Chapter 224: Finally, Meeting Axel’s Mother (1)

The next day.

Before Axel’s birthday, Evelyn couldn’t relax entirely—she was still nervous about meeting his mother, Amanda Knight.

Today, they will meet Amanda outside their house because Axel didn’t want his mother to meet Oliver before she had a chance to meet Amanda.

Evelyn’s reflection stared back at her in the car window, the faint city skyline blurring behind her as Ryan drove.

Her stomach had been in knots all morning. She smoothed her palms against her skirt, though it did nothing to calm the storm inside her.

It wasn’t that Amanda had a bad reputation, but quite the opposite. Amanda Knight was known as a poised, intelligent woman who rarely appeared in public. Her silence carried power.

But what’s really making her nervous is their family history. The Walters and the Knights just haven’t always gotten along well.

Their fathers had been rivals for decades, both in business and in terms of influence.

Although Axel and she had overcome that barrier, the weight of their families’ enmity still lingered like a shadow over their love story.

Today, however, there was no escaping it.

Axel had arranged a private lunch meeting with his mother before his upcoming birthday. He wanted her to meet Amanda first, just the two of them, without Oliver around.

As Ryan drove her to the private restaurant, Evelyn’s phone vibrated.

“I’m already here. Waiting for you…” From: Hubby

Her heart skipped a beat. Of course, he’s early. He’s always that way when it comes to his family matters.

Evelyn smiled faintly but couldn’t stop the wave of nerves that followed. She stared out the window, trying to steady her breathing.

“Ryan,” she said softly, “do I look nervous?”

Ryan glanced at the rearview mirror to see her and said, “No. But, Ma’am, you look like someone about to meet the president.”

“That’s not helping,” she said, shaking her head with a nervous smile flickering in her eyes. She knew she shouldn’t ask him.

“Then maybe you can pretend this one is just another business meeting,” he suggested.

Evelyn chuckled discreetly. “Right. Except this one could decide the rest of my life.”

…

Moments later, they pulled up to the restaurant.

It was small, discreet, and luxurious; one of Axel’s private properties under the Apex Holding Company.

The exterior was minimalist, adorned with glass and greenery, which gave it a calm and exclusive feel.

And there he was.

Axel stood at the entrance, looking casually confident in a black slim-fit shirt rolled up to his elbow. The sight of him instantly melted some of her tension.

When she stepped out of the car, his eyes softened. He walked toward her, his smile already tugging at his lips.

“You look beautiful, Eve…” he said warmly, reaching out to brush a strand of hair from her face.

Evelyn smiled nervously. “You always say that.”

“Because it’s always true.”

His tone was easy and playful, but her mind was elsewhere. “Is your mother here?”

Axel nodded.

“She arrived ten minutes ago. I didn’t want her to wait too long, so I ordered the starters. Come on, she’s looking forward to meeting you.”

Her pulse raced. “Looking forward to it? Did I look nervous?”

“Relax. She’s not as terrifying as you think.” He squeezed her hand gently.

“That’s easy for you to say that, Axel…” She sighs softly. “You’re her son.”

“Trust me, I’ve been terrified of her too.” He chuckled, leaning close enough for his breath to brush her ear. “As long as you remember what I told you. You will be fine.”

That made Evelyn even more nervous.

She recalled precisely what Axel had told her the night before: “Don’t bring up anything about our family. Don’t mention your father.”

Although she didn’t understand why Axel had forbidden her from saying those things, she promised not to bring up the issue.

They walk toward the empty hall, heading to the VIP room in the far back. Although she tried to soothe her nervousness by thinking about the delicious lunch, it didn’t seem to help much.

By the time they finally reach the corner door, the VIP room, Axel suddenly stops, gently holds her hand, and glances at her.

“Are you ready?” he asked softly.

“Hmm… I have to…” she smiles, though her smile doesn’t seem to reach her eyes.

He said nothing but held her hand tightly and squeezed it before finally opening the door.

When the door opened, Evelyn froze for a brief second.

Amanda Knight rose gracefully from her seat, her smile calm yet radiant. She looked elegant in a tailored beige dress, her chestnut hair styled in soft waves. Despite being in her late fifties, she looked barely in her forties. She is refined and confident.

Evelyn instantly remembered her from the few media appearances she had made, though pictures didn’t do her justice. There was warmth in her eyes that she hadn’t expected.

She entered behind Axel, a nervous smile forming on her lips when she saw Amanda greet her with a warm smile.

“You must be Evelyn,” Amanda said warmly, her voice soft yet full of grace. “It’s lovely to finally meet you, dear.”

Evelyn stepped forward quickly, bowing her head slightly. “Mrs. Knight, it’s an honor. I’ve wanted to meet you for a long time.”

Amanda smiled and gently took her hand. “Please, call me Amanda. And you’re even more beautiful in person, Evelyn.”

“Thank you,” Evelyn replied shyly, returning her warm handshake.

She barely had time to react before Amanda pulled her into a gentle embrace. The warmth of it startled her in the best way.

“You too,” Evelyn murmured with a soft laugh. “You’re even more beautiful in person, Am—Amanda.”

Amanda laughed softly.

“Oh, please, I’m not beautiful. I’m old now.”

Evelyn blinked, momentarily speechless. Even the way Amanda laughed carried elegance. “I’m serious, Amanda,” she said sincerely.

“I know you are.” Amanda smiled, patting her shoulder affectionately. “I still can’t believe I finally met my daughter-in-law.”

Her eyes shimmered, and Evelyn froze, realizing Amanda was holding back tears.

“I’m sorry we’re only meeting now—” Evelyn began, but her words were cut short when Axel cleared his throat softly.

“Alright, Mom,” he said, smiling. “Let’s sit, shall we?”

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