Chapter 192

"Is that really you, Evelyn?"

Alexander's piercing gaze locked onto Vivian as he finally voiced the question weighing on his mind.

Vivian blinked in surprise before offering a warm smile. "Hello there. I'm Amelia's mother. My name is Vivian Prescott - lovely to meet you."

She extended her hand politely, acutely aware of Alexander's intense scrutiny.

The boy before her possessed striking features - high cheekbones and intelligent eyes that clearly mirrored his father's aristocratic genes.

Yet something unsettling lurked in Ethan's dark irises, a depth far beyond his tender years.

Perhaps it was just a trick of the light.

What burdens could a child so young possibly carry?

Memories of Victoria deliberately cutting Ethan's cheek to frame her surfaced unbidden. Vivian could still hear his pained cries, see the crimson staining his porcelain skin.

Her chest tightened at the recollection.

Thank heavens no scar remained.

"Mommy! Mommy! This is Ethan I told you about! We're best friends!" Amelia's melodic voice snapped Vivian back to the present.

The little girl's enthusiasm was infectious, her joy radiating like sunshine.

Vivian nodded politely. "Ah, so you're Ethan?" She maintained her composure despite her reservations about their growing friendship.

It wasn't the boy she disliked - just the complicated web connecting them all.

"Time to head home, sweetheart. Say goodbye to Ethan now."

"Okay!" Amelia waved enthusiastically with her dimpled hands. "Bye-bye Ethan! See you tomorrow!"

Vivian offered the boy a gentle smile. "Take care now."

Turning, she adjusted the umbrella over them as they stepped into the summer downpour.

Yet after only a few paces, Vivian found herself inexplicably rooted to the spot.

The rain intensified, the sudden chill cutting through the humid air.

Glancing back, she saw Ethan still standing by the school gates. His thin jacket offered little protection, the oversized backpack dwarfing his small frame.

Those soulful eyes bored into hers with unsettling intensity.

Though mere meters separated them, an ocean of unspoken words stretched between woman and child.

Her heart constricted remembering the unborn life Victoria and Alexander had stolen.

Before she realized it, Vivian was retracing her steps. "Are your parents coming to get you, sweetie?"

"Daddy's working," Ethan replied quietly.

Vivian softened her voice. "And your mother?"

At the mention of Victoria, Ethan's expression shuttered like drawn blinds.

Just then, his teacher approached, explaining they'd been unable to reach Ethan's family for nearly thirty minutes.

Vivian hesitated before dialing Alexander's number. The call went straight to voicemail.

After a moment's consideration, she made her decision. "Would you like to come home with us first? We can wait there until your father calls back."

"Yay! Ethan's visiting our house! I'm so excited, Mommy!" Amelia wrapped her arms around Vivian's legs, her infectious giggles making resistance impossible.

With the teacher's approval - reassured by Vivian's apparent familiarity with Ethan's family - they departed.

Half an hour later, Vivian ushered the children into her cozy apartment.

Amelia immediately dragged Ethan inside, eagerly sharing her favorite toys and snacks.

Vivian retreated to the kitchen to prepare homemade cookies, keeping watch through the open doorway.

Amelia had miraculously produced her workbook without prompting - a minor miracle for the homework-averse child.

Ethan sat quietly beside her, his solemn demeanor contrasting sharply with Amelia's bubbly energy.