Chapter 302

Evelyn Sinclair was unrecognizable beneath layers of disguise. A chunky knit cap, oversized scarf, medical mask, and dark sunglasses concealed her delicate features. No one would suspect this frumpy figure was the glamorous actress from magazine covers.

She slipped into the private booth where a rugged man waited. His sharp cheekbones and thick beard gave him a dangerous air, but the warmth in his eyes betrayed his kind nature.

"Any news?" Evelyn demanded as she sat. Her fingers tapped anxiously against the table. The past week had been torture - what if her adoptive parents' biological daughter suddenly appeared to claim her rightful place?

The investigator slid a folder across the table. "We found hospital records from your mother's delivery. Also tracked down staff who worked that night." He paused dramatically. "Your parents' biological daughter...she's alive."

The words struck Evelyn like lightning. Her hands trembled violently as she gripped the documents. "Alive? Where is she?" Her voice cracked with barely contained hysteria.

The man recoiled slightly at the venom in her bloodshot eyes. Catching herself, Evelyn forced a serene smile. "My parents have grieved for so long. Finding their real daughter would bring them such joy." She dabbed at imaginary tears. "Please, find my sister quickly. I want to compensate for all her suffering..."

Though moved by her performance, the investigator remained professional. His shrewd eyes gleamed as he rubbed his fingers together. "Twenty-year-old records don't come cheap, Ms. Prescott. My team has invested considerable resources already. With additional funding..."

Evelyn understood perfectly. She transferred a substantial sum from her phone without hesitation. "There will be more when you deliver results."

"Your generosity honors you," the man smiled. "Any sister would be lucky to have you."

Evelyn's smile didn't reach her eyes. After decades missing, why would that woman reappear now? She couldn't allow anyone to steal her privileged position.

Meanwhile, Evelyn's children Alexander and Isabella cuddled with their mother on the sofa, giggling over theme park photos. The twins took turns mocking each other's expressions.

"Look how grumpy Brother is!" Isabella pointed. "All those girls chasing him and he's making such an ugly face!"

Evelyn chuckled at the image - her handsome son surrounded by adoring girls, his nose wrinkled in distaste as they tugged his clothes. She worried - if he was this popular at five, what chaos would his looks cause as an adult?

Alexander retaliated by finding embarrassing shots of his sister - crying on rides, making silly faces, pouting after losing a game. "Who's ugly now?" he teased.

Isabella stuck out her tongue. "If I'm ugly, you're uglier! We share the same face!"

Dominic watched this domestic scene with quiet contentment. Setting aside his financial reports, he noticed Evelyn's pensive expression. "Something troubling you?"

She showed him the photo album. "Our theme park memories."

Dominic's gaze softened as he flipped through pages of his laughing family. "Beautiful," he murmured. Her presence had brought light to their lives.

Evelyn hesitated before voicing her long-held doubts. "Dominic...those panties in your car. And when I called your business trip, a woman answered." Her fingers tightened around the album. "I need to know the truth."