The Mafia Lord's Secret Lover (Evelyn) novel Chapter 315

Chapter 315: Meet The Elders

The moment Evelyn stepped through the door, her breath caught in her throat.

The living room was vast, warm, and breathtaking.

High ceilings arched above with wooden beams, softened by the glow of sunlight pouring through a massive glass window that overlooked the dense woods outside.

The leaves burned in shades of amber and red, a sea of autumn color behind the house, making the world outside look like a painting.

A stone fireplace crackled gently beneath a wide mantel lined with old photographs, medals, and antique trinkets that hinted at generations of history.

Despite its size, the room felt like a place meant to be lived in, not admired from afar. Rich rugs softened the wooden floor, and the furniture carried the timeless elegance of mid-century design: warm leathers, walnut woods, and brass accents that reflected the dancing firelight.

And then...

Her gaze fell on the two elderly people sitting closest to the fireplace.

An older man, his hair snowy white and combed neatly back, sat upright on a couch.

Even age could not hide the strength in his frame. His posture was straight and disciplined, a military aura clinging to him like a shadow.

But his eyes—blue and vivid, shining with life—softened the moment they met hers.

Beside him was a woman in a wheelchair.

Her body looked fragile, hands resting lightly on a wool blanket draped across her lap. Her short white hair framed a face that, though pale, held the remnants of stunning beauty.

The moment she saw Evelyn, her chin trembled. Tears welled instantly, spilling down her wrinkled cheeks as a hand rose to her mouth.

Evelyn froze.

It felt like her feet were glued to the floor.

She stood several steps away, her clutch dangling uselessly at her side.

Her heartbeat thundered in her chest as her eyes remained locked on the elderly woman.

’Grandma, Mom,’ she whispered softly in her mind, ’I did it. I wish you were here with me. I finally found them, and now I stand proudly before our family...’

She tried to swallow the knot in her throat, but her emotions swirled violently inwardly... joy, grief, fear, hope. It was too much and not enough at the same time.

Finley, who stood quietly at her side, leaned closer, his voice gentle.

"Don’t worry, Eve. They don’t know about anything from the outside world. They don’t watch television, and we never tell them about... those negative things."

He smiled and patted her back lightly.

"They have no idea about the cruel news. They only know their granddaughter’s granddaughter is coming home."

Evelyn blinked, startled. "How did you know I was worried?"

Finley smirked, shrugging. "It is written all over your face. You look like a deer trying to do taxes."

She let out a shaky laugh. "Is that supposed to be comforting?"

"A little. Besides, if anyone judges you, belittles you, I’ll throw them out personally. Even if it’s my father."

"What!? You would throw General Morgan out of his own house?" Evelyn whispered, stifling a smile.

Finley nodded solemnly, then whispered, "Well, maybe not him. But I’ll definitely bully someone smaller than me. As a warm-up."

"I’m sorry..." She choked back a sob. "I’m sorry it took me so long to find you."

Emma’s cry broke into a soft laugh, the sound fragile but sweet.

"No, no, darling. You are here now. That is what matters. Not the years lost. Not the pain in between. You are here..."

Nicholas cleared his throat and placed a trembling hand on Evelyn’s shoulder.

"Our Giselle made her choices. We never stopped loving her. Or wishing she would return." His gaze drifted toward the window. "We never imagined... it would be you who came back instead."

Evelyn squeezed Emma’s hands tighter.

’Grandma, I hope you hear this. I hope you didn’t scold me because I came here without your permission...’

Finley stood behind them, wiping his eyes discreetly.

When he noticed Evelyn glance his way, he immediately switched to a grin. "I am not crying. Dust! So much dust."

She let out a watery laugh.

Theodor, who had been silent, finally spoke again after they all settled on the couch.

"Evelyn... today is the beginning of many things. You do not need to rush. Just... stay. Let us know you. Let us know the child of the woman we lost."

Evelyn took a shuddering breath and nodded. "I will tell you everything I know. I promise."

While Evelyn spoke with the elders, Finley excused himself to step out. He needs to make a call.