Chapter 186

Evelyn Sinclair froze mid-step. Her gaze locked onto Victoria Lancaster as a creeping suspicion took root in her heart.

Why did Victoria and Alexander Blackwood’s past mirror her own history with Alexander so closely?

And was Pinecrest Heights also the place where they had first met?

"Alexander, I don’t need anything else—just you. Please, don’t leave me."

Victoria’s whisper pulled Evelyn back to the present.

Tears shimmered in Victoria’s eyes as she stared at Alexander with desperate hope.

Though he remained silent, he carefully bandaged her wound with a handkerchief. His tenderness toward her hadn’t faded.

"Alexander—"

"Enough. I’m taking you to the hospital."

Victoria gazed at him adoringly. "With you beside me, the pain doesn’t matter. I know you’ll always protect me."

Evelyn heard every word.

As Alexander helped Victoria into the car, Victoria turned her head just enough to flash Evelyn a triumphant smirk—a silent taunt. "Vivian Prescott, you’ll never steal my man."

Evelyn watched indifferently, a faint smile playing on her lips.

Alexander, for a man so brilliant in business, so sharp in intellect, how can you still be blind to Victoria’s true nature after all these years?

Or maybe… you just prefer scheming vipers.

Evelyn returned to her studio. The moment she picked up her paintbrush, her phone rang.

She glanced at the screen—Alexander Blackwood.

She ignored it.

He called again.

Evelyn stared at his name, her expression cold. It reminded her of herself years ago—desperate, pleading, unanswered.

How many times had she called him, only to be rejected or blocked?

She had loved him so foolishly, so hopelessly.

Now, looking back, she pitied that naive version of herself.

How could she have ever fallen for such a cold, ruthless man?

When the third call came, Evelyn silenced her phone and tossed it aside.

Her heart would never race for him again.

The day passed in a blur of work. As evening fell, Evelyn prepared to take Amelia home—only to find a familiar car parked outside.

Alexander stepped out, the golden sunset casting an ethereal glow over his sculpted frame. Every movement exuded power, his presence magnetic as ever.

Evelyn arched a brow, but he spoke first.

"Have dinner with me. Consider it repayment for saving your daughter today."

He crouched to Amelia’s eye level, an uncharacteristic smile softening his features. "Sweetheart, would you like to have dinner with me?"

Amelia hesitated, then clutched Evelyn’s leg, her bright eyes questioning.

"Mommy, are we eating with him?"

Evelyn scooped her up with a gentle smile. "No, darling. We’re going home."

She wouldn’t give Alexander a chance to get close to Amelia.

If he still suspected her true identity, Amelia would be his easiest target.

And Evelyn would never let him uncover that secret.