Chapter 201 Grand Finale

Chapter 201 Grand Finale

# Six Months Later

The collaboration between Zenith Enterprises Group and Dairy Haven Group was a massive success, becoming Novaria's classic case study of the year.

Evelyn's name appeared frequently in financial news.

By year's end, Evelyn was unsurprisingly awarded the title of Novaria's Most Outstanding Returned Entrepreneur of the Year.

Matthew took time off specifically to attend the entire awards ceremony.

Throughout, his eyes never left Evelyn, brimming with pride.

In the car afterward, he said gently, "My wife is amazing!"

Evelyn shot him a look. "Who's your wife? We're not even married yet!"

"You." Matthew moved closer, naturally taking her hand. "It's always been you, anyway."

Evelyn didn't pull away.

Sloane's case had been completely resolved three months ago.

Police found overwhelming evidence at her residence.

She was ultimately convicted of intentional homicide and framing others, receiving multiple concurrent sentences—life imprisonment.

Emma was found guilty of illegally possessing Matthew's frozen sperm and attempting illegal embryo implantation. She faced prosecution on multiple charges.

The Perkins Group issued a statement completely disassociating themselves from her.

The day the news broke, Matthew was peeling an apple for Evelyn at the villa.

Evelyn glanced at the news notification on her phone, accepted the apple Matthew handed her, and mumbled through a bite:

"Your lifesaver just went to prison."

Matthew sighed helplessly. "You're teasing me again. You're my lifesaver."

Evelyn didn't respond, but the corner of her mouth curved slightly.

Matthew and Susan worked together to completely dismantle that assassin organization, their methods so ruthless they sent shockwaves through the entire underground world.

Matthew released only one statement: "Those who harm my beloved will be hunted down, no matter how far they run."

Because of this, Caleb's attitude toward Matthew underwent a subtle change.

He no longer deliberately avoided him like before.

Chloe was much simpler.

Six months ago, when she learned Mom and the handsome gentleman were together, she was overjoyed.

The moment she walked in, she threw herself into Matthew's arms, calling out "handsome gentleman" in her soft, sweet voice—melting Matthew's heart completely.

Evelyn and Matthew had reconciled, and Matthew learned he was the children's biological father.

But they both agreed—keep this secret from the kids for now. They'd tell them when they were older.

...

Monica and Henry's wedding was set for next spring.

The Phillips estate had been completely renovated, its courtyard filled with Monica's favorite sunflowers.

Henry's parents adored their daughter-in-law. Every time they met, they'd hold her hands and say, "Mon, you've gotten thinner," then proceed to feed her constantly.

Monica had also completely cut ties with the Sinclair family. Without the Gray Group's support, the Sinclair family quickly approached bankruptcy.

Helena later sent word through someone that she wanted to see Monica. Monica was silent for a long time before finally shaking her head.

"I've decided not to be angry with her anymore," she told Evelyn. "But I'm not going back either."

Evelyn squeezed her hand, saying nothing.

After returning to Limbo Inc., Matthew became different from before.

He no longer buried himself in work all day, instead reserving his free time for Evelyn and the children.

On Christmas Eve, City A's first snow fell.

When Evelyn got home from work and pushed open the villa door, the living room's main lights were off—only the fireplace cast a warm, dancing glow.

Christmas presents were piled by the tree, twinkling lights bathing the entire room in a gentle orange hue.

Chloe wore a red dress, standing on tiptoe to hang stars on the tree.

Caleb sat on the sofa, a thick programming book spread across his lap, occasionally glancing up at his sister with a faint smile on his lips.

Susan reclined in the rocking chair, cradling hot tea, eyes half-closed in drowsiness.

Monica and Henry lived in the villa next door and had come over to mooch dinner on Christmas Eve.

Right now, Monica was leaning against Henry's shoulder, both watching the same movie.

Matthew stood in the kitchen doorway wearing an apron, holding a tray of freshly baked cookies.

The heat was on full blast. His face was flushed slightly pink from the warmth, making him look softer than usual.

Standing in the entryway, Evelyn took in the scene and suddenly felt her eyes grow hot.

"Mommy!" Chloe spotted her first, dropped the star she was holding, and ran over. "Mommy, look! The dress the handsome gentleman bought me! Isn't it super pretty!"

She twirled, the skirt blooming like a flower.

Evelyn crouched down, hugged her, and kissed her forehead. "Beautiful."

Caleb also set down his book and hugged Evelyn's waist.

Evelyn stroked his head and stood up.

Matthew set the cookies on the dining table, then walked over and pulled her into his arms.

His embrace was warm, carrying the sweet scent of butter and sugar.

"Merry Christmas," he said softly.

"Merry Christmas." Evelyn buried her face in his chest, hearing his heartbeat—steady, strong, one beat after another.

After dinner, the children went to bed.

Monica and Henry huddled by the fireplace playing chess. When Monica lost, she'd cheat shamelessly, and Henry would laugh and let her take back her moves.

Matthew and Evelyn stood side by side on the balcony as snow fell silently.

"Eve," Matthew suddenly spoke.

"Mm?"

"Thank you for being willing to give me another chance."

Evelyn turned her head to look at him.

"I'm not giving you another chance," she said softly. "I'm giving us another chance."

Matthew looked at her for a long time, then lowered his head and gently kissed her forehead.

"Then our future starts now."

In the distance, the city blazed with light. Nearby, snow fell quietly.

Evelyn didn't answer, only slipped her hand into his coat pocket and intertwined her fingers with his.

...

# Four Years Later

The sunflowers in the Phillips estate garden were in full bloom as Monica's daughter's one-month celebration was in full swing.

Monica had been cared for meticulously by Henry. Now that she'd finished her postpartum confinement period, she looked impossibly radiant.

"Godmother, the baby's so tiny!"

Chloe reached out a finger and gently touched the infant's hand. The tiny fist immediately grabbed her finger.

Chloe's eyes lit up instantly. "Look! She's holding me!"

Caleb watched quietly from the side, a slight curve to his lips.

Susan stood nearby leaning on her cane, smiling so wide her eyes disappeared.

She had Logan bring over the longevity lock and gold bracelets she'd prepared long ago, insisting on putting them on the baby without argument.

Evelyn and Matthew stood side by side, their wedding rings glinting in the sunlight.

Matthew and Evelyn's wedding had been held by the sea last year.

No grand ceremony, no crowds of guests—only their closest loved ones witnessing their happiness beneath the ocean sunset.

"Marry me," he'd said.

Evelyn looked into his eyes. In them, she saw the ocean's reflection, the sunset's afterglow, and herself.

She didn't hesitate long before extending her hand.

...

After attending Monica's daughter's one-month celebration, they returned to the villa late at night.

The children were asleep. Matthew was in his study handling documents.

Evelyn walked in carrying a cup of hot milk, set it by his hand, and sat down across from him.

Matthew looked up at her. "What's wrong?"

Evelyn was silent for a moment, her finger drawing circles on the desktop.

"I was thinking," she began, her voice soft, "it's time we told the children."

Matthew's hand froze.

The study fell silent for several seconds.

Matthew set down his pen, came around the desk, and crouched before her, holding her hands.

"Are you sure?" His voice was hoarse.

"We've put it off for so many years." Evelyn looked at him. "We can't keep putting it off."

"Caleb's so smart—he's sensed it already. He just doesn't ask."

Matthew buried his face in her palm, not lifting his head for a long time.

On a weekend morning, sunlight poured through the floor-to-ceiling windows, flooding the living room with brightness.

Chloe sat on the carpet drawing. Caleb leaned against the sofa nearby, flipping through a thick encyclopedia.

Matthew sat in the single armchair on the other side, holding a financial magazine he hadn't turned a single page of, his peripheral vision constantly falling on the two children.

Evelyn descended the stairs.

"Chloe, Caleb." She walked to the sofa and sat down. "I have something to tell you both."

Chloe looked up, still gripping her crayon.

Caleb closed his book, his gaze slowly moving from Evelyn's face to Matthew's, then back again.

"Caleb, Chloe." Evelyn's voice was gentle. "Matthew is your father."

"Your father and I had a misunderstanding back then, so I secretly took you both and ran away."

"It's been so many years now. I think it's time you knew."

The living room fell silent for a moment.

Chloe blinked, then suddenly ran to Matthew, tilting her small face up at him. "So the handsome gentleman really is my daddy?"

She'd dreamed of this moment so many times—and now it was real!

Matthew crouched down to her eye level. "Yes. I'm your father."

"Will you stay with us always? Be our daddy forever?"

Chloe's voice was soft, carrying the unique innocence of a seven-year-old.

"I will." Matthew's eyes reddened. "I'll always be with you."

Chloe thought for a moment, then extended her pinky. "Then pinky promise with me."

Matthew smiled and hooked his pinky with hers.

Caleb hadn't spoken the entire time.

He stood up and looked at Matthew.

His gaze held no excitement, but there was a sense of relief—as if a secret had finally been revealed.

He nodded at Matthew, a silent acknowledgment.

Chloe made Matthew tell stories all morning. Caleb listened quietly beside them.

Evelyn sat nearby watching them, sunlight pouring through the floor-to-ceiling windows and falling on all three of them like a painting frozen in time.

"The villa at Lake Serenity is ready. Let's all move in together."

Matthew spoke calmly, though his voice carried both excitement and careful hope.

Lake Serenity—the place he'd always wanted to live with Evelyn as their marital home.

Evelyn looked at him. After a long moment, she nodded.

On moving day, Caleb packed two large boxes with his Legos and programming books. Chloe stuffed the trunk full of art supplies.

Monica came for the housewarming carrying her daughter, exclaiming as soon as she walked in, "Now this feels like a home!"

Henry followed behind carrying the baby stroller, smiling as he added, "Didn't Matthew's place feel like home before?"

"Before, he was living in a five-star hotel." Monica rolled her eyes. "Now it feels like a home with actual warmth in it."

Evelyn stood in the kitchen wearing an apron, making soup.

Caleb and Chloe sat in the living room, each quietly doing their own thing.

Matthew leaned against the wall, tilting his head back to push down the heat rising in his eyes.

He didn't know how long he'd waited for this scene before him.

Now, it had all become real.

The sun set, night came, and stars appeared one by one.

Chloe's giggling laughter drifted from the living room.

Monica was on the phone acting spoiled with her mother-in-law about how fussy her daughter was. Susan reminded Pearl to make bird's nest soup for the children tomorrow.

Evelyn walked to Matthew's side and placed her hand in his palm.

"Come on," she said. "Dinner's ready."

Matthew squeezed her hand and nodded.

Those past fractures, missed chances, and hurts—like the rapids of a river—had gradually flowed away into the distance.

Now, they too had become one lamp among thousands of homes—the most ordinary and the most blessed.