In the end, we settled on a compromise—Aurora would apply to a prestigious music conservatory.

As compensation, I agreed to transfer fifteen percent of my shares to her.

Evelyn couldn't help but find the entire situation bitterly ironic.

Aurora was a prodigy in biochemistry, yet the school she insisted on attending had nothing to do with science or medicine. She wasn’t aiming for an Ivy League research university—instead, she was dead set on business school.

Business school? What did that have to do with her genius-level intellect?

Did they really think Evelyn was that gullible, just because she hadn’t been formally educated?

Nathaniel, who had been observing silently, finally spoke up. "Evelyn Harrington, technically, Aurora should only receive the same as your younger brothers—ten percent. But with your sudden return, the media will inevitably dig up old scandals, and Aurora’s reputation could suffer. After discussing it with Father, we decided an extra five percent would be fair compensation."

Hurt Aurora’s reputation?

Was her homecoming the problem?

Did that mean she should have stayed away forever?

Harrison, noticing Evelyn’s silence, added, "Evelyn, I treat all my children equally. Don’t worry—you’ll receive your share in Harrington Enterprises too. Once you’ve fully settled into the family in three years, you’ll get the same ten percent as Connor and Isaac."

Isaac and Connor each held ten percent. Nathaniel, as the eldest and heir, had fifteen—no one questioned his larger stake, given the responsibilities he carried.

Now, Aurora was being granted the same privilege.

At that moment, Evelyn finally understood why her brothers hadn’t exactly welcomed her with open arms. Her return meant their own inheritance would shrink.

Aurora’s share made sense—they had grown up together. Evelyn, on the other hand, was the outsider who had appeared out of nowhere.

But honestly, none of this truly concerned Evelyn. Harrison could divide the shares however he pleased. She didn’t care. This "discussion" wasn’t for her input—it was just a formality.

As for that promised ten percent in three years? She wasn’t naive enough to hold her breath.

Evelyn wasn’t the type to chase after empty promises. What was truly hers wouldn’t require anyone’s permission.

Once she agreed, the family held a formal meeting the next morning to announce the decision.

Isaac and Connor seemed relieved by Evelyn’s compliance—Connor even managed a rare smile and started acknowledging her presence around the house.

The longer Evelyn stayed with the Harringtons, the more she noticed how differently Harrison treated her compared to Aurora.

He personally reviewed Aurora’s academic progress, hiring elite tutors if she struggled.

With Evelyn? He barely glanced at her choices.

Aurora’s college decision had nearly torn the family apart, while Evelyn was free to study whatever she wanted—as long as it made her happy.

Such a progressive, doting father—or so she had once believed.

She had forgotten: a daughter who had just returned after years of absence could never be treated the same as one raised under his roof for nearly two decades.