Chapter 199 Proposal

Chapter 199 Proposal

"How are they here?"

Seeing the two children playing happily with Harry, and both Sophie and Leona present, Evelyn felt warmth spreading through her heart.

"Everything's behind us now. Adult grudges shouldn't affect the children, so I thought they should spend more time together. Getting out for some fresh air seemed like the perfect way to close this chapter."

They walked toward the beach as they talked.

Evelyn didn't think much of it, letting Louis lead her by the hand. When Julie and Leo spotted her, they immediately ran over.

"Mom!"

The two children were absolutely adorable. Evelyn couldn't help pinching their little cheeks.

"Are you all having fun?"

Harry seemed somewhat reserved, looking at Evelyn, wanting to approach but not daring to.

Among the children, he was the most mature, having shouldered far more than someone his age should.

These past few days with Sophie's companionship, Harry seemed much better.

Especially being around Julie and Leo—since the three children were already familiar with each other, he quickly opened up. It was a good sign of recovery.

"Harry, are you happy today?"

Evelyn extended her hand toward Harry. Seeing the gentle smile on her face and hearing her soft voice, Harry gathered his courage and placed his small hand in her palm.

"Happy," he said, then lowered his head and mumbled quietly, "I'm sorry..."

Those words brought instant tears to Evelyn's eyes. She pulled Harry into her arms.

It should be Hannah apologizing to her, not Harry.

"Don't say you're sorry. You have nothing to be sorry for."

"Harry, remember—from today on, your mother is Sophie. You haven't wronged anyone."

Hearing Evelyn's words, Harry burst into tears. Seeing how wronged he looked, Julie and Leo's eyes immediately reddened as well.

Watching this scene, all the adults couldn't help but feel sympathy for Harry.

No one tried to stop him. They simply watched quietly as Harry cried.

During this time, Harry had endured far too much.

Even after learning he'd been adopted, he hadn't shed a single tear.

For such a young child to carry so much inside—everyone worried he couldn't bear it.

Crying it out would actually help.

"Don't cry, Harry. No one blames you. Remember, none of this has anything to do with you."

"Cry. You'll feel better once you let it out."

Sophie stepped forward and wiped the tears from Harry's face, her touch infinitely gentle. "Harry, don't be sad. From today on, you're my child. I promise to care for you and love you just like your own mother would."

Hearing Sophie's words, Harry finally showed a hint of a smile. The three children quickly resumed playing together.

"I hope the three of them can stay this carefree forever."

The women gathered together. Evelyn suddenly noticed Louis had disappeared. When she turned around, she found him kneeling right behind her.

Almost simultaneously, people began appearing around them—friends, colleagues from the company, old acquaintances, and many who had helped them along the way.

Only then did Evelyn realize what was happening. Her face filled with surprise as Louis held up a diamond ring.

When he'd proposed before, he'd promised that besides the heirloom ring, he would prepare a diamond ring specifically for her.

"Last time was somewhat rushed. Now I want to propose properly."

"Evelyn, will you marry me?"

Tears welled up in Evelyn's eyes as she nodded repeatedly. "Yes! I will!"

Louis was overcome with joy. Hearing her acceptance, all their friends immediately surrounded them, offering congratulations.

Looking at the children playing in the distance, then at the man beside her whose eyes were filled only with her, Evelyn felt happier than ever before.

Louis embraced Evelyn from behind. Their intertwined figures painted an exceptionally beautiful picture.

"If you two want to be lovey-dovey, could you at least go home first? There are children here, you know."

Leona immediately called out loudly. At that moment, Julie, Leo, and Harry were too absorbed in their play to notice what the adults were doing.

Louis shot her a glare. "Did you really have to say that right now?"

Leona shrugged indifferently. The two had long grown accustomed to their mutual teasing.

The group stayed until quite late before heading home.

The children were exhausted from playing. After dinner and a quick wash, they fell fast asleep.

Evelyn watched the two children sleeping soundly before closing the door and leaving.

Louis sat on the sofa, head lowered, his expression somewhat serious.

Evelyn approached curiously. "Did something happen?"

"Nothing major. News came from overseas—they've basically finished investigating Mrs. King's affairs."

Evelyn was somewhat surprised. She hadn't expected Layla's case to wrap up so quickly.

The documents detailed how Layla's holdings spanned multiple sectors. Beyond pharmaceuticals, she had fingers in entertainment, real estate, food service, and more.

As for her illicit enterprises and underground operations, those had been uncovered as well. The staggering figures left Louis profoundly shocked.

After reading the documents, Evelyn was equally stunned.

"Besides that, they've nearly finished investigating Ryan's side too. He definitely had dealings with Mrs. King. If I'm not mistaken, once he leaves the hospital, he'll be taken into custody."

Evelyn showed little reaction. Everything was within her expectations.

"That's only natural. He has to pay for what he's done. Though compared to all that, finding out Harry isn't his son will probably be even harder for him to accept."

With that, they exchanged a smile, feeling an unprecedented sense of relief.

To celebrate, they poured champagne.

Tomorrow was their wedding day, yet neither felt the slightest bit sleepy.

"Grandfather and the others will be coming tomorrow. Try not to be too nervous."

Evelyn smiled softly.

Only with everyone's blessing could she and Louis find lasting happiness together.