Chapter 140

The downpour intensified as Evelyn remained kneeling on the slick pavement. Her trembling fingers searched desperately through the puddles.

Vehicle after vehicle sped past, drenching her repeatedly with icy spray. Still, her umbrella remained lost to the storm.

Alexander's hand hovered over the ignition when his gaze kept drifting to the rearview mirror.

Victoria noticed immediately. "Alexander, we should go. Ethan needs medical attention for his face," she urged gently.

He turned toward her. "The cut's superficial. It won't leave a mark."

"I never imagined Evelyn could hate me this much. And Father..." Victoria's voice quivered. "I didn't know he'd order someone to disfigure her face to avenge Ethan and me."

"You're not angry with him, are you?"

Alexander chuckled darkly. "Why would I be?"

His eyes flicked back to the mirror just as Evelyn finally located her umbrella and stood. He watched her retreating figure through the rain-streaked glass, an inexplicable fury tightening his jaw.

"She deserved worse for what she's done."

Victoria hid her satisfaction behind a mask of compassion. "Alexander, I've dreamed of being your bride every day since we parted at the cove. After all this waiting, our wedding day is finally here."

Several heartbeats passed before Alexander responded.

"I always keep my promises."

"I know." Victoria's smile didn't reach her eyes. Beneath her serene expression, jealousy festered.

Only Evelyn's death would bring her true peace.

Evelyn swallowed painkillers with shaking hands upon returning home.

The accumulated trauma of recent weeks made her doubt she'd survive another month.

Alexander's promise to marry Victoria played on loop in her mind. Each recollection sent fresh agony through her battered body like a swarm of stinging insects.

The medication brought no relief.

With trembling fingers, she retrieved the photograph Victoria had thrown at her earlier. Tracing the infant's blurred features, she imagined soft cheeks beneath her fingertips.

'My darling.'

'Mommy's coming home to you soon. Very soon...'

She surrendered to the darkness behind her eyelids.

The divorce papers arrived at dawn.

Alexander's assistant waited impatiently for Evelyn's signature. When she refused, the young man made a terse phone call.

Alexander appeared within the hour, bringing the storm's chill with him.

Evelyn sat motionless on the sofa, her failing vision barely registering his approach.

The documents struck her cheek before fluttering to the floor. "Sign them."

Two icy words. No more discussion needed.

Evelyn remained statue-still, her silence louder than any protest.