Chapter 243

Julian Roland studied Alexander with a faint smile. "You've put on some muscle, Alex."

"I've been taking boxing lessons!" Alexander threw a playful punch in the air. "You have to spar with me now that you're back!"

A glint of amusement flashed in Julian's eyes. "Whoever loses does the family's laundry for a month."

"That's not fair!" Alexander's face fell as he bolted toward the kitchen. "Mom!"

Isabella Langley rose to help with dinner preparations, leaving Edward and Julian alone in the living room.

"Weren't you deployed overseas?" Edward set aside his newspaper, brow furrowing. "What brought you back so suddenly?"

Julian's expression darkened.

"Sorry, Dad." He hesitated. "It's... complicated."

"I understand." Edward waved a hand. "Need-to-know basis."

Julian relaxed slightly. "A comrade was critically injured. We need specialized treatment only available here."

Edward nodded without further questions.

Sophia and Isabella emerged from the kitchen carrying dinner.

"Food's ready," Sophia announced.

As the family settled around the table, Julian noticed the empty chair.

"Where's Evelyn?"

The air turned frigid.

Sophia forced a smile. "She's busy with work. Lives across town now—doesn't visit often."

The explanation sounded plausible yet hollow.

Edward placed a rib on Julian's plate. "We can call her later if you'd like."

Julian studied their faces before nodding.

Just as utensils were raised, Isabella produced an envelope from her bag.

"Her life outside seems... eventful." She spread photographs across the tablecloth.

Sophia's hands trembled as she picked one up, her face draining of color.

"This... this can't be..."

Edward turned away after a single glance. "Disgraceful!"

"The license plate's blurred," Isabella sighed theatrically. "Otherwise we could identify the man."

Sophia shoved the photos aside, squeezing her eyes shut.

Julian didn't bother looking. His voice could have frozen hell. "Shameless."

"You've been too lenient with her." His words fell like stones. "Being disowned doesn't excuse this behavior."

Isabella focused on her meal, the ghost of a smirk playing on her lips.

This time, that little bitch wouldn't recover.