Chapter 179

Though her eyes burned with venom, Evelyn Sinclair effortlessly slipped on her practiced mask of serenity.

A delicate smile curved her lips. "My apologies, Miss Prescott. My devotion to my fiancé sometimes overcomes my better judgment. I hope you'll forgive my momentary lapse."

Vivian Prescott returned the smile with equal grace. "Your passion for Mr. Blackwood is evident. I completely understand - I become equally possessive when other women get too close to my boyfriend."

The subtle shift in both Alexander and Victoria's expressions didn't escape Vivian's notice.

"Miss Prescott, you're in a relationship?" Victoria's smile regained some of its forced brightness.

Vivian laughed musically. "Indeed." She let her gaze drift casually to meet Alexander's, holding it just a heartbeat too long.

Noticing Alexander's lingering attention, Victoria quickly changed the subject. "How wonderful! You must introduce us to your boyfriend sometime."

"He's currently abroad, but I'd be delighted to arrange a meeting when he returns." Vivian's smile sparkled like champagne.

Victoria dabbed at nonexistent tears before plastering on another saccharine smile. "Alexander darling, we shouldn't keep our guests waiting."

Without a word, Alexander withdrew his arm and strode toward the garden.

Victoria's smile faltered but she hurried after him. "Alexander, you wouldn't disappoint me now, would you? You promised me a proposal in front of everyone!"

Vivian caught the desperate edge in Victoria's voice as she followed at a discreet distance.

How curious, she mused. What could have happened in three years to cool Alexander's legendary devotion to Victoria?

Yet clearly some affection remained - no woman stayed by Alexander Blackwood's side this long without it. Still, Vivian sensed his growing interest in her, though his true motives remained opaque.

One thing was certain - her carefully crafted appearance had successfully captured Alexander's attention.

First move in her revenge gambit: check.

As she moved through the garden, an unsettling prickling sensation crept up her neck. Someone was watching her.

She turned sharply but saw nothing amiss.

Only after she'd passed did the hidden observer emerge, venomous gaze boring into Vivian's retreating figure.

'Evelyn Sinclair!'

'You're supposed to be dead!'

When the couple reappeared before their guests, the crowd immediately resumed their clamor for a proposal.

Victoria stood demurely beside Alexander, her smile radiating smug certainty. The sight made Vivian's stomach churn.

"Alexander, darling Victoria is waiting!" Eleanor Kingsley trilled.

"Looks like I'll be gaining a son-in-law tonight!" William Montgomery beamed.

Watching her biological parents champion their fraudulent daughter so enthusiastically, Vivian nearly laughed aloud.

Her attention snapped back as Victoria leaned into Alexander. "Alexander..." she purred, heavy with expectation.

Timing her move perfectly, Vivian withdrew her phone and pressed it to her ear. "Really? I've missed you too. I'll be right there - wait for me."

She felt the weight of Alexander's gaze as she spoke.

With a secret smile, Vivian turned toward the exit. She'd taken barely three steps when Victoria's shrill cry pierced the air:

"Alexander! Alexander! What's wrong? Where are you going—"