Chapter 170

Hearing Alexander call her "Evelyn" sent a jolt through her entire being.

She never expected Alexander to come running to her side and embrace her so desperately.

Evelyn tilted her head up, meeting Alexander's stormy gray eyes filled with undisguised concern.

Was that worry she saw in his gaze?

A flicker of confusion passed through Evelyn's mind as she felt Alexander's arms tighten around her. The heat radiating from his broad chest was unmistakable.

It was the same warmth she'd once ached for, but now left her completely indifferent.

"Thank you, Mr. Blackwood," Evelyn said coolly, her voice carefully neutral.

Alexander seemed to snap out of his daze, abruptly releasing her.

Straightening her blouse, Evelyn gave him a knowing look. "If I heard correctly, you just called me Evelyn? According to your fiancée, you despise your ex-wife. The woman who supposedly trapped you into marriage. Shouldn't you hate me too? Then why help me now?"

An uncomfortable silence stretched between them.

After what felt like an eternity, Alexander's lips curved into a practiced smile. "If you're so curious, get in the car."

Evelyn arched an eyebrow before nodding. "Fine. Consider my curiosity piqued."

No sooner had she buckled her seatbelt than her phone rang. The caller ID showed "Victoria Lancaster." Undoubtedly calling about the custom perfume blend.

Glancing at Alexander behind the wheel, Evelyn answered on speakerphone. Victoria's shrill voice immediately filled the car.

"It's been days! Where's my order? What exactly have you been doing with my money?"

The already tense atmosphere grew heavier. With the call on speaker, Alexander heard every word. His grip tightened on the steering wheel as recognition dawned.

Victoria continued her tirade, "Listen here - if I don't receive my package in three days, I'm filing fraud charges!"

Evelyn responded calmly, "The choice is yours - wait patiently or take your business elsewhere. Your money means nothing to me."

"You little—"

Evelyn ended the call mid-sentence and immediately processed the refund.

As silence returned to the car, Alexander feigned ignorance. "Who was that?"

Though he clearly recognized Victoria's voice, the nature of the call puzzled him. What was this about a perfume order?

Evelyn offered a careless smile. "Just another difficult client."

"A client?" Alexander's interest visibly piqued. "I thought you only managed the jewelry boutique."

Meeting his curious gaze, Evelyn's lips curved mysteriously. "You'll find out soon enough, Mr. Blackwood."

Alexander chuckled but didn't press further.

The sound struck Evelyn as ironic. When had he ever laughed so easily in her presence before?

'Alexander Blackwood,' she thought bitterly, 'my death certainly improved your mood.'

The ringing of Alexander's phone interrupted her thoughts.

He glanced at the screen and ignored it, but the persistent ringing forced him to finally answer via Bluetooth.

"What?" he snapped.

Evelyn recognized the hysterical female voice immediately - Margaret Dawson, Victoria's mother.

"Alexander! Victoria left a suicide note! She says she's going to that café where you first met! I don't even know where that is! You need to find her before she does something drastic!"

Evelyn heard every word crystal clear.

She suppressed an eye roll. Victoria's dramatic antics were nothing new.