Self-Destruction

Lily Evans couldn't answer Sam Evans's questions.

Lily Evans thought of Sophie Sun, the poor girl who was ruined by Susan Evans, and now it was Lana Evans's turn.

It was clearly a matter between husband and wife—why did Susan Evans have to drag the children into it?

She filled her daughter's mind with hatred for her father, just for her own satisfaction. By using Lana Evans's resentment toward her father, Susan Evans made Sam Evans suffer.

Yes, Sam Evans was hurt by Lana Evans's hostility. But what about the consequences?

Wouldn't all that hatred end up destroying Lana Evans herself as well?

After comforting his uncle, Lily Evans asked Alexander Hayes to stay with Sam Evans, while she went to Linda Wang's room.

Linda Wang had already followed Lily Evans's instructions and called the family to gather.

Lily Evans entered, closed the door behind her, and said to everyone, "Lana Evans has been found. I have something important to discuss with you in private."

Seeing Lily Evans's grave expression, the whole family knew this was serious. They sat up straight and listened intently—even Emily 'Yaya' Wang quietly sat with her hands behind her back, waiting for her aunt to speak.

"Lana Evans has been found, but she’s not the same innocent girl she used to be. She has her own thoughts and plans now, so I’m giving you a heads-up to stay alert," Lily Evans said bluntly. "First, about the plantation—keep it secret. Sam Evans is a simple, honest farmer; he won’t go snooping into our affairs. But Lana Evans is different. Around her, you must be extra careful. She absolutely cannot find out about the plantation."

"Second, keep a close eye on Yaya. Yaya, you’ll stay at Jill Evans’s house for a while. When it’s time to go to the plantation, we’ll bring you back, okay?" Lily Evans crouched down and gently patted Emily 'Yaya' Wang on the back of her head.

Emily 'Yaya' Wang nodded obediently. "Okay, I’ll be good and listen to Aunt Lily. I’ll go play at Aunt Jill’s house for a while and I’ll behave myself."

"Good girl, you’re so sweet!" Lily Evans hugged Emily 'Yaya' Wang and kissed her apple-cheek as a reward.

William Wang was nervous about his only daughter. "Lily, do you mean Lana Evans might hurt Yaya?"

Lily Evans nodded. "This is about Yaya’s safety, so I’m not worried about being blunt with family. Lana Evans came back holding a grudge—she hates Sam Evans, she hates me, she hates all of us. We have no idea if she’ll try to get revenge or how she’ll do it, so it’s best to be prepared early."

Linda Wang squeezed Emily 'Yaya' Wang’s hand, puzzled. "Lily, why would Lana Evans hate us? She ran away and got taken by traffickers, but we searched for her the whole time. Your family never treated her badly—how did she end up so resentful?"

Lily Evans sighed. "Her mother taught her that."

Linda Wang clicked her tongue in disapproval. "What kind of mother teaches a child like that? I always thought Susan Evans was clever—she’s great at business and all that—but I never imagined she’d be so foolish!"

"Just remember what I’ve said. Uncle Four already got the news and will be coming to see Lana Evans soon. When that happens, I’ll have Jill Evans make up an excuse to take Yaya away—just say she wants to play with her. Linda, please pack a bag for Yaya," Lily Evans instructed.

"Of course, we’ll do whatever you say," Linda Wang agreed quickly. "I won’t let Lana Evans’s grudges drag my Yaya into trouble. She’s better off staying at Uncle Four’s place for safety."