Chapter 223

Under the bewildered stares of everyone present, Alexander retrieved a midnight blue velvet box from his trouser pocket.

He turned toward Evelyn and flipped open the lid, revealing a dazzling diamond ring nestled inside.

Victoria's breath hitched at the sight. She rushed forward, forcing a smile. "Alexander, what—what are you doing?" Her voice trembled slightly. "You invited my parents here today. Is this... a proposal? That ring is for me, isn't it?"

Her hopeful gaze clung to Alexander's impassive profile.

But Alexander didn’t spare her so much as a glance. Instead, he plucked the ring from its cushion and reached for Evelyn’s left hand—the one Sebastian was holding.

Evelyn jerked her hand back. "Mr. Blackwood, what is the meaning of this?"

Sebastian stepped protectively in front of her. "Alexander, though Vivian bears a resemblance to Evelyn, I’ve made it clear—they are not the same person."

"Why so defensive?" Alexander chuckled, his smile unreadable. "This is merely a small gift for my future aunt."

Evelyn’s lips curved politely. "Thank you, Mr. Blackwood, but a diamond ring isn’t an appropriate gift. Your fiancée might take offense." She glanced pointedly at Victoria, whose smile had twisted into something ugly.

"Victoria wouldn’t mind!" Margaret Blackwood scoffed, shooting Evelyn a disdainful look. "Miss Prescott, though you resemble that wretched Evelyn Sinclair, don’t flatter yourself into thinking Alexander has any special interest in you!"

Her lips curled in contempt.

"That woman was a thorn in our family’s side! Alexander despised her! After her death, we finally had peace, and he could be with the woman he truly loves. We’re all much happier now, so rest assured—my future daughter-in-law has no reason to be jealous. Alexander and Victoria are deeply in love! Their son is already five!"

Victoria quickly smoothed her expression, chiming in sweetly, "Miss Prescott, did you hear that? Why would I be jealous? It’s just a little gift—no need to make a scene. Mrs. Blackwood is right. It doesn’t matter if you look like Evelyn. Alexander would never be interested in you—he hated her more than anyone!"

"Is that so?" Evelyn’s smile was faint, but inside, bitterness coiled tight.

So my death was exactly what they all wanted.

Not a single one of them mourned me.

They celebrated it.

She had been a terrible wife, a disappointing daughter-in-law—yet she had never harmed a soul. And this was her reward.

If not for the warmth of Sebastian’s hand anchoring hers, she might have shattered.

"Alexander, I appreciate the gesture on Vivian’s behalf," Sebastian interjected smoothly, "but a diamond ring is better suited as a gift from her fiancé." He took Evelyn’s hand and led her toward the grand hall.

Victoria glared at Evelyn’s retreating figure before turning back to Alexander, her voice sugary. "Alexander, that ring is exquisite. I adore it."

Her meaning was clear—With my parents here, isn’t it time to announce our wedding?

Alexander studied the ring, then pocketed it with a faint smile. His gaze flicked to Evelyn. "Before I make any announcements, there’s something I need to confirm."

"What is it?" Victoria pressed eagerly.

"You’ll find out soon enough." He strode toward the living room without another word.

Victoria hurried after him.

At that moment, Henry Blackwood descended the staircase. He had witnessed the entire exchange from the second-floor landing.

Sebastian looked up at the sound of footsteps.

When his eyes met Henry’s aged face, there was no warmth in his gaze—only cool detachment.

Yet Henry’s lips twitched into a faint smile. "Sebastian, it’s been years. You seem to have done well for yourself."

"Thanks to you, Great Uncle, my ventures have flourished these past years." Sebastian’s voice was polite but distant. His fingers tightened around Evelyn’s. "And soon, I’ll be married."

Henry nodded, his sharp eyes assessing Evelyn. "For a moment, I truly thought it was Evelyn. What a pity..."

His gaze swept over the gathered guests. "Why is everyone here?"

"Grandfather," Victoria interjected brightly, "Alexander asked me to bring my parents! He said he has an important announcement!"

"An announcement? Regarding what?" Henry frowned at Alexander.

"It must be about their wedding!" Margaret declared with a knowing smile. "They’ve waited long enough. The date should have been set ages ago!"

Eleanor and William exchanged pleased glances. "They should have married years ago. Their son is practically grown! Alexander, we trust you’ll take good care of our precious daughter."