Chapter 200

All gazes snapped toward Evelyn the moment her stiletto touched the marble steps of Blackwood Estate.

Inside the grand ballroom, Alexander's fingers tightened around his champagne flute. A storm brewed in his glacial blue eyes as he recalled the dozen unanswered calls to Evelyn's phone.

Then came the familiar tug at his tailored trousers.

Looking down, Alexander met Ethan's expectant face.

"Where's Vivian? Isn't she coming?" The boy's voice carried the same hopeful lilt that twisted Alexander's gut.

The sight of his son always resurrected that fateful night - the night he'd scattered Amelia's ashes to the wind.

Ethan's small hand in his pulled him back to the present.

"Alexander." Victoria's saccharine voice cut through his thoughts.

Ethan immediately recoiled, but Victoria's manicured nails dug into his wrist. "Where do you think you're going, sweetheart?" Her smile didn't reach her cold eyes.

"Mother wants us," she purred, batting her lashes at Alexander. "She has an important announcement."

Alexander's jaw clenched. "What kind of announcement?"

Victoria feigned innocence. "Something about Blackwood Enterprises, perhaps? We shouldn't keep her waiting."

As Margaret Blackwood ascended the podium, Alexander moved forward with measured steps. Victoria dragged a resisting Ethan behind her.

"Ladies and gentlemen," Margaret's voice rang out, "thank you for honoring us with your presence tonight. As Alexander's mother, I'm delighted to share some wonderful news."

Murmurs rippled through the crowd.

"Is it the wedding announcement?"

"It must be! Look how close Victoria's standing to Alexander!"

Victoria preened while Alexander's expression darkened.

Margaret beamed. "Yes, the announcement concerns this marr—"

"Who is that?"

"My God, isn't that the woman from the Diamond Boulevard incident?"

The ballroom erupted as all heads swiveled toward the entrance.

There, silhouetted against the golden light, stood Evelyn in a liquid silver gown that cascaded like molten moonlight.

Every step sent the delicate fabric swirling around her legs. The diamond choker at her throat caught the light, scattering prismatic sparks across the room.

The crowd collectively held their breath.

Evelyn wasn't just beautiful - she was devastating. From the knowing curve of her lips to the dangerous glint in her emerald eyes, she commanded attention effortlessly.

As whispers crescendoed, Evelyn glided straight toward the stunned trio. She stopped inches from Alexander, her perfume - something dark and floral - wrapping around him.

"I'm here, Alexander," she murmured, tilting her head just so.

Alexander's breath hitched. "What did you call me?" His voice was rougher than he intended.

Evelyn's smile deepened. She reached up, her fingers brushing his lapel in a gesture both intimate and possessive.

The entire ballroom watched, transfixed, as the woman they'd believed dead stood before them, more alive than ever.