Chapter 217

As Evelyn's voice faded, Alexander's arms suddenly felt hollow.

An overwhelming loneliness surged through his chest. It was as if he'd just returned from wandering lost in the wilderness.

Staring at the face before him, Alexander realized he'd lost control moments ago.

He'd exposed his darkest, most vulnerable side - a side no one had ever seen. Worse, he'd desperately craved her embrace, longed for her pity and comfort.

This was unprecedented behavior.

Yet he knew exactly why - this face.

This face that mirrored hers so perfectly.

"I thought you were arriving tomorrow?" Evelyn's cheerful voice snapped Alexander back to reality. "What brought you back so suddenly?"

Only then did he recall her earlier words. 'My fiancé is here.'

Fiancé?

"Is there company?" A male voice called from the doorway.

Alexander's brow furrowed. Though not intimately familiar, he recognized that voice instantly.

If this man truly was Vivian's fiancé, the revelation would be shocking.

"Alexander, is that you?"

As Alexander lifted his gaze, the voice spoke again.

Sebastian Whitman strode in, his tailored black suit slightly damp from the evening rain. The droplets on his shoulders did nothing to diminish his aristocratic elegance.

Their dark eyes locked in silent confrontation.

Alexander's gaze, usually calm as still waters, now churned with dangerous undercurrents. An invisible tension crackled between them.

"You?" Alexander rose slowly.

Evelyn smiled faintly and moved to Sebastian's side, linking arms with natural affection.

"Mr. Blackwood, this is my fiancé, Sebastian Whitman."

Her introduction complete, she turned questioning eyes to Sebastian's composed face. "You called him Alexander... Do you know each other? Wait - you share the same surname..."

"Alexander is the nephew I've mentioned," Sebastian answered smoothly, his voice as soothing as the night rain outside.

Evelyn's eyes widened in surprise before breaking into a smile. "So Mr. Blackwood is your nephew." She laughed lightly. "He's been my only friend since coming to Willowbrook."

"What a coincidence," Sebastian murmured, his gentle gaze never leaving Alexander's stony face. "Alexander, thank you for looking after Vivian."

A low chuckle broke the tense silence.

Alexander stepped forward. Both men stood over six feet tall, equally matched in stature and presence.

Yet where Alexander radiated raw intensity, Sebastian exuded refined elegance.

Alexander's piercing gaze flickered between them before settling on Evelyn's delicate features. "Is he really your fiancé?"

Evelyn nodded without hesitation. "Of course. Why would I lie?"

Alexander's lips curled into a sardonic smile. "So a woman who looks exactly like my ex-wife is about to become my aunt?"

"Alexander." Sebastian's calm interruption sliced through the tension. "Vivian and Evelyn may resemble each other, but they're different people. Don't confuse them."

"Hard not to when the resemblance is uncanny," Alexander countered, his amused gaze never leaving Evelyn.

He stepped closer suddenly, his warm breath brushing her ear as he whispered, "I find myself eagerly anticipating our next meeting... Miss Prescott."

Evelyn's grip on Sebastian's arm tightened imperceptibly.

Sebastian covered her hand with his own. "Don't worry," he soothed, his voice steady as always.

Alexander departed soon after, leaving behind only the echo of his presence.

Only when the door clicked shut did Evelyn finally exhale, her shoulders relaxing their rigid posture.

She withdrew her hand from Sebastian's arm. Meeting his gentle gaze, her anxiety melted away.

"I'm so glad you're back," she breathed, eyes shining with gratitude.

Sebastian reached up, tucking a stray lock of hair behind her ear with effortless grace. "I've been following the news. You've performed brilliantly."