Chapter 14

Evelyn was moments away from being escorted out by security when a poised woman in an emerald gown approached Mrs. Harrington. The woman whispered something urgently into the socialite's ear.

Mrs. Harrington's expression shifted instantly. Her eyes widened as she stared at Evelyn with newfound apprehension. "This appears to be a misunderstanding," she announced stiffly.

Evelyn blinked in confusion. When her gaze met the stranger's, she recoiled at the undisguised revulsion in those cold eyes. The woman's stare made Evelyn's skin crawl.

Victoria chose that moment to appear, placing a comforting hand on Evelyn's arm. "Evie, darling, that's Alexander's mother. Everything's been sorted, but really—" Her voice dropped to a chastising whisper, "You mustn't embarrass yourself like this again."

Before Evelyn could protest, Mrs. Blackwood turned sharply on her heel and strode away, leaving behind a cloud of expensive perfume. Victoria immediately fell into step beside her, the picture of a devoted future daughter-in-law.

Snickers rippled through the crowd. The idea that a Blackwood would stoop to theft was laughable.

Evelyn's cheeks burned under the weight of suspicious glances. She fled inside the grand estate, only to collide with Alexander himself.

His gaze swept over her disheveled appearance—the dust on her skirt, the messy hair—and his mouth twisted in displeasure. "Today is my mother's fiftieth birthday," he said through clenched teeth. "And you show up late, looking like you've been dragged through a hedge, and now this theft business? Are you trying to humiliate me?"

Evelyn's bitter smile didn't reach her eyes. She'd spent the previous night in the emergency room after Alexander's rough handling nearly cost them their baby. The doctors had mentioned something about a tumor, but she'd rushed here before getting answers.

She hadn't even had time to change.

"Alexander," she began, "I didn't steal anything. It was Victoria—"

"You're seriously blaming Victoria for the bracelet in your pocket?" His laugh was cruel. "Have you no shame, Evelyn?"

The words struck like physical blows. As Alexander walked away, Evelyn retreated upstairs to his childhood bedroom—a space she'd never been invited to enter before.

The walk-in closet held several couture gowns, each more exquisite than the last. She was reaching for one when Victoria appeared in the doorway.

"Look at you," Victoria sneered, examining Evelyn's rumpled dress. "No amount of expensive fabric could make you look like anything but trash."

Evelyn tilted her chin up. "Funny, since I'm the one with the wedding ring. What does that make you?"

Victoria's face contorted with rage. "Enjoy your victory while it lasts. Alexander will divorce you soon enough. And that bastard in your belly?" Her smile turned vicious. "He'll make sure neither of you survive."

"You'd know all about bastards, wouldn't you?" Evelyn shot back. "You planted that bracelet on me."

Victoria shrugged, no longer bothering with pretense. "Prove it. No one will believe you over me. Soon, everyone will be calling me Mrs. Blackwood."

After Victoria left, Evelyn showered quickly and changed into a Chanel ensemble from Alexander's closet. A touch of makeup brought color back to her pale face.

The mirror reflected an elegant stranger—one with haunted eyes. No matter how beautiful she looked, Alexander would never see her.

Her hand drifted to her stomach. Perhaps Olivia was right—her love for Alexander would die with her.

The door burst open. Alexander stood there, impatience rolling off him in waves.

Evelyn forced a bright smile, masking her pain. Something flickered in Alexander's gaze as he approached. Without warning, his arm snaked around her waist, pulling her close.

The sudden contact made her breath catch. His touch burned through the silk of her dress as his fingers pressed possessively against her hip.