Chapter 17

In the grandeur of their elegant mansion, Richard sat hunched over his cluttered desk, surrounded by stacks of papers, his furrowed brow illuminated by the soft glow of his desk lamp. His work had always been demanding, and lately, it seemed as though the weight of the world rested squarely on his shoulders. He was a successful businessman, known for his relentless work ethic and determination, but the pressure was taking its toll.

Meanwhile, Evelyn paced back and forth near his office doorway. Her thoughts swirled like a tempest in her mind, and a sense of unease gnawed at her heart. She had something important to discuss with Richard, something that had been weighing on her for months.

Evelyn had always been an intelligent and passionate woman. Before becoming a full-time homemaker and raising Lucas and Isabella, she had been a brilliant lecturer at a prestigious university. The classroom had been her sanctuary, a place where she could impart knowledge and inspire young minds. Teach