But as her eyes scanned the card, her fingers froze. Her breath hitched and her heart seemed to stop.
[William. CEO of Sinclair Industries.]
Her hands trembled as the truth hit her. These weren’t just any parents. They were Charlotte’s parents.
The air felt suffocating and panic surged through her veins. Without a word, Evelyn fled the hospital.
***
The fireworks were still painting the sky as Evelyn arrived back at her empty villa.
Christopher was already waiting by the entrance. One hand rested in his coat pocket, while the other tapped impatiently on his watch. His face darkened with each passing moment.
It was nearly ten and Evelyn still hadn’t come home.
Beside him, Charlotte shivered in the biting December wind. Winter in Redwood City was harsh, with snow blanketing the streets for most of the month. She tugged at Christopher’s sleeve, her voice soft and saccharine.
“Chris, let’s go back inside. The cake hasn’t been cut yet…”
Christopher’s brows furrowed as he stood at the villa's entrance, his sharp gaze fixed on the empty driveway. His voice, low and unwavering, broke the silence.
“Go back and cut the cake yourself.”