Chapter 146

"Evelyn!"

Alexander sprinted toward her, his heart pounding with a terror he'd never known. The raw panic in his voice echoed through the empty corridor as he called her name.

Her trembling body collapsed against the wall, her legs giving out beneath her. No matter how hard she fought, her strength was gone. Even her vision blurred, her consciousness slipping away like sand through her fingers.

The sight of blood staining Evelyn's lips sent a jolt of pure dread through Alexander. His throat tightened, his pulse roaring in his ears.

"Alexander!" Victoria rushed over, her gaze flickering between him and Evelyn with thinly veiled irritation. She didn't care about Evelyn's condition—only that Alexander was wasting his attention on her.

"Alexander, the guests are waiting!" Eleanor snapped, stepping forward with a sneer. "That blood is obviously fake. Can't you see she's just trying to ruin your engagement with Victoria?"

A weak, bitter laugh escaped Evelyn's lips.

Her mind was fading, but she still heard every cruel word.

Doesn’t matter.

She was dying anyway. Soon, none of this would hurt her anymore.

"Alexander, step away from her! She's covered in filth!" Eleanor hissed.

"Shut your mouth!" Alexander roared, his sculpted features twisting with fury. The sheer intensity of his rage froze both women in place.

"Evelyn, what's happening to you?"

"I'm dying, Mr. Blackwood. Just like you wanted..."

Her whisper was barely audible, but it struck him like a blade.

Alexander's breath hitched. His chest burned as if a thousand needles were piercing his heart.

Dying? No. Impossible.

His hands shook as he stared at her, her shallow breaths the only sign she was still clinging to life.

Then, with the last of her strength, she reached for his coat. Her unfocused eyes locked onto his, her lips moving weakly.

"The baby... is yours. When I'm gone... give her a name. Let her rest in the Blackwood mausoleum. That's... my last wish."

Her hand fell limply from his coat.

Alexander barely registered the scream tearing from his own throat as he caught her before she hit the ground.

Darkness swallowed him whole.

"Evie! Evie!"

Olivia's anguished cry shattered the silence.

"Alexander, you monster! Give her back to me!" She lunged forward, desperate to wrench Evelyn from his arms.

"If you won't take her to the hospital, I will!"