“I…” Evelyn swallowed hard. “I haven’t visited him yet.” Her voice dropped to a whisper. “I was still recovering. I thought… I thought I had more time.”


    Alicia didn’t answer immediately. Only the sound of breathing, shaky and uneven, passed through the line.


    “Eve, Alicia said finally, her voice gentle despite her grief, “he always asks about you. Even yesterday. He will probably ask the same by the end of today, too. He said he wanted to meet you.”


    Tears burned behind Evelyn’s eyes, but she refused to let them fall. Not yet.


    “Alice,” Evelyn said, forcing steadiness into her tone, “please tell Grandma and Grandpa I wille tonight. No matter what. I will be there.”


    “Alright,” Alicia replied quietly. “But please, Eve…e soon. We never know when…” Her voice broke again. “When will he leave us…!?”


    Evelyn’s fingers curled tightly into her palm.


    “I understand,” she whispered. “Thank you, Alice.”


    The call ended.


    Evelyn remained standing by the window, phone still pressed to her ear, as if letting go would make the news real.


    Behind her,ughter from the living room continued: Oliver and Oscar carefree and


    unaware.


    He was lost in thought, imagining his grandfather’s worsening condition.


    However,


    It didn’t take long before Evelyn heard Oscar’s voice calling her from across the rooms “Eve, what are you doing over there?” he asked, confusion coloring his tone. Evelyn blinked, snapping out of the storm brewing inside her thoughts. She inhaled softly, smoothed her expression, and turned toward him with a calm simile.


    “I’m enjoying the scenery outside, she replied lightly, hiding the tremor in her chest behind her smile.


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    <b>368 </b>I Found Him!


    Oscar squinted at her from the sofa.


    “Gosh, Eve. I came all the way to the Valley, and my dear host abandons me to stare at the window. How generous of you.”


    She chuckled softly at his exaggerated sarcasm and returned to her seat. The moment she sat, her gaze fell on Oliver. Her son was hunched over his iPad, fingers flying across the screen, eyes so focused he might as well have been defusing a bomb.


    “Oscar, Evelyn said, narrowing her eyes yfully, “can you stop teaching my child knowledge beyond his age?”


    Oscar lifted an eyebrow. “Excuse me? I merely provided educational enrichment.””


    “Educational?” Evelyn gestured toward Oliver. “Look at him. He’s addicted to your game. He doesn’t even notice his favorite donuts anymore…”


    Before she could finish, a small gasp cut her off.


    Oliver suddenly dropped his iPad onto the sofa and turned toward the coffee table, eyes sparkling like stars.


    “Wow! Mommy, my favorite!” he eximed, already reaching for a blueberry donut. “Why didn’t you tell me earlier?”


    Evelyn stared at him, momentarily speechless.


    Oscar burst intoughter. “See? Bnced development. Coding for the brain, donuts for the soul.”


    Oliver took a bite, cheeks puffing adorably. Halfway through chewing, he turned to Oscar and held up the donut.


    “Uncle Oscar, do you want some?” he asked with innocent sincerity.


    Oscar ced a hand casually over his heart. “Little buddy, I am deeply touched. But if t eat that, your mother will me me for corrupting your diet.”


    Oliver nodded solemnly, as if epting a grave responsibility. “Okay, I will eat it for you.”


    Evelyn shook her head, unable to hide her smile anymore. The tension in her chest loosened slightly, if only for a moment.


    As Oliver happily devoured his treats and returned to his iPad, Evelyn leaned back against the sofa and nced at Oscar


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    <


    368 I Found Him!


    “So,” she asked casually, tilting her head, “how’s life after migrating to my peaceful little Valley? Have you finished settling into your new house, or are you still fighting with rebelliousputer spareparts?”


    Oscar chuckled while shaking his head. “Don’t remind me. I moved across countries, thinking I’d escape chaos. Instead, I’m at war with contractors who work slower than a loading screen from the 90s.”


    Evelynughed. “You chose a house not far from mine. Congrattions. Now you’re officially under Axel Knight’s territorial surveince.”


    Oscar grinned. “I figured it was safer to live near you. If anyone tries to rob my house, your husband’s bodyguards will probably eliminate them before I can call the police.”


    “See? Smart decision,” Evelyn said with mock pride.


    Oscar’s eyes glinted with amusement as he leaned back against the sofa. “Though I have to admit, the Valley is nice. Quiet. Clean air. No city noise. I like this ce.”


    Evelynughed softly.


    “Hmm. This ce is perfect. The air is clean, the view is peaceful, and the neighbors don’t spy on you.” She paused, then added with a smirk, “At least… not obviously.”


    Oscarughed, shaking his head. “If your husband hears that, he’ll probably install anti–spysers by tomorrow.”


    Before Evelyn could reply, a small voice cut through their banter.


    “Mommy, Uncle!” Oliver hopped off the sofa, proudly standing between them. When both adults turned to him, he continued his words. “I’m done with my game. And I ate my donuts and cake. I need to stop now.”


    “Wow, bud. You’re such an obedient little man. Most adults can’t even stop eating cake when told,” Oscar was impressed.


    Oliver grinned, clearly pleased with thepliment. Then he stood beside his mother, “Mommy… Can I y upstairs?”


    “Alright,” Evelyn said warmly, brushing his hair aside. “Go y in your yroom.”


    Oliver waved at them as he dashed toward the stairs, iPad still in hand. His tiny footsteps faded as he disappeared onto the second floor


    The moment he vanished from sight, the atmosphere shifted.


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    < 368 I Found Him!


    Oscar’s yful expression drained away, reced by a quiet stiffness. The teasing spark in his eyes dimmed into something serious.


    Evelyn noticed immediately. “Oscar,” she asked softly, “are you okay?”


    “Eve,” Oscar lowered his voice, making sure no one else could hear. “I found out who the person behind our potential client is.”


    Her brows knitted. “The one trying to find Axel’s weakness?”


    Oscar nodded once. “Yes. ke Martinez.”


    Silence settled between them.


    Evelyn’s heart tightened, shock flickering across her face. ‘Martinez again?‘ she muttered under her breath. ‘What the hell is wrong with that family?‘


    “Eve? Did you hear me? Are you alright?”


    She blinked, forcing herself back to the present. “I’m fine,” she said, though her fingers had already curled into a fist. “But I need to call Axel.”


    Her voice was calm. But the storm in her eyes said otherwise.


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    <strong>Olivia Harris</strong> is an emerging author celebrated for her captivating romantic and steamy novels. With a talent for crafting deep emotional connections and fiery chemistry between her characters, Olivia’s stories offer readers an escape into worlds filled with passion, intrigue, and heart-stopping drama.