Chapter 212

"Alexander! Alexander, you must believe me! You can't judge me based on that lunatic Dominic's lies!"

Victoria's voice cracked with desperation as she chased after the retreating sports car.

"Have you forgotten our days by the ocean? You called me the purest soul you'd ever known! You promised to always protect me, to make me your wife! Alexander, please!"

For the first time, he hadn't even glanced her way.

The sleek vehicle disappeared around the corner, leaving Victoria seething on the sidewalk. Her manicured nails dug into her palms.

"Evelyn, you wretched creature! Why couldn't you stay dead?"

The slam of the mansion door echoed through the foyer. Little Ethan stood frozen by the staircase, his schoolbag slipping from his shoulder. Those familiar dark eyes - so like his father's - stared at her with unmistakable fear.

Her lip curled.

After dismissing the staff with a grocery errand, Victoria advanced on the child. The house fell eerily silent.

Ethan backed away until his small frame hit the wall.

"You..." Victoria's laughter turned sharp as she seized his wrist. "You're just like your pathetic mother."

The utility room door creaked ominously as she shoved him inside. The lock clicked.

Bang! Bang!

Small fists pounded against the wood.

"Quiet!" Victoria's stiletto kicked the doorframe. "I should've smothered you in that bitch Evelyn's womb!"

Her heels clicked away, leaving only choked sobs in the darkness.

Curled beneath the shelves, Ethan whispered into his knees: "Miss Vivian..." The name glowed like a candle in the blackness.

Victoria's phone glowed as she dialed. Dominic Fletcher had to disappear before Alexander dug deeper.

Dead women told no tales - but loose-lipped men? That was another matter entirely.

Across town, Evelyn set down her paintbrush. The portrait of Alexander Blackwood stared back with cruel perfection.

Each stroke carried years of love... and oceans of hate.

Her phone vibrated. The screen lit up with Olivia's contact photo.

"They're coming home?" Evelyn's laugh rang bright. "Amelia and I will meet them at the airport."

She hummed while cleaning her brushes. The doorbell's chime cut through her melody.

Through the peephole, Alexander's stormy expression filled the fisheye lens. His tie hung loose, shadows bruising his eyes.

Evelyn counted to ten before turning the knob.

"Mr. Blackwood?" Her voice pitched with manufactured surprise. "What brings you here?"

His gaze swept over her like a searchlight. "Miss Prescott. I require your assistance."