Chapter 209
Alexander's gaze darkened with unreadable emotions. His fingers tightened around Vivian's delicate wrist, refusing to let her slip away again.
He couldn't bear to release her this time. Not again. Not ever.
Vivian remained composed under Alexander's intense scrutiny.
A faint smirk played on her lips, revealing subtle irritation. "If I recall correctly, Mr. Blackwood, you gave me your word that you'd stop mistaking me for your late wife, Evelyn Sinclair."
His hopeful expression shattered instantly at her words. The grip on her wrist gradually loosened.
Vivian withdrew her hand gracefully, sipping her champagne. "Honestly, being constantly mistaken for a dead woman grows tiresome. If I weren't so pain-averse, I might actually consider facial reconstruction."
"Don't." Alexander's sharp command cut through the air.
"Hmm?" Vivian arched an elegant brow.
His features softened slightly. "My apologies. This won't happen again." His voice dropped lower. "You don't need surgery. Your natural beauty is perfection."
The compliment wasn't for her - but for the face identical to Evelyn's.
Turning toward the cityscape, Alexander absorbed the glittering skyline. Neon lights painted the night, yet the coldness in his eyes remained untouched.
"Miss Prescott, would you indulge me with some drinks?" His tone carried an unfamiliar vulnerability.
Vivian studied his silhouette - so imposing yet profoundly lonely.
She joined him at the railing, glass in hand. "While I detest being confused with a deceased woman, your late ex-wife seems unfairly maligned. The rumors painted her as heartless, but reality appears... different."
Her words masked years of buried anguish beneath casual humor.
Even now, vindication tasted bittersweet.
Alexander's brows knitted together as he absorbed her observation. The night breeze softened his sharp features when he finally spoke.
"What's your greatest regret, Miss Prescott?"
Vivian swirled her champagne thoughtfully. "A misguided marriage, perhaps. Youthful naivety made me trust the wrong man. He walks free while I bear the scars."
Alexander's lips twisted wryly. "A man foolish enough to betray someone like you?"
"The world brims with blind men, Mr. Blackwood. I'm hardly unique in my disappointment." Her laugh held no mirth.
He stared into his drink, silent for several heartbeats before chuckling darkly. "Indeed. The world overflows with blind fools."
Alexander's self-deprecating smile faded as he met her gaze. "At least your betrayer still breathes. You can rectify that regret, Miss Prescott."
His voice carried a hollowness she'd never heard before. The usual fire in his striking eyes had dimmed to embers.
His words revealed more than intended - an irreversible regret of his own.
Vivian drained her glass with practiced ease, masking her turmoil behind a light laugh.
'Alexander Blackwood, your regret stems from guilt, nothing more.'
'You never truly cared. More misunderstandings only deepen my wounds.'
'I don't need your remorse.'
'What I crave is justice - forcing you blind, cruel people to see Evelyn Sinclair's truth.'