After a hearty, fun family dinner, Evelyn helped Oliver clean up and tucked him into bed.
The little boy, full from dessert and excitement, insisted on telling her one last story about meeting another grandfather before finally drifting off to sleep.
She tucked him in, kissed his forehead, and lingered for a moment, watching his chest rise and fall, her heart warm and heavy all at once.
Meanwhile, Axel led Finley to his study.
The room was quiet and refined, lined with dark wooden shelves and floor-to-ceiling windows that reflected the bright moon outside.
A bottle of champagne rested on the table between them, already opened, the two glasses half full.
Alone with Finley at last, Axel leaned back in his seat, studying the man across from him. Even now, it felt unreal.
"Seriously," Finley said with a laugh as he lifted his glass, "why do you still look like you are interrogating me? Do you think I forged a DNA report and stole your wife?"
Axel snorted softly and took a sip of his champagne.
He chuckled before responding, "I am not suspicious. I just cannot believe it. I spent years knowing you, working with you, and never imagined the family Evelyn was searching for was already right in front of me."
Finley laughed softly.
"Trust me, I understand. The first time I saw her at the hospital, I thought my eyes were deceiving me. When the report listed her name as Evelyn Taylor, I never would have guessed it was the same Evelyn Walters."
His smile faded slowly. The warmth in Finley’s eyes darkened, giving way to something sharp and cold.
"Axel," Finley said, his voice suddenly serious, "did you know how terrible William Walters was toward Evelyn?"
The air in the room shifted.
Axel set his glass down on the table with deliberate care and leaned back, his jaw tightening.
The humor drained from his face, replaced by a chilling calm. "Yes," he answered quietly. "I know."
Finley watched him closely.
"That man," Axel continued, his voice growing colder with each word, "is shameless, evil! What he did to Evelyn, what he allowed to happen under his roof, is unforgivable. If his blood did not run through my wife’s veins, I would have ended him the first day I learned the truth."
Finley exhaled slowly, his fingers tightening around his glass. "Then we agree."
They shared a look, silent and heavy, an unspoken understanding forming between them.
For a brief moment, Finley forced a smile. "Well, at least one good thing came from this. We now have a common enemy."
Axel let out a short, humorless laugh. "That man has a rare talent. He makes everyone hate him eventually."
Finley nodded, then straightened. "Evelyn will visit our family home in a few days. I want her to meet them properly first. No pressure, no overwhelming attention."
Axel agreed without hesitation. "That is fair. She deserves that."
"You and Oliver," Finley added. "We will meet you both officially later, when everything is settled."
Axel nodded again. "I will be patient."
"I appreciated that, Axel..." Finley said, raising his glass with a warm smile.
Their conversation shifted naturally toward business, a familiar territory for both men. They discussed strategies, influence, and long-term planning.
Axel confirmed what had already been decided months ago. His company would be a prominent supporter of Finley Morgan’s presidential campaign. He would publicly stand beside him, lending his name, resources, and influence.
This alliance had been forged long before Evelyn entered his life. Now, it felt strangely personal.
"No need, Eve," Finley said, standing. "It is late. I should go."
Evelyn frowned slightly. "Uncle, you can stay. We have another apartment downstairs, or you can use the guest room."
Axel nodded in agreement. "I will have someone prepare it."
Finley shook his head, smiling warmly. "I postponed my flight already. I will go straight to the airport now... I have a meeting at seven in the morning in the capital."
Evelyn and Axel exchanged a look, then sighed in unison.
They did not argue further.
After a warm goodbye, they walked Finley down to the basement parking lot. His car and security team were already waiting.
"We will meet soon in the capital, Eve. I will call you."
"Sure, Uncle..."
"Hmm," Finley hugged Evelyn gently and clasped Axel’s shoulder firmly.
"Take care of her," Finley said quietly.
"I always do," Axel replied.
Soon, the car disappeared down the ramp, leaving behind an echo of headlights and unanswered questions.
"Are you happy to meet your family?"
Axel’s question snapped Evelyn out of her thoughts. She turned her gaze to Axel and said, "Hmm. I’m happy and excited to meet the rest of the family..."

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