Chapter 156

The air inside Blackwood Estate was thick with tension.

Alexander sat by the bedside, his fingers scrolling through his phone. A viral video played on the screen—Victoria's vicious behavior laid bare for the world to see.

His brows furrowed.

Was this really the sweet girl he once knew as Lillian?

He dismissed the thought quickly, but his gaze lingered on Evelyn’s face in the video.

His pulse quickened.

The resemblance was uncanny.

Yet, no matter how similar, the truth remained—Evelyn was gone forever.

A sharp ache pierced his chest at the memory of her smile.

Evelyn…

"Alexander, are you awake?" A soft knock interrupted his thoughts. Victoria’s voice floated through the door. "Alexander, you saw the video, didn’t you? I’m being framed. I need you."

Her tone was pleading. "And the boutique on Diamond Boulevard—you promised it for my birthday. Remember?"

Silence stretched in response.

Before she could knock again, Margaret Blackwood pulled her away sharply. "You know he hasn’t slept properly in years. Don’t disturb him now that he finally is."

Victoria’s lips pressed into a thin line. "But didn’t your husband get that special aromatherapy blend from overseas? His insomnia has improved!"

"That’s no excuse to bother him!" Margaret snapped, though she usually indulged Victoria.

Fury simmered in Victoria’s chest. She bit back her anger. "It’s Evelyn’s fault he’s like this!"

Margaret scoffed. "That wretched woman got what she deserved."

Then she narrowed her eyes. "And don’t dismiss that perfumer’s work. If it didn’t work, why is Alexander finally resting?"

Victoria rolled her eyes. "Some rising star perfumer? Please. It’s all hype. His improvement is because of me."

Margaret gave her a skeptical look. "Genevieve’s blends are in high demand for a reason. If they were fake, would Alexander be sleeping now?"

Victoria’s nails dug into her palms.

Genevieve.

She’d heard whispers about this mysterious perfumer.

A plan formed in her mind.

If she could get her hands on one of those blends…

She made a call. "Find Genevieve. I want her strongest formula. Immediately."

The order was placed, the payment extravagant.

Three days.

That was all she needed.

After the auction, she would make sure Alexander never left her side again.