Chapter 222
"Don't worry, Alexander. I'll arrive punctually tomorrow evening with my parents," Victoria agreed with barely concealed impatience.
"Excellent." Alexander ended the call with those two clipped words.
He stared at the darkened screen, his piercing emerald eyes glinting with something unreadable.
Meanwhile, Evelyn had returned directly to the penthouse. As she stepped inside, she found Sebastian already awake.
He sat by the floor-to-ceiling windows, dressed in casual linen attire. His attention was divided between the financial news on his tablet and the croissant he was eating with refined elegance.
Noticing Evelyn's return, he flashed her a warm smile. "Lady Belle's latest collection is breaking sales records. Every piece you've designed has become an instant classic. At this rate, you're practically guaranteed to win the GMA International Jewelry Design Award this year."
He gestured to a package on the counter. "I also procured those rare fragrance ingredients you needed. You can pursue both your passions here without any limitations."
Evelyn felt a surge of gratitude. "Thank you, Sebastian."
His mysterious eyes twinkled. "Gratitude isn't what I seek from you." His voice carried the gentle warmth of a summer breeze.
When Evelyn hesitated, Sebastian chuckled softly. "Relax, I'd never pressure you. Being your steadfast companion is privilege enough."
That familiar smile of his never failed to dispel the shadows in Evelyn's heart.
Had it not been for Sebastian's unwavering support these past three years, she wouldn't be standing here today.
The following evening...
Evelyn accompanied Sebastian to Blackwood Estate. He entered the lavish grounds with a gift in one hand and Evelyn's fingers entwined with his other.
Recognizing Sebastian immediately, the butler hurried to inform Henry Blackwood.
The elderly patriarch, resting in his chambers, felt his muscles tense at the news.
Sebastian had returned to the estate three years prior but had avoided meeting Henry under the pretense of illness. That couldn't happen again.
Evelyn had been eager to meet Henry Blackwood. What she hadn't anticipated was walking into the grand parlor to find Eleanor Kingsley and Victoria engaged in animated conversation with Margaret Blackwood, while William Montgomery spoke quietly with Alexander's father near the fireplace.
'What's happening today? Why is everyone here?'
The moment Evelyn and Sebastian entered hand-in-hand, the room fell into stunned silence.
Alexander descended the staircase just in time to see their interlaced fingers. His gaze darkened.
"Aren't you Alexander's uncle, Sebastian?" Victoria's voice dripped with suspicion. "Uncle Sebastian, why are you with this woman?"
"Mind your tone, Miss Lancaster." Though typically the epitome of gentility, Sebastian's voice now carried an edge Evelyn had rarely heard. "Vivian is my fiancée."
"Your fiancée?" Margaret Blackwood shot to her feet with a derisive laugh. "Sebastian, your taste in women never fails to astonish."
Sebastian's lips curved into a knowing smile. "Vivian is the most extraordinary woman I've ever known. Having her as my wife would be my life's greatest honor."
Margaret opened her mouth but found no retort.
Evelyn felt heat rise to her cheeks at Sebastian's unexpected public declaration.
When she glanced up, she accidentally locked eyes with Alexander, whose intense gaze burned into her.
"Mr. Blackwood," Evelyn greeted calmly.
Victoria immediately turned, spotting Alexander's approach. She rushed to his side, shooting Evelyn a venomous look. "Alexander, who would've guessed the boyfriend Miss Prescott mentioned was your uncle Sebastian? Isn't this fate? They seem perfectly matched, don't you think?"
Alexander barely glanced at Victoria's simpering face before striding purposefully toward Evelyn, one hand sliding into his pocket.
"Alexander?" Victoria's smile vanished.
Ignoring everyone else completely, Alexander stopped directly before Evelyn.
His lips curved into a dangerous smile as his hand moved within his pocket, as if retrieving something.