Chapter 524

"Isn't that Evelyn? I heard she just got out of prison," one of the passersby whispered. "Tsk, she's probably done for in the community now," another replied. "Someone like her should've left the fashion industry ages ago," a third chimed in. "And she's still acting like a queen?" I ignored their sneers, and stumbled all the way home. It had been two years. Would there still be any warmth left in the house? Had Zachary grown taller? Did he cry himself to sleep at night, missing his mother's embrace? And Ethan—was he busy at work? Was he still pulling all-nighters, skipping meals? The more I thought about it, the heavier my heart became. Tears streamed down my face, and my legs felt like they might give out. I nearly collapsed under the weight of it all. Finally, I reached the door to our home. My hands trembled as I punched in the familiar code. The door clicked open. The house was dark. It was silent and lifeless. "Zach? Ethan? Are you here?" My voice wavered, echoing t