Chapter 180

Evelyn's voice trembled as she reached out. "Alexander, please don't leave. Where are you going? Our engagement—"

"Not in the mood today," Alexander cut her off coldly, shaking free from Evelyn's grasp.

"Alexander!" she called after him desperately, but he was already striding away.

The Lancasters and their guests exchanged confused glances.

Alexander's displeasure was palpable. Something had clearly upset him.

Whispers spread through the crowd. The rumors about Alexander's devotion to Evelyn seemed exaggerated.

Why else would their wedding keep getting postponed? And now, he walked away from her with such indifference.

Evelyn gathered her gown and chased after him. Her blood ran cold when she saw Vivian walking ahead.

Alexander pulled his luxury car alongside Vivian, opening the passenger door with gentlemanly grace before driving off together.

Evelyn's fingers twisted in the fabric of her dress, her eyes burning with murderous rage.

"Vivian Prescott!" she spat through clenched teeth, her entire body shaking with fury.

Vivian hadn't expected Alexander to follow her. Yet not only had he abandoned Evelyn, he'd invited her into his car.

The car wound through the city before stopping at the beach near Pinecrest Heights.

Vivian stiffened. This was where she'd once seen Alexander embracing Evelyn.

The memory turned her stomach.

Alexander opened her door, forcing her to step out.

The summer breeze carried familiar scents that transported her back to younger days.

The click of a lighter startled her. She turned to see Alexander lighting a cigarette.

He leaned casually against the car, exhaling smoke that partially obscured his striking features.

His expression held a deep melancholy.

Since when did he smoke? She didn't remember this habit from before.

"Mr. Blackwood," Vivian kept her tone light, "why abandon your fiancée to bring me here? I have plans."

"With your lover, Miss Prescott?" Alexander's lips curved.

"You guessed correctly." She arched a brow.

"Men have intuition too." His smile deepened, voice dripping with flirtation. "Mine tells me you're interested in me."

Vivian wasn't shocked by the statement, but by his boldness.

She met his gaze evenly. "A man like you naturally draws attention. Pity our timing is wrong."

Alexander suddenly closed the distance between them. His breath, tinged with tobacco, warmed her skin.

His intense gaze traced her features, the usual sharpness softening into something dangerously tender.

"Do you think I'm your ex-wife Evelyn? Is that why you're so interested?" Vivian asked calmly.

"If I recall, you hated her passionately. They say you didn't shed a tear when she died. She must have been truly terrible—"

Alexander's expression shuttered. He turned toward the ocean, forcing a smile.

"She was," he murmured.

'Terrible for leaving without giving me a chance to say goodbye.'

'Terrible for haunting my sleepless nights.'

Vivian's hands clenched at his words, anger simmering beneath her calm facade.