Chapter 182

Alexander leaned close to Evelyn's ear, murmuring words too soft for others to hear before guiding her toward Henry Blackwood.

The elderly patriarch's vision had deteriorated with age. At first, he only saw Alexander leading a slender woman with flowing hair toward him. But when Evelyn stepped into his line of sight, his cane clattered to the floor as he struggled to rise from the sofa.

"You... It can't be... Evelyn?" His wrinkled hand trembled as it reached out, fingers brushing air as if testing whether she was real.

Evelyn's heart clenched at the hope shining in his milky eyes. Beneath the sorrow, warmth blossomed in her chest.

Someone here still cared.

Her lips curved as she caught his shaking hand. "Grandfather."

Henry's breath hitched. "Is it truly you?"

Margaret Blackwood watched with narrowed eyes from the sidelines.

"Of course it's her," Alexander interjected smoothly.

Margaret's expression darkened. "What? That's impossible! Alexander, you said—"

A glacial stare from her son silenced her mid-sentence.

Henry paid no attention to his daughter-in-law, pulling Evelyn down beside him with surprising strength for his age.

His weathered face glowed with affection. Those aged eyes that had witnessed decades of life now shone with unconditional love.

"Evelyn, my dear girl. You're alive... thank heavens." His voice cracked with emotion.

Evelyn maintained her serene smile while turmoil churned beneath the surface.

In this entire world, only three people had ever truly loved her - this old man, Alexander, and Olivia.

Henry had been frail lately, often confined to a wheelchair. Yet seeing Evelyn seemed to infuse him with newfound energy.

She nodded occasionally, careful not to reveal too much. Alexander's suspicious gaze burned into her back.

When Henry suggested strolling through the rose garden, Evelyn readily agreed.

As they moved to leave, Margaret seized Alexander's arm. "Explain this charade! That woman died three years ago!"

Alexander's expression turned arctic. "I wish she had survived."

Margaret's grip tightened. "So this is an imposter? Then why—"

"Grandfather's health has been declining. Don't you want to see him happy?" The perfect excuse.

Only Alexander knew his true motives.

Henry chatted animatedly with Evelyn for hours, pointedly avoiding questions about her disappearance.

When Alexander finally signaled their departure, Henry clasped Evelyn's hands. "Even though you and Alexander divorced, these doors will always be open to you. I'll always be your grandfather."

Gratitude swelled in Evelyn's chest.

She deliberately avoided looking at Alexander as she smiled softly. "Thank you, Grandfather. I should go now."

The unspoken tension between them crackled like static in the air.