Noticing the worry etched onto Edward’s face, Marcellus said coolly, "May I borrow your laptop for a moment?"

Though puzzled by the request, Edward nodded and pushed his laptop across the mahogany desk.

Marcellus’s fingers flew across the keyboard. A moment later, he turned the screen toward the older man. Edward squinted at the display, his confusion slowly giving way to absolute shock.

"What is this?" Edward stammered.

"My security deposit for Evangeline."

"You... you’ve transferred your entire net worth to her?" Edward stared at the screen, speechless. "You’re giving her total control?"

"A husband managing his assets through his wife is simply standard practice," Marcellus replied, his tone as casual as if he were discussing the weather.

The move effectively silenced every argument Edward had been prepared to make. He couldn't find a single fault. One thing was certain: the man was utterly devoted to his daughter, just like he was to his wife. Edward decided right then and there—this was the son-in-law he wanted.

Outside the study, Evangeline was pressing her ear so hard against the doorframe she could practically hear the heartbeat of the house. She paced back and forth, spiraling. Was her father saying no? Was he trying to force them to break up?

Just as she leaned in for one last attempt to listen, the door clicked open. Evangeline stumbled forward, colliding straight into a wall of solid muscle.

"Evangeline?"

She rubbed her nose, which was aching from the impact, and looked up with a sheepish grin. "Hi, Dad."

Edward let out a frustrated but affectionate sigh. "You girl. Did you really think I was going to eat him?"

"No! I was just… worried he’d say something blunt and upset you." She hooked her arm through her father's, winking over his shoulder at Marcellus.

Edward saw right through his daughter’s little performance and shook his head with a smile. "Alright, go on. Take him for a walk."

"Got it."

Evangeline let go of her father’s arm and immediately laced her fingers through Marcellus’s, gripping his hand tightly. Watching them, Edward felt a familiar pang of bittersweetness. His little girl was being whisked away by someone else.

As they strolled through the garden, Evangeline looked up at him, her curiosity piqued. "What did my dad actually say to you?"

"He told me to love you, cherish you, and keep you safe."

"Well, you’ve been doing a pretty spectacular job of that already."

Marcellus stopped, turning to look at her with an intensity that made her breath hitch. "It’s only going to get better from here."

Evangeline’s eyes glimmered with unshed tears. She stepped into his personal space, wrapping her arms firmly around his waist. "Thank you, Marcellus. Thank you for loving me."

"No," he whispered, resting his chin on the top of her head. "Thank you for coming into my life."

You brought light to a world that was entirely dark.

"Oh, look at them! How sweet! Isn't it wonderful to be young?" Marilyn whispered from the shadows of a nearby pillar, her hands clasped in delight.

Edward tugged at her sleeve, flustered. "Stop peeping! If they catch us, it’ll be embarrassing."

"Hmph. Fine, let's go."

Marilyn couldn't take her eyes off them. She was thrilled.

"Are you that satisfied with him?" Edward asked, noting how she hadn't stopped smiling since the couple arrived.

"My satisfaction doesn't matter. What matters is that our girl is happy. You can see love in a person's eyes, Edward. When she was with Jonah, when did you ever see her look at him like that?"

Edward paused, retracing his memory. He nodded slowly. "You’re right. I never did."

If his daughter was happy, the only thing a parent could do was stand by her side.

During lunch, the family sat together, laughter flowing freely. It was the first time Marcellus had truly experienced the warmth of a genuine home. It was no wonder Evangeline was like a little sun—she was fueled by this endless, radiant energy.

By the afternoon, Marcellus departed, and Evangeline headed back to C&R Atelier to focus on her contest entry.

"Remi! I'm back!"

Jemma Riley pulled Evangeline aside, whispering urgently, "Remi’s been moping in her office for two days straight!"

"Really? Let me check on her."

Evangeline pushed the door open to find Remi slumped over her desk, looking utterly defeated. "Remi? What’s going on?"

Remi looked up. Her eyes were bloodshot, and the moment she saw Evangeline, tears spilled over like pearls from a broken string. Evangeline was startled, rushing over to pull her friend into a hug. "Don't scare me like that! What happened?"

Remi sniffled, her voice thick. "Evangeline... I think I’ve been hit by a heartthrob."

"What?" Evangeline was completely baffled.

"I’ve fallen for him!"

"You like someone? Isn't that supposed to be a good thing? Why are you crying?"

"It’s wrong! Everything about it is wrong. We didn't meet at the right time, there was no build-up, no flirting—just a sudden, messy collision. I shouldn't like someone who was so forward with me, but my heart is betraying me!"

After a convoluted explanation, Evangeline finally pieced the story together. "So, you’re saying you think Damian Spencer acted like a total cad, but you’ve actually caught feelings for him, and you can’t forgive yourself for it?"

Remi nodded miserably. "Yeah."

"Remi, Damian isn't the type to be cavalier. Is it possible he’s just as confused as you are?"

"It’s not about that! He didn't show me any respect!"

Evangeline understood, but she knew better than to push. Matters of the heart were messy. "Look, from what I know, Damian doesn't have much dating experience. Let’s not write him off yet. Just observe him for a while, okay?"

Remi wiped her eyes, looking at her friend hopefully. "You really think so?"

"I do. I’m on your side—always. I wouldn't lie to you."

"Okay." Remi felt a weight lift. She realized how exhausted she was; she hadn't slept properly in days. "Evangeline, I need to crash. You handle the shop this afternoon, okay?"

"Go on, get some sleep."

Evangeline watched her friend drift off, determined to keep a closer eye on Damian. She couldn't let Remi get hurt.

After a long nap, Remi finally emerged, looking much more like herself. "Evangeline?"

"Awake? Feeling better?"

Remi leaned against her shoulder. "Much." Her eyes drifted to the sketches on the table, her interest instantly piqued. "Wait, are we doing wedding gowns now?"

Evangeline handed her the portfolio. "This is for the design competition. What do you think?"

"It’s stunning. The sheer lace mixed with the heavy satin—it’s dignified, elegant, and yet it still has that soft, youthful touch. The lines are perfect. It’s gorgeous!" Remi looked at her with pure admiration.

"Then I’m submitting this one."

"Definitely. This piece is going to sweep the competition!"

"Let’s do it." They high-fived, the shared excitement washing away the morning's gloom.