Chapter 314: Welcome Home

General Theodor Morgan still looked impossibly dashing.

His posture was sharp for his age, his shoulders squared, and his shirt fit as if it were made for a man half his age.

There was strength in his stance, the calm authority of someone who had spent a lifetime commanding respect.

If she had not known better, Evelyn would never have guessed he was old enough to be her grandmother’s twin. No wonder he was still active in the military.

’Grandma, Mom…’ Evelyn swallowed, her throat tightening. Her gaze lingered on the mansion, then back to Theodor. ’I finally did it. I finally found our family. I finally stepped foot into the Morgan home.’

A warmth swelled in her chest, melting the fear she had carried with her since morning.

She lifted a trembling hand halfway, as if she could reach her grandmother through him.

’I’m here, Grandma. I met your brother.’

“Ma’am…” Ryan’s voice brought her back. She blinked and turned to him. “Are you alright?”

A soft, wobbly smile touched her lips.

“Yes.” She nodded, even if her heart felt like it might escape her chest.

Ryan stepped out of the car first, then jogged around to open her door.

Evelyn exhaled one last steadying breath before stepping out.

The cold wind brushed against her cheeks, snapping her to attention.

She thanked Ryan with a slight nod, then gathered her clutch and walked forward with hurried steps.

“Eve, you finally arrived,” Finley called, his smile wide and welcoming.

“Uncle…” She greeted Finley nervously. Before she could speak more, he pulled her into a warm hug that lasted just long enough to ease her nerves.

When they separated, Finley turned slightly. “Dad, this is Evelyn…”

Theodor’s eyes were fixed on Evelyn—sharp, studying, lingering. But instead of intimidation, it felt like longing. He stepped forward, slower than she expected, as if afraid she might disappear if he moved too fast.

“You are Evelyn Walters…?” His voice was deep, slightly gravelly, but warm. He extended his hand first.

Evelyn swallowed and placed her hand in his. His grip was firm but gentle. Up close, she noticed the faint redness in his eyes, as if he had been holding back tears.

“Yes. I am Evelyn Knight… formerly Evelyn Walters.” She tried to smile, but emotion tugged at her features.

Theodor nodded slowly.

“You look like her.” His voice cracked, just a little. “Giselle. My twin.” He cleared his throat, regaining composure. “I have imagined this moment for many years. I used to pray that before I left this world, I would see someone from her… someone with her blood.”

Evelyn’s heart clenched. She forced a smile to keep her tears from spilling onto her cheeks. This is not the right time to cry. Not yet.

“Well… here I am. I hope I’m not a disappointment, sir…”

For a second, Theodor simply stared, stunned. Then he shook his head firmly.

“No. No, you are not.” He looked at Finley, his composure threatening to break. “She even jokes like your aunt.”

Evelyn felt warmth spread across her face, her cheeks growing hot. “Sir, I… I’m glad. Truly—”

“Grandpa. From now on, call me Grandpa, Evelyn,” he said firmly, as if he wouldn’t accept any rejection.

“Yes, Grandpa…”

They stood like that for a long, breathless moment, neither moving, both absorbing the reality.

Finley gently broke the moment. “Dad, the air is getting colder. Let’s continue inside before Eve freezes.”

Theodor blinked, startled back to the present.

“Right. Yes. Come, my dear. You must be cold.” He gestured toward the doors and reached to guide her, his hand hovering at her back but not touching, as if afraid to crowd her.

Evelyn allowed herself a soft breath of relief as she followed them.

The scent of pine trees and old leather drifted on the breeze, and the mansion’s towering doors loomed closer. Every step felt heavier, but also steadier.

As they approached the entrance, Theodor spoke again.

“Your great-grandfather and great-grandmother are waiting in the main hall.” His tone softened with fondness. “They are frail and more sensitive because of their old age now, so please do not be surprised if they are emotional. They have waited a long time for this.”

Evelyn’s legs nearly stopped working, but she kept walking as she said, “I am also looking forward to meeting them…”

Theodor chuckled lightly. “My father has been pacing in the garden in apparent excitement since dawn. At the same time, my mother has been practicing how to greet you flawlessly, so she won’t cry before she can welcome you properly.”

’Oh…Great…’ Evelyn muttered sarcastically, rubbing her cheek. ’No pressure at all.’ She is even more nervous now.

“I hope they will like me…” She muttered to herself, but of course, both men could hear her.

Both men laughed, the sound echoing warmly in the entranceway.

“They will. And you will be fine,” Theodor said, glancing at her with pride. “You are a Morgan. And now a Knight. That is more than enough to know you’re a kind and brilliant woman.”

“Grandpa, since when did you start knowing that I’m Evelyn, the one married to Axel Knight?” she asked.

Evelyn, remember to ask her Uncle Finley not to reveal her identity initially. However, it appears this old man already knows everything. He wasn’t surprised to see her earlier.

“Sorry, Eve,” Finley answered her with an apologetic gaze, “I can’t lie to him. If I do, he will disown me from the family.”

Theodor cleared his throat and smiled at Evelyn, “I knew right away when he returned from Willowcrest. But, your great-grandparents don’t yet know about you… Still no need to worry about them. They will surely like you.”

Something in his tone steadied her heart. She straightened her shoulders, lifted her chin, and nodded.

As they stepped through the hallway, Theodor placed a hand over his heart for a moment, eyes glimmering with unshed tears.

“Welcome home, Giselle’s granddaughter… Evelyn… Welcome to the Morgan family…” he said softly to Evelyn.

Despite her efforts to hold back her tears, Evelyn couldn’t stop her eyes from blurring.

“T-Thank you, Grandpa… Thank you…”

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