Chapter 201

Evelyn's eyes curved into perfect crescents as she watched Alexander's shocked reaction.

"What's wrong, Alexander? It's me... Evelyn."

Silence.

That name struck Alexander's heart like a dagger, stealing his breath away.

Noticing his stunned expression, Evelyn tilted her head with a knowing smile. She stepped closer, her voice a velvet whisper. "Is something the matter, Mr. Blackwood? I thought you specifically requested my presence tonight as your ex-wife?"

Her words wrapped around Alexander's racing pulse like silk.

Hearing her response, his heartbeat gradually steadied.

'So that's it.'

Gazing at her breathtaking beauty, a wave of loneliness crashed over him.

But Alexander masked it perfectly. Within seconds, his lips curved into that signature charming smirk. "You came."

Evelyn mirrored his smile. "Of course I did."

Victoria couldn't tolerate their proximity any longer. The way they were speaking made her blood boil.

"Miss Prescott. You're here."

She forced a saccharine smile as she approached. Then with calculated innocence, she blinked up at Alexander.

"What were you two discussing? Anything interesting?"

"I'm afraid that's between Alexander and me." Evelyn's smile turned conspiratorial. "Isn't that right, Alexander?"

Victoria's plastered smile faltered, but she quickly recovered. "Well then! As Alexander's fiancée, allow me to officially welcome you to tonight's celebration!"

She abruptly turned to Alexander. "Darling, Mrs. Blackwood hasn't finished her announcement yet. We should let her continue."

Her pointed look made Margaret Blackwood stiffen on stage.

Reading the room, Evelyn's gaze lingered on Alexander's impassive face. "I'll go find some refreshments. Excuse me."

Alexander gave a barely perceptible nod, his eyes tracing her movements. "Hmm."

He couldn't deny her beauty affected him.

His pulse had betrayed him the moment she appeared.

Now his breathing felt uneven, his heartbeat wild and untamed.

She reminded him so painfully of 'her' - the woman he'd wronged, the woman who'd died hating him...

Accepting a champagne flute from a passing server, Evelyn became acutely aware of the curious stares following her.

She sipped elegantly, the crystal glass catching the light.

Then she sensed someone approaching from behind.

Before she could turn, Eleanor's icy warning slithered into her ear. "Listen carefully, Vivian Prescott. Alexander is engaged to my daughter Victoria. Their wedding is imminent. Don't even think about interfering."

Evelyn's fingers tightened around the stem. She turned with a serene smile, though the words pierced her heart.

"If I recall correctly, wasn't your daughter the other woman originally? And wasn't Evelyn Sinclair the wife she stole the husband from?" Her gaze turned razor-sharp. "They say we look identical. Perhaps that explains your hostility, Mrs. Kingsley?"

Eleanor's face darkened instantly. "How dare you! My daughter never stole anyone. Evelyn Sinclair was the shameless harlot who seduced my son-in-law. Victoria and Alexander would've been happily married years ago if not for her!"