Chapter 190

Evelyn charged forward like a woman possessed, her carefully cultivated grace and elegance forgotten in Alexander's presence.

She raised the glass bottle high, aiming directly for Vivian's flawless face.

Alexander moved with lightning reflexes, intercepting Meredith's attack.

He shielded Vivian behind his broad frame. Though he'd appeared intoxicated moments before, his piercing gaze now burned with sober clarity as it locked onto Victoria.

"What the hell do't think you're doing?"

Seeing Alexander protect Vivian made Victoria's blood boil. But she knew tears and vulnerability were her only weapons now.

"I wasn't really going to hit her, Alex," she whimpered, lowering the bottle with trembling hands. "I just can't stand seeing this impostor clinging to you."

Her voice cracked dramatically. "Can't you see? She's had surgery to look like Evelyn! She's manipulating you, Alex. Don't fall for her tricks."

Alexander's gaze flickered to Vivian's unblemished complexion at the mention of plastic surgery.

Vivian merely arched a perfect brow. "How fascinating that Miss Lancaster - soon-to-be Mrs. Blackwood - would make such baseless accusations. My face is my birthright. Who are you to accuse me of going under the knife?" Her lips curled. "And even if I had, why would I choose to resemble a ghost?"

The word 'ghost' struck Alexander like a physical blow.

Any lingering haze of alcohol vanished instantly. The agony of losing Evelyn - the only woman who'd ever truly loved him - crashed over him anew.

Vivian stepped around Alexander to face Victoria directly. "Rather than throwing tantrums, Miss Lancaster, perhaps you should ponder why your fiancé called me when he was drunk instead of you, his beloved bride-to-be."

"You—"

"Please don't contact me again, Mr. Blackwood." Vivian's voice turned icy. "We wouldn't want to upset your precious soulmate, now would we?"

With that, she turned on her heel and strode away.

Victoria ground her teeth as she watched Vivian's retreating figure, then turned back to Alexander with practiced tears glistening in her eyes.

"Let's go home, darling. She's not worth fighting over."

She reached for him, but Alexander sidestepped her touch.

His dark eyes narrowed. "How did you know I'd be here?"

Something flickered in Victoria's gaze. She'd never admit to having him followed. "I didn't, Alex. I was just so worried when I couldn't find you. I came here hoping...and then I saw you with that Prescott woman—"

Tears spilled down her cheeks on cue.

"I can't lose you to another woman again, Alex—"

But as Alexander stared at Victoria's tear-streaked face, all he saw was Vivian's haunting resemblance to Evelyn.

He realized with sudden clarity that from the moment Evelyn had claimed his heart, every other woman - including Victoria - had become an intruder.

The ride back to Blackwood Estate passed in tense silence.

Victoria despised the mansion. Yes, it was opulent beyond measure, but every corner whispered memories of Evelyn. Even death hadn't erased Victoria's burning hatred.

How she longed for Alexander to build them a new home - a fresh start. Yet three years later, she hadn't even received so much as a bracelet, let alone a new estate.

Alexander headed straight for his bedroom upon their return.

Victoria tried to follow, but he blocked the doorway. "I need to rest. Go home."

"Let me stay, Alex," she pleaded, trailing a finger down his chest. "It's been years. You know how I feel. You used to say I was perfect."

Her suggestive tone deliberately evoked cherished memories. Hoping the alcohol would lower his defenses, she pressed closer.

Alexander hesitated, and Victoria seized the opportunity to grasp his hand.

"Don't you want us to be happy again? Like we used to be?"

"Daddy."

Just as victory seemed within reach, the one voice Victoria loathed shattered the moment.

Rage simmered beneath her carefully composed mask. Forcing a gentle smile, she turned to Ethan.

"Shouldn't you be asleep, sweetheart? It's very late."