Chapter 163

Alexander had grown accustomed to these unexpected encounters. His brows arched slightly as he studied Evelyn's flawless features.

He distinctly remembered the two deep scars that once marred the right side of her face. Those wounds never fully healed, remaining until her last breath.

Yet the woman before him now possessed unblemished skin and a radiant smile. She was breathtaking.

"Miss Prescott, fate seems determined to intertwine our paths," Alexander remarked casually.

Evelyn met his gaze with a dazzling smile. "How refreshing to see you sober today, Mr. Blackwood. No more confusing me with your deceased ex-wife."

A shadow crossed Alexander's features, though he maintained his composure. "Would you honor me with your company for dinner?"

Evelyn tilted her head thoughtfully. "Dinner won't work, but I'm available for lunch today."

Alexander's heart leapt at her acceptance. The joy lasted mere seconds before a sharp pang of regret pierced through him.

Memories of Evelyn flooded his mind - how she'd prepare his meals daily, waiting patiently for his return. And how he'd never appreciated her.

Now he sought to recapture lost happiness through this doppelgänger.

Evelyn returned to her boutique, overseeing final renovations before the grand opening. Before eleven struck, Alexander arrived in a gleaming white limited-edition sports car.

The vehicle drew immediate attention, but all eyes shifted to the striking man who emerged. In his prime, with aristocratic features, Alexander embodied every woman's fantasy.

He opened the passenger door with practiced elegance. As Evelyn settled into the leather seat, bitter amusement twisted her lips.

How ironic - the wife he'd forbidden from touching his car now sat where she'd once longed to be, while he showered attention on a stranger.

Alexander chose an upscale downtown restaurant. Evelyn recognized it instantly - the same window table where he'd once humiliated her.

His order mirrored that fateful meal down to the drinks. 'Does he still suspect I'm his despised ex-wife? Is this entire lunch an interrogation?'

"Miss Prescott, as our city's newest resident, you must try these signature dishes," Alexander offered graciously.

"Thank you, though I prefer grapes with steak. Would you mind ordering wine instead?"

Alexander's eyes gleamed with interest. "But of course."

Meanwhile, Victoria sensed something amiss since yesterday. Alexander's unusual interest in that boutique thief unsettled her.

Her hired tail delivered damning photos - blurred but unmistakably showing Alexander with a woman.

"That scheming harlot!" Victoria seethed, grabbing her purse the moment she learned of their lunch date.