Chapter 162

Alexander's hands stilled mid-air as he reached for the documents. "You're dismissed."

Lucas didn't question the abrupt dismissal before exiting the office.

The papers contained sparse details about Vivian Prescott. Born and raised in F Country, she'd never visited Willowbrook before.

Her psychology degree and eclectic hobbies were listed, but her social life remained a mystery. Only one detail stood out - a close male companion.

Her fiancé.

Alexander's chest tightened. He remembered the engagement ring glinting on her finger during their first encounter at Golden Arches.

He lit a cigarette, exhaling a cloud of smoke that obscured his troubled expression. The photograph in his hands blurred as his thoughts wandered.

After a moment, he shifted focus to Olivia Bennett.

Olivia had been the one to deliver Evelyn's body to the funeral home. She'd emerged holding the urn while Alexander stood paralyzed with grief.

Back then, he'd never questioned whether those ashes truly belonged to Evelyn.

But now...

Alexander spent the entire day surveilling Olivia's office. He'd even hired someone to monitor her calls, yet found nothing suspicious.

As Evelyn's closest friend, Olivia would surely know if she were alive. Unless Evelyn was deliberately avoiding contact to maintain her cover.

A DNA test would provide answers, but the ashes were long gone.

Evelyn rose early to braid Amelia's hair before kindergarten drop-off. As she turned to leave, movement at the gate caught her eye.

A small boy approached, his features achingly familiar.

Ethan Blackwood.

At five years old, he'd lost his baby fat, his sharpening features mirroring Alexander's. The sight of Victoria's child always resurrected painful memories of her own lost daughter.

Evelyn clenched her fists, then forced them open as burning resentment threatened to surface.

Suddenly, Ethan spotted her.

His cherubic face registered shock. "Maddie!" he called out.

Evelyn schooled her features into a gentle smile. "Are you talking to me, sweetheart?"

Ethan's intelligent eyes studied her with confusion before he looked away. "Sorry. Wrong person." He hurried toward the entrance.

"Ethan."

Alexander's voice froze Evelyn in place. She turned slowly.

He approached with lethal grace, the morning sunlight doing nothing to warm his icy demeanor. His penetrating gaze held hers for a loaded moment before turning to his son.

Alexander handed Ethan a lunchbox without a word. The exchange was so impersonal they might have been strangers.

Ethan took the food and disappeared inside, leaving Evelyn and Alexander standing meters apart in charged silence.