Chapter 229

The doorbell chimed through the grand foyer of Blackwood Estate.

Evelyn Sinclair arched a perfectly shaped eyebrow in surprise.

Had three years truly erased Victoria Lancaster's privilege of possessing a key to Alexander's home?

Her crimson lips curved slightly as she observed Alexander's reaction. His chiseled features remained impassive, though his stormy gray eyes darkened with unreadable thoughts.

"Mr. Blackwood, aren't you going to answer? That must be Miss Lancaster - the mother of your child, after all." Evelyn's voice dripped with honeyed sarcasm.

Alexander's gaze snapped to hers. "I'll only be a moment. Wait here."

"Of course." She nodded demurely, watching his retreating form with mocking amusement glittering in her emerald eyes.

'Still can't resist running to her, can you?'

The summer storm raged outside. When the door swung open, rain-laden wind rushed in, carrying the scent of petrichor and something more floral - Victoria's signature perfume.

"Alexander! You're finally willing to see me." Victoria's desperate voice preceded her as she practically threw herself at him.

She stood drenched without an umbrella, her designer dress clinging to her slender frame. The moment her eyes met Alexander's, fat tears began rolling down her cheeks as if on cue.

Her voice trembled dramatically. "Alexander, you must understand why I did what I did. Think of our first child! If Evelyn hadn't been so cruel, I never would have-"

"I never intended to actually harm Ethan! I told Dominic to take perfect care of him. I just needed space to mourn our lost baby, Alexander!"

Victoria's manicured fingers plucked at Alexander's sleeve like a desperate child. She gazed up at him through her tears, searching his icy expression for any crack in his armor.

"Can't we start fresh? Let the past stay buried. Our little family could be happy again. Please, Alexander!"

Evelyn listened from the dining room, her grip tightening around the crystal wine glass. Even now, Victoria dared to twist the narrative, painting herself as the victim.

With deliberate slowness, Evelyn let the glass slip from her fingers. It shattered spectacularly against the marble floor, ruby liquid spreading like blood across polished stone.

The sudden crash interrupted Victoria's performance. Her head snapped up sharply.

"Alexander? Who's here with you?" Her voice took on a suspicious edge.

Alexander barely glanced at her. "You should leave."

Victoria's face froze mid-pout. Before she could protest, she faked a violent shiver. "But I'm freezing! I- Ah-choo!"

The exaggerated sneeze was met with silence - until a woman's soft exclamation came from within.

"Oh dear."

Victoria's eyes widened. Even more shocking was how Alexander immediately turned back toward the sound, his entire posture tense with concern.

"Alexander!" Victoria shrieked, but he was already striding away.

She scrambled after him, heels clicking frantically across the marble. The scene that greeted her in the dining room made her blood run cold.

Alexander knelt beside the broken glass, his hand outstretched toward...

"Vivian Prescott?" Victoria gasped, taking in the stunning woman crouched near the mess, her emerald eyes glittering with something dangerous.