin, his expression full of mockery. "I used to trust you. I put you on a pedestal. And you? You acted like a whore behind my back, sleeping with any man you pleased. If you weren't carrying my son, do you think I would have saved you?"

Evander was never a magnanimous man.

After his leg injury over the years, he had become suspicious, sensitive, and insecure.

That time when Evelina had publicly called him a "cripple," it had truly wounded him. Whatever little affection he still held for her had all but disappeared.

Evelina forced herself to swallow her anger. If it weren't for that bitch Lemira ruining her plan this time, she would have already taken the money and disappeared. Instead, she was now imprisoned by the Langston family, completely powerless. Inside, Evelina couldn't help but uneasily wonder: had Lemira really caught her father? Would her father's accomplices be able to rescue him?

Right now, Evelina hated everyone in the Langston family. Once she escaped, she swore she'd make them all pay.

Meanwhile, the entire Langston family had gathered in the dining room.

The table was covered with all of Lemira's favorite foods.

Asher and Lucian both looked uneasy. Last night, Lucian had learned from Asher that Lemira hadn't actually caught Evelina's father—just one of his accomplices.

Now Lucian's anxiety returned.

After discussing with Asher, they decided to keep Evelina under lock and key in the Langston house as leverage. As long as Evelina's father was still at large, Evelina was a valuable bargaining chip.

But they knew Lemira probably wouldn't approve, and neither of them knew how to broach the subject.

Lemira didn't concern herself with whatever they were thinking. After eating her fill, she set down her silverware and was ready to leave.

Lucian finally couldn't keep silent anymore. "Lemmy, there's something I'd like to discuss."

With a hint of sarcasm, Lemira replied, “And what would that be?"

She had already guessed what they wanted-it was clearly about Evelina's fate.

"We believe it's likely the child that Evelina is carrying is Evander's," Lucian explained, "and given his situation, we've decided to let Evelin@remain in the Langston house for now. Of course, when it comes to her father, we won't go soft on him just because of her."

Lemira was not at all surprised by Lucian's words.

She had expected this as early as last night.

A faint, mocking smile appeared on her lips.

Lucian found it hard to meet her eyes, but forced himself to continue, "Lemmy, things aren't always so

simple. Once the investigation

into

Evelina's father is complete we'll let

the law handle it."

“Enough with the nice-sounding speeches. If you want Evelina to stay, that's fine—

on one condition," Lemira said.

Lucian was visibly relieved. "Lemmy, what's your condition?"

Qu

"Since the child-she's carrying is part of the Langston family, if she wants to stay here; then because of what she's done, she must wear mourning attire and kneel in front of my parents' portraits every day. atore for her actions. Otherwise, how could Mom and Dad ever accept her in this house?"