Chapter 151

Alexander's furious roar sent Victoria scrambling backward in terror before she turned and fled.

No one dared enter the room now. The entire situation baffled everyone in Willowbrook.

The whole city knew Alexander adored Victoria, yet here he was, refusing to release his deceased ex-wife's body. What madness was this?

Nathaniel had learned of Evelyn's death from Benjamin. He'd rushed over immediately, only to be barred from the operating room by security.

After a brief scuffle with Alexander's guards, the door swung open. Nathaniel broke free just as Alexander emerged.

"Alexander, you murderer!" Nathaniel lunged, fist raised. "You killed Evelyn!"

Alexander caught Nathaniel's wrist effortlessly, his bloodshot eyes burning with intensity. "I said no one disturbs my wife. Get out."

"Your wife?" Nathaniel laughed bitterly. "Tell me, Alexander, when did you ever treat Evelyn as your wife? After tormenting her to death, now you play the grieving widower? How pathetic can you be?"

Nathaniel's words struck a nerve. A storm gathered in Alexander's darkening expression.

Shoving Nathaniel away violently, Alexander barely restrained himself. "Leave!" he ground out before slamming the operating room door shut again.

This wasn't real.

Evelyn had to be faking.

He'd play along until she broke character. No one could maintain such an act forever.

Yet his own resolve was crumbling. No human could endure this agony indefinitely.

Trembling fingers brushed Evelyn's cheek. The icy touch traveled straight to his heart.

Alexander's vision blurred. Before he knew it, he'd gathered Evelyn's limp form against his chest. His first tear fell onto her cold skin, the heat of his grief powerless against death's chill.

'Evelyn, you said I'd regret this. You were right. I'm drowning in regret now. Won't you open your eyes and see?'

He prayed this was all an elaborate ruse. But the relentless march of time confirmed the truth - the woman in his arms was gone.

Alexander never imagined he cared for Evelyn. Certainly not this deeply. For years, he'd considered her nothing but a nuisance.

Yet this excruciating pain kept reminding him - he loved her. Desperately.

News of Evelyn's death spread rapidly. Old Master Blackwood collapsed from shock and was hospitalized.

While Willowbrook mourned, Victoria secretly rejoiced. Though her engagement party had been ruined, everyone now recognized her as Alexander's fiancée.

Finally, Evelyn - that persistent obstacle - was gone forever. No one could threaten her position now.

At Alexander's request, Evelyn's body was placed in cryogenic preservation.

When Alexander returned after a brief absence, he found the preservation chamber empty.

He searched frantically, clinging to the hope Evelyn had simply grown tired of her charade and escaped. But security footage revealed the truth - Olivia had arranged for Evelyn's remains to be removed.

Following the trail, Alexander arrived at the funeral home just as Olivia exited, clutching an urn.

Snowflakes settled on Alexander's motionless frame. Each breath suddenly felt like a sin.

Olivia's tear-streaked face twisted in hatred when she spotted him. She tried to walk past.

Alexander's crimson eyes tracked her movement. "Give her to me," he rasped, blocking Olivia's path.