Chapter 141 A Bringhter Future

Chapter 141 A Bringhter Future
The black SUV slowed down and eventually pulled over to the shaded side of the road. Alice looked at her husband with a slight frown, surprised by the sudden move.

“Evan? What’s wrong? Why did you stop here?” Alice asked as she adjusted her dress, which had shifted a little.

Evan stared at the illuminated dashboard screen. He let out a long breath, then leaned back against the leather seat. “A message just came in from the office, love. Rico sent the final report on Elino Group’s restructuring. Everything is legally complete. No more frozen assets, no trace of Edwin’s name left anywhere.”

Alice exhaled in relief. She had thought another problem had surfaced. “That’s all? You scared me.”

“Sorry,” Evan chuckled softly as he took Alice’s hand and kissed the back of it. “I just felt relieved. Reading that message felt like watching the prison gates we saw earlier close forever behind us. Elino is completely yours now, with no one else interfering.”

“Thank you, Evan. We’re truly free now,” Alice said with a wide smile.

Evan started the car again and drove at a steady pace. Instead of heading straight home, he turned toward a hilly area overlooking the harbor. There stood a private garden owned by the Nathaniel family, a place often used to find peace and quiet.

The car stopped in front of a glass pavilion surrounded by beds of blooming asters. Evan helped Alice out and guided her to sit on a comfortable garden chair.

“The air here is so much better,” Alice said, taking a deep breath. “I really feel like the weight on my shoulders is gone after today’s visit.”

“That was the point. I wanted you to leave all those negative feelings back at the prison gates,” Evan replied, sitting beside her and wrapping an arm around her shoulders.

“You know, Evan? All this time I felt like I owed Uncle Edwin for taking me in. But after learning the truth, I just feel foolish,” Alice said, resting her head against him.

“Don’t call yourself foolish. You simply have a pure heart, and they didn’t,” Evan said as he turned to her. “Now forget them. There’s no more Edwin, no more Vinnie, and no more Selena in our lives. They’re exactly where they belong.”

Alice nodded. “So, what about our plan for the nursery? Grandma said yesterday she wants a royal theme, but I think that’s a bit much.”

Evan laughed, his laughter sounding freer than it had in a long time. “Grandma always wants everything grand. But I agree with you. Let’s keep it simple. As long as it’s comfortable for you and the baby.”

They spent the afternoon chatting casually. No more talk of war strategies, betrayal, or sabotage. Their conversation now revolved around paint colors, baby bottle brands, and plans for their child’s future education.

“I want them to learn music,” Alice said suddenly.

“Music? I’d rather they learn horseback riding or self-defense from an early age,” Evan replied, raising an eyebrow.

“Evan, the baby is still in my womb and you already want to train them like a soldier?” Alice teased, lightly pinching his arm.

“Just being prepared, Alice. They’ll be the heir to two business empires. They need to be strong,” Evan said proudly.

“They’ll be a happy child. That’s what matters most,” Alice said firmly.

“Of course. They’ll have everything we never had,” Evan whispered.



By the time they returned to the Nathaniel residence, night had fallen. Warm garden lights welcomed them home. Lavina was waiting on the terrace, her face bright.

“How did the visit go? Everything all right?” Lavina asked as they got out of the car.

“It’s all finished, Grandma. We’ve closed that chapter,” Alice replied, hugging her mother-in-law.

“That’s good. Now come inside. Lily has prepared a special dinner. No prison food in this house!” Lavina joked, making them all laugh.

Dinner was warm and intimate. Zavian smiled more than usual that night, sharing funny stories from Evan’s childhood that Alice had never heard before.

“Back then, Evan once cried just because I wouldn’t let him ride a horse alone when he was five,” Zavian said, glancing at his son.

“Dad, don’t start,” Evan muttered, his face turning red, while Alice and Lavina burst out laughing.

“Really? This cold Evan actually cried?” Alice teased.

“Everyone has a past, Alice,” Evan replied, quickly placing a piece of meat on Alice’s plate to change the subject.

As the night grew late, Evan and Alice retreated to their bedroom. Alice changed into a comfortable maternity dress, while Evan stood on the balcony, gazing at the stars.

Alice walked over and wrapped her arms around Evan’s waist from behind. “What are you looking at?”

“Just how peaceful the night is,” Evan replied. He turned around and pulled Alice into his arms. “It’s been a long time since I’ve felt this calm. No suspicion, no need to check for weapons in the bedside drawer.”

“That’s because you’ve succeeded in protecting all of us,” Alice whispered.

Evan lowered his gaze to Alice’s growing belly. He knelt in front of her, bringing his face level with it.

“Hey, kid. It’s Dad. The world out here is very safe now. We’re waiting for you patiently,” Evan said gently.

Suddenly, Alice flinched. She placed both hands on her stomach.

“Evan… the baby moved,” she whispered, her eyes widening.

Evan looked up instantly. “What? Are you serious?”

“Yes. Right here. It feels like a small kick,” Alice guided Evan’s hand to the left side of her belly.

Evan held his breath, waiting intently. A second later, a small but firm movement pressed against his palm. His eyes widened, then a broad, genuine smile spread across his face.

“I felt it! They kicked me!” Evan exclaimed with pure excitement, almost like a child receiving a gift.

Alice laughed through tears welling at the corners of her eyes. “They’re greeting you, Dad.”

Evan stood up and lifted Alice, slowly spinning her around the spacious balcony. “They’re strong, Alice! Really strong!”

“Evan, put me down! I’m getting dizzy!” Alice laughed through her emotion.

Evan set her down and pulled her into a tight embrace. That night, under the witness of thousands of stars, they realized that every struggle, tear, and drop of blood they had endured had been repaid in full by a tiny movement of life within Alice’s womb.

They returned to the bedroom and lay down on the soft bed. The bedside lamp was turned off, leaving only moonlight filtering through the curtains.

“Sleep, Alice. Tomorrow is a new day,” Evan whispered.

“Yes. A new day without problems,” Alice replied.

But in the quiet of the night, just as Alice was drifting off, she remembered something. She opened her eyes and stared at the ceiling.

“Evan…”

“Yes?” Evan answered sleepily.

“I forgot to tell you. Earlier today, while you were in the shower, there was a call from a law firm in Switzerland. They said there’s a deposit box under my mother’s name that can only be opened once my pregnancy reaches exactly five months,” Alice said softly.

Evan, who had been half asleep, suddenly opened his eyes wide. He propped himself up on one elbow and looked at Alice seriously.

“A deposit box in Switzerland? Why are they only telling you now?” Evan asked, his tone wary.

Alice shrugged slightly. “They said it was an automatic clause in the will. And do you know what they said about the key?”