Chapter 123
The sight of Eleanor and William Montgomery showering Victoria Lancaster with affection sent a sharp pang through Evelyn Sinclair's chest.
That love should have been hers. Every tender touch, every warm glance—all stolen by Victoria.
Evelyn bit down on her lip until she tasted copper, swallowing the words that threatened to spill out. She forced the longing back into the hollow space where her heart used to be.
A strange, suffocating pressure built in her chest, but before she could process it, the familiar metallic tang of blood flooded her throat.
"Evelyn, you've gone too far this time!" Victoria sobbed, storming toward her. "I warned you—if you have a problem, take it up with me. Don't drag innocent people into this! How could you be so heartless? You actually killed Sophia! Will you not stop until everyone around me is destroyed?"
Evelyn let out a cold laugh as Victoria's face hovered inches from hers. Fresh blood trickled from the corner of her lips, staining her teeth crimson.
"Victoria, you might fool everyone else, but not me. Stop playing the victim—it makes me sick."
The moment the words left her mouth, a sharp slap cracked across her face.
William Montgomery's hand struck with such force that Evelyn crumpled to the ground. Blood splattered against the floor—dark, almost black.
She coughed, relishing the searing pain in her chest. At least in death, she would receive one last "gift" from her so-called parents.
William didn’t spare her a glance. He turned to Victoria, his voice softening. "Vicky, your mother isn’t feeling well. Let’s go home."
"Dad, take Mom back first," Victoria said weakly, her eyes glistening with false tears. "I need to talk to Evelyn alone."
The sight tugged at William’s heart. He nodded, helping Eleanor away.
Before leaving, Eleanor shot Evelyn a venomous glare. "If this wretched creature dares lay a finger on you, scream for me. I’ll tear her apart myself!"
Victoria nodded sweetly.
Evelyn remained sprawled on the floor, her breath ragged. She was used to the sting of betrayal, but this—this cut deeper than ever.
Once they were gone, Victoria knelt beside her. A cruel smile curled her lips as she eyed the dark blood staining Evelyn’s lips.
"Look at you, coughing up blood again. At this rate, you won’t last three months." Her voice dripped with malice.
"So here’s some advice—keep your mouth shut. Or else, you won’t be the only one dying."
Rage ignited in Evelyn’s veins.
With a burst of strength, she lunged, her hands closing around Victoria’s throat.
"You’re right," Evelyn hissed. "I won’t be the only one dying—you’ll be joining me! Victoria, even in death, I won’t let you hurt my family again!"
Victoria’s face turned scarlet as she gasped for air. Guards rushed forward, trying to pry Evelyn’s fingers loose.
But Evelyn held on with inhuman strength. Even when a baton cracked against her ribs, she refused to let go.
The commotion drew Eleanor and William back.
William charged forward, kicking Evelyn away and pulling Victoria into a protective embrace.
"Mom! Dad! She tried to kill me!" Victoria wailed.
Evelyn lay on the ground, blood pooling beneath her. A chilling smile curved her lips.
"Yes. I want her dead. Victoria, I’ll drag you to hell with me."
Eleanor’s hand struck next, her eyes burning with hatred.
"Then let me make this clear," she snarled. "Even if you crawl back as a ghost, I’ll have your soul obliterated. You will never—ever—lay a hand on my daughter again."