Chapter 271

Evelyn froze in shock when she spotted Victor Langley lounging on her sofa.

The renowned attorney looked every inch the elite professional in his tailored navy suit, gold-rimmed glasses perched on his aristocratic nose. "Good morning, Ms. Sinclair," he greeted with a polished smile.

Isabella came skipping over, twirling to show off a new hairclip. "Look Mommy! Uncle Victor gave me this! Isn't it pretty?"

The child's joy did nothing to lift Evelyn's heavy heart.

She forced a smile as she scooped Isabella into her arms. "Absolutely stunning. My beautiful girl deserves all the prettiest things."

Giggles filled the room as Isabella planted a wet kiss on Evelyn's cheek. "Love you mostest, Mommy!"

Alexander remained sprawled on the couch, flipping channels with disinterest. He rolled his eyes at his sister's antics. "So dramatic," he muttered under his breath.

Victor observed the domestic scene with fascination. The children's easy affection toward Evelyn surprised him. These weren't ordinary kids - they'd seen through countless gold-diggers' ploys to win their father's favor through them.

Yet here they were, treating Evelyn like their birth mother. Remarkable.

Evelyn gave Victor a stiff nod, her smile vanishing. "Good morning, Mr. Langley."

She knew exactly who she was dealing with. Victor Langley had made headlines defending the impossible - taking on the wealthy rapists who'd murdered that poor girl in Loughton when no other lawyer dared.

"Ms. Sinclair, I'd like to speak privately," Victor adjusted his glasses when Evelyn's attention drifted.

"Darlings, Mommy needs to talk with Uncle Victor. Alexander, help your sister with that new puzzle. I've got a surprise for you both later." Evelyn ruffled their hair before sending them off.

She poured tea with trembling hands, knowing what was coming.

Victor produced documents from his briefcase. "The paperwork is ready. To file, you'll need your ID, marriage certificate, and any property division requests. The court will then serve Maxwell and schedule a hearing date. Everything's outlined here."

Evelyn stared blankly. "What are my chances?"

"One hundred percent." Victor's confidence wasn't arrogance - just fact. "I don't lose."

Her fingers shook as she touched the papers. After a long silence, she met his gaze. "Thank you, but... I won't be proceeding with the divorce."

Victor's glasses nearly slipped off. This made no sense - Evelyn had been desperate to end this marriage. And Dominic? The man would never tolerate his woman belonging to another.

"May I ask why? Does Dominic know about this?" Victor studied her carefully. Something was very wrong.

Evelyn's voice cracked despite her calm facade. "My decision. Nothing to do with Dominic. I just... need more time."

Victor gathered his files. "Very well. Contact me if you change your mind."

The moment the door closed, Evelyn's composure shattered. A storm of emotions she'd been suppressing came crashing down.

Then - BANG! BANG! BANG! - someone was kicking her door.

Evelyn opened it to find Beatrice Lockwood, Dominic's mother, dressed in head-to-toe designer wear.

"You? Why are you—" Evelyn gasped, immediately blocking the doorway, thinking of the children.