Chapter 177

The woman's attire was unusual—not the uniform of a Montgomery servant, nor the elegant dress of a guest.

Who was she?

Evelyn didn’t have time to dwell on it. The woman wiped her tears and turned to leave, forcing Evelyn to hurry upstairs before she disappeared.

Before she could unravel the mystery, Victoria’s voice echoed from one of the rooms.

Evelyn approached quietly, lingering outside the door. She didn’t know how Victoria managed it, but her voice rang out with triumph.

"Alexander, I’m so happy! Marrying you is my greatest dream!"

So, it was true. Alexander was going to propose. And soon, they would be wed.

"I always keep my promises," Alexander replied, his voice firm and unwavering.

The words scraped against Evelyn’s heart like jagged glass.

Alexander, when did you ever keep a promise to me?

You shattered every hope I ever held for you. You took everything from me—my love, my trust, even my life. And now, here you are, living happily with her.

I won’t let you.

Her fists clenched. Footsteps approached, and she quickly slipped into the shadows.

"I’ll go down first. Fix your makeup before you join me," Alexander said as he stepped out.

Once he descended, Evelyn returned to her spot.

Inside the room, Victoria sat before the vanity, reapplying her lipstick with a victorious smirk.

Then, as if remembering something, she turned and unwrapped the gift Evelyn had given her.

Her face darkened instantly.

"A mirror?"

Victoria’s lips curled in disgust. She hurled it to the floor, the glass shattering with a sharp crack.

"Vivian Prescott! Where did that little witch crawl out from? Does she really think she can steal Alexander just because she’s pretty?"

Her nails dug into her palms.

"She looks exactly like Evelyn. He’ll only be repulsed by her!"

A cruel smile twisted her lips.

"But it doesn’t matter. I have my trump card. No one can take him from me now."

Evelyn’s expression remained icy.

Trump card?

Did she mean Ethan?

Oh, Victoria. Your trump card won’t save you. The moment you saw me again was the beginning of your downfall.

With a graceful pivot, Evelyn descended the stairs—only to nearly collide with Alexander.

His brows furrowed.

"What are you doing in the house?"

She blinked innocently.

"I was looking for the restroom. I must have gotten lost."

Her gaze flickered past him just as Victoria stepped out of her room.

Remembering how tightly Alexander had held her before, Evelyn didn’t hesitate.

She "tripped."

It was a gamble.

But she won.

Alexander moved instantly, catching her just as he had before.

Evelyn feigned surprise, locking eyes with him—only to see something unreadable flicker in his gaze.

Lost. Haunted.

She smirked inwardly.

Are you remembering your dead wife, Alexander?

"Alexander!"

Victoria’s shriek nearly ruptured Evelyn’s eardrums.

A second later, a vicious grip yanked her away.

"Vivian, you slut! Is this how you seduce my fiancé?"