Chapter 178

Evelyn raised her voice. It was the first time she had ever been so hysterical in front of Alexander.

She clawed at Vivian, who was still in Alexander's arms, her voice sharp. "Vivian Prescott! I knew you weren't here with good intentions. A gift? You're just trying to seduce Alexander!"

Vivian was growing increasingly irritated by Evelyn's shrill tone. If it weren't for the fact that she had a plan, she might have slapped her right then.

Instead, she feigned dizziness, pressing a hand to her temple. "Miss Lancaster, you're mistaken."

"I'm not mistaken! I saw it with my own eyes! You scheming witch!" Evelyn shrieked, her palm flying toward Vivian's face.

Smack!

But the slap never landed. Alexander caught her wrist mid-air, his grip unyielding.

His icy gaze bore into Evelyn. "I was merely helping her up. Was that necessary?"

His voice was so cold it sent a shiver down Evelyn's spine.

"Alexander, you've never spoken to me like this before—" Her voice cracked, tears welling in her eyes.

Alexander released her, his expression unreadable. "I have. Don't overthink it. But your behavior was unacceptable. Apologize to Miss Prescott."

Evelyn's eyes widened in disbelief. "Apologize? To her?"

She clenched her fists, glaring at Vivian. "I won't!"

"It's fine," Vivian interjected softly, feigning humility. "No apology is needed. It was my fault for losing my balance." She turned to Evelyn, her voice gentle. "Miss Lancaster, I'm sorry for upsetting you."

"Stop acting, Vivian! Do you think I don't see what you're doing? Who do you think you are, apologizing to me?"

"That's enough!" Alexander cut in sharply, his voice like steel.

"Today is your birthday, and Miss Prescott is a guest. Is this how you treat your guests? Apologize. Now."

Evelyn's lips trembled, her eyes reddening. "I won't! She wanted this to happen!"

Wanted it?

A smirk flickered across Vivian's lips. Oh, she had wanted it.

'Remember, Evelyn? This is exactly what you taught me.'

'That day, you held those divorce papers and humiliated me in front of Alexander. You provoked me, then pretended I pushed you. You made him force me to apologize—did you forget?'

'Maybe you have. But I never will.'

The fire of vengeance burned bright in Vivian's chest as she watched Evelyn's furious expression with deep satisfaction.

"Fine. If you refuse to apologize, then I'm leaving." Alexander turned to Vivian, his tone softening. "Miss Prescott, would you accompany me?"

Vivian hesitated, feigning discomfort. "I—"

"Don't go, Alexander!" Evelyn grabbed his arm desperately. "Please, don't leave. You're right—today is my birthday, and I shouldn't treat a guest this way. But I only acted like this because I love you too much!"

She clung to him, her voice breaking. "Alexander, I'll do anything to make you happy. I'll apologize!"

With visible reluctance, she turned to Vivian.