The moment their car turned and entered the Knight estate, Evelyn felt even more nervous.
Through the window, she glimpsed the sprawling two-story house ahead. Its clean white walls softly glowed under the warm garden lights.
The house was modern yet inviting, surrounded by rows of tall trees and gentle breezes.
Despite the night sky above, she could still see the place looking beautiful through the warm garden light.
As the car stopped in front of the main door, Evelyn could already see two figures standing by the porch.
Even from afar, their posture spoke of grace and authority: Andrew Knight and Eleanor Knight.
Her heartbeat began to speed up a few beats.
’Oh, God. Please, please calm me...’ She clutched her small Birkin on her lap, palms slightly damp.
"Oh, they’re already waiting outside," she softly said, her voice more of a breath than a statement.
Axel turned to her with his calm smile.
"That’s a good sign. They’re excited to meet you. It’s always a good sign whenever they are excited about something."
"Excited?" She gave a nervous laugh. "More like ready to scan me from head to toe."
He chuckled softly, reaching over to squeeze her hand.
"Relax, Eve. They’re not interrogators. They are my grandparents..."
"Says the man who grew up under them," she weakly said.
"Exactly," he said, brushing his thumb over her knuckles. "If I survived my grandfather’s questions about my first broken car, you’ll survive your first dinner with them."
"You’re not helping," she said, barely holding back a laugh, amused by how earnest he was in trying to soothe her.
He only smiled wider.
"You’ll be fine, Mrs. Knight."
That single word, Mrs. Knight, sent warmth straight to her chest.
When he stepped out and came around to open her door, she tried to compose herself.
The night air was cool, scented faintly with pine.
As she stepped out, Axel’s hand slipped around her waist again, firm and reassuring.
"Breathe," he whispered, leaning close enough for only her to hear. "You’re safe with me."
Her chest loosened slightly.
"You say that like I’m about to walk into an ambush."
"Meeting my grandparents may be an ambush," he said with a smirk. "An ambush by their warm and welcoming charms."
Before she could roll her eyes, a warm, dignified voice called out.
"Axel, you finally made it, dear..." Eleanor greeted him happily.
Andrew Knight stood tall despite his age, his silver hair neatly combed back, his presence commanding yet kind.
Beside him, Eleanor Knight’s graceful figure radiated a grandmotherly warmth. Her gentle smile was the kind that made people want to hug her right away.
Evelyn straightened instinctively as they approached.
Axel greeted them first, shaking his grandfather’s hand before hugging his grandmother lightly.
Then Eleanor’s gaze turned to Evelyn, and for a brief moment, Evelyn saw recognition flicker in her eyes.
The gentle warmth in her smile faltered slightly before recovering gracefully.
Andrew noticed too, his sharp blue eyes narrowing slightly as he took in her face.
Evelyn could guess why. She’d been on every headline these past few days.
[Evelyn Walters Returns! The Outcast Heiress of the Walters Group!]
And the internet had eaten it up.
Of course, the Knights had seen it.
’Oh, great,’ she thought, forcing a polite smile. ’They probably think Axel married a walking scandal from the Walters family.’
But before she could sink further into panic, Eleanor stepped forward with a kind look in her eyes.
"You must be..." she said warmly.
"Evelyn Knight—" Axel said.
"Evelyn, we’re so happy to finally meet you, dear..."
Eleanor’s hand was soft and warm. Evelyn clasped it with both of hers, bowing her head slightly.
"It’s such a pleasure to meet you, too, Mrs. Knight... Grandma..."
Eleanor laughed while gently patting Evelyn’s hand. "Grandma works just fine."
Even Andrew Knight smiled faintly. "Welcome, Evelyn. We’ve been waiting to meet the woman who managed to calm down our wild Axel."
Evelyn blinked, then laughed nervously. "Oh, I don’t know about calming him down. He still drives me crazy."
Axel coughed behind her, muttering, "Traitor."
It caused his grandparents to laugh warmly, instantly melting the tension.
As they entered the house, Evelyn couldn’t help admiring the interior. The warm lighting, the inviting aroma of freshly brewed tea, and the gentle jazz melodies softly playing in the background all created a cozy, homey atmosphere.
They settled in the living room, which was spacious but cozy, filled with books, old photographs, and antique furniture polished to perfection.
Eleanor insisted she sit beside Evelyn."Oh dear... You have such a lovely posture," she said approvingly. "And that skirt...it’s very tasteful. Did you choose it yourself?"
Evelyn smiled, blushing a little.
"Yes, I thought... I should wear something simple."
"Simple suits you. Real elegance doesn’t need sparkle." Eleanor praised her sincerely.
"Thank you, Grandma..."
The compliment hit deeper than expected, and she found herself relaxing. She liked how Eleanor understood fashion and had a style just like hers.
The conversation flowed easily, warm and full of teasing remarks about Axel’s childhood.
She even forgot her nervousness until Andrew suddenly turned to his grandson with a more serious expression.
"Axel," he said quietly, "could I speak to you in the study? Alone."
Evelyn froze for a second, glancing uncertainly at Axel. But he only gave her hand a light squeeze before rising smoothly. "Of course, Grandpa."
As they walked away, Eleanor patted Evelyn’s knee gently.
"Don’t worry, dear. They just like to talk business. And I heard nothing bad about the business lately, so he’ll be back in no time."
Evelyn smiled and nodded, though her stomach twisted again.
...
Meanwhile, in the study, Andrew gently closed the door before they settled in the seating area.
He didn’t ask Axel right away, but tried to find the right words to ask his stubborn grandson.
After a few seconds had passed...
"Tell me honestly," he began, his eyes narrowed at Axel, sitting opposite him, "Is she from the Walters family? The Evelyn Walters?"
Axel met his gaze calmly, "Yes."
Andrew exhaled slowly, "I thought so. I recognized her the moment I saw her. The Walters scandal has been all over the news these past few days."
"She’s nothing like her father," Axel said quietly but firmly.