Chapter 196

A cold shiver ran down Alexander's spine as he caught the mocking glint in Evelyn's piercing gaze.

His lips pressed into a thin line, his dark eyes burning into hers.

"With that being said, I'd appreciate it if you stopped seeking me out, Mr. Blackwood. I have no desire to be mistaken for a ghost again." Evelyn's voice was ice.

"It won't happen again."

Alexander hesitated before speaking, his deep voice barely above a whisper.

Leaning closer, his breath warm against her cheek, he repeated, "I promise you, it won't."

Evelyn let out a humorless laugh. "Are you confessing to testing me that day, Mr. Blackwood?"

His silence spoke volumes.

While the world believed Evelyn had been hopelessly in love with Alexander, only he knew the truth - his own consuming love for her.

That day had been madness. Not a test, but a desperate fantasy that she might still be alive.

Now reality had shattered the illusion.

This woman before him was not the one buried in his heart.

Evelyn interpreted his silence as admission.

"How generous of you," she sneered. "Very well, I'll accept your invitation. Offending the mighty Alexander Blackwood wouldn't bode well for my business in Willowbrook."

Despite her reluctant tone, attending Blackwood Enterprises' anniversary was exactly what she needed.

It was the perfect stage to expose Victoria's true nature to the elite.

After accepting the invitation, Evelyn promptly mailed it anonymously to a certain someone.

Later that afternoon, she visited an exclusive boutique to collect her custom-ordered gown.

Fate had a cruel sense of humor. The moment Evelyn stepped inside, she spotted Victoria being fawned over by three attendants.

"These are our newest arrivals, Miss Lancaster. Particularly these pieces - they complement your elegance perfectly," gushed an attendant.

Victoria examined the price tags with disdain. "These won't do. Far too common for someone of my standing. Don't you have anything more... exclusive?"

"Right this way, Miss Lancaster!" The attendants practically tripped over themselves to lead her to the VIP section.

"What about this limited edition piece? It would make you the belle of Blackwood Enterprises' gala!"

"And you'd look absolutely divine beside Mr. Blackwood!" another added.

Victoria preened under their flattery, until her gaze landed on a mannequin near the entrance.

"That one. I want to try it on," she demanded, pointing to an exquisite gown.

The attendants exchanged nervous glances. "I'm afraid that piece has already been reserved, Miss Lancaster."

"Then order another," Victoria snapped, her covetous stare fixed on the dress.

"It's... a one-of-a-kind piece, handmade in Paris. There are no duplicates."

Victoria's expression darkened. "I want that dress. Tell your client it's delayed. Unless you'd rather lose my patronage?"

The attendants hesitated before one reached for the gown. "Right away, Miss Lancaster."

Just as the attendant lifted the dress, a cool voice cut through the tension.

"How predictable. Just like old times - Victoria Lancaster stealing what isn't hers."

Victoria whirled around, her face twisting in recognition. "Vivian Prescott?" Her saccharine smile returned. "My, my. I didn't realize secondhand jewelry dealers could afford this establishment."

Evelyn smirked. "Unlike some, I actually earn my money rather than leeching off family fortunes."

Victoria's smile vanished. "Hurry up with that dress!" she snapped at the attendants before turning back to Evelyn. "Alexander is waiting for me at Le Cirque."

The attendants hastily packaged the gown, presenting it to Victoria with trembling hands.

Just as Victoria reached for it, Evelyn smoothly intercepted the bag.

"What the hell are you doing?" Victoria shrieked.

The attendants gasped. "Miss! That belongs to Miss Lancaster!"

"Does it?" Evelyn arched a brow. "Funny, because I'm fairly certain this is the dress I commissioned three weeks ago."

Victoria scoffed. "Dream on. Liking something doesn't make it yours, darling."

The attendants tittered. "This is a couture piece worth six figures. Please return it immediately or we'll call security."