Chapter 169

Margaret Dawson wasted no time in bringing Richard Montgomery and Victoria Lancaster to the cozy villa they now called home—a gift from the Lancasters for raising their precious daughter.

Margaret ranted furiously, recounting every detail of the morning's events with venomous precision.

Victoria listened, her suspicion growing, but Richard shook his head firmly.

"That can't be Evelyn. Evelyn was never that bold!"

Margaret had been certain at first, but doubt had crept in the moment they left the police station. "Victoria, I think that woman just resembles her. She can't be Evelyn. She's been dead for three years—her body would have decayed by now. Alexander himself brought back her ashes. How could she possibly come back to life?"

Even so, Victoria couldn't shake her unease. "Is it really possible for two people to look that identical?"

"Maybe she saw a picture of Evelyn and decided to get plastic surgery to copy her face. Whatever the case, that Vivian woman is not Evelyn. Your father's right. That spineless fool could never carry herself like that! It's impossible! That worthless trash could never stand up to us!"

Listening to them, Victoria's doubts slowly faded. A smug smile curled her lips.

"You're right. Evelyn was nothing but a weak, pathetic fool. She could never be that commanding. And there's no way she'd have the money to buy a store on Diamond Boulevard, let alone secure a partnership with Lady Belle."

Margaret scoffed. "What kind of scam brand is that? A stupid brooch cost me 300,000, and one of the diamonds fell off!"

Victoria preened, flashing her bracelet and ring. "It's not a scam. It's the most coveted jewelry brand among elite women these past two years. The designs are exclusive and impossible to get. Here, Mom, take this. Eleanor Kingsley insisted on gifting it to me—it's worth 100,000!" She slid the bracelet into Margaret's eager hands.

Margaret's eyes gleamed. "Such a dutiful daughter. Speaking of which, what's going on with Alexander? He's been distant lately. Your fake birthday is coming up—why don't you pressure him into proposing then? With all those high-profile guests watching, he won't dare refuse!"

Victoria's lips curved into a wicked smile, a dark glint in her eyes.

"Alexander is mine. Whether it's Evelyn or Vivian, I'll destroy anyone who tries to take him from me."

A new scheme was already forming in her mind.

This time, she wouldn’t fail.

After the morning’s events, Evelyn felt a rare sense of satisfaction.

The shock and panic on Victoria and her parents' faces had only fueled her determination for revenge.

She checked the time, preparing to leave, when Alexander's sleek car pulled up in front of her boutique.

He stepped out, his tall frame exuding effortless elegance.

"Miss Prescott, care to join me for lunch?" he asked smoothly, approaching her.

Evelyn smirked coldly. "I don’t think so. Your precious fiancée might accuse me of seducing you."

She turned to walk away.

Alexander frowned, quickly piecing together what had happened.

He moved to follow her—just as her heel caught on a loose stone.

His heart lurched as she stumbled forward.

Instinct took over.

He lunged, catching her tightly in his arms.

"Evelyn."