Chapter 9

The mansion's grand doors swung open as Richard, Evelyn, and their children, Isabella and Lucas, returned from their enchanting honeymoon in Paris. The opulent foyer echoed with laughter and excitement as they embraced the familiarity of home.

"Welcome back, Mom and Dad!" Isabella exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with joy. "We missed you so much!"

Lucas, the younger of the two, said, "Yeah, we had lots of fun, but it's not the same without you."

Evelyn smiled warmly, her heart swelling with love for the children she had come to adore as her own. She had developed a close bond with Isabella and Lucas, and she was eager to hear all about their adventures during her and Richard's absence.

As the days turned into weeks, the family settled back into their routine of work, school, and quality time together. The mansion was abuzz with life, filled with the sounds of laughter and the warmth of familial love.

However, one evening, when Evelyn was helping Isabella with her homework, she noticed un