Chapter 230

Evelyn had been simmering with rage for days, and the sight before her now pushed her to the brink.

She never expected to find Vivian Prescott standing in Alexander Blackwood's mansion!

That was the final straw.

The elegant candlelit dinner set before them. Alexander carefully holding Vivian's hand as he tended to her minor injury. Evelyn couldn't stomach any of it.

"It's just a scratch. No need to fuss, Mr. Blackwood," Vivian said airily, withdrawing her hand.

"Even small wounds can get infected if not treated properly," Alexander murmured, rising to fetch antiseptic. His gaze briefly flickered to Evelyn as she followed him inside before turning to retrieve the first aid kit.

"Thank you." Vivian's polite words floated behind him as she slowly stood.

Her eyes lifted as if noticing Evelyn's stormy expression for the first time. "Miss Lancaster, what an unexpected pleasure."

Evelyn's blood boiled as she forced a saccharine smile. "Miss Prescott, might I ask why you're in my fiancé's home?"

"Fiancé?" Vivian's lips curved. "If memory serves, Mr. Blackwood has publicly declared your engagement null and void."

"You—" Evelyn's mask shattered instantly. "Vivian Prescott, what are you implying? I see your game now—using that face to seduce Alexander!"

"And if I am?" Vivian's careless shrug was infuriating. "Can you blame me? A man like Mr. Blackwood is rather... irresistible."

"You shameless—" Evelyn's hand flew up, aiming for Vivian's face. "You conniving little—"

Vivian caught Evelyn's wrist mid-swing. Simultaneously, her free hand delivered a stinging slap across Evelyn's cheek.

The sharp crack echoed through the room.

Evelyn staggered back, eyes wide with shock. "How dare you strike me? Do you have any idea who you're dealing with? No one crosses me and lives to tell the tale—not Evelyn Sinclair, and certainly not you!"

She was still clutching her reddened cheek when Alexander returned. Instantly, she transformed into a weeping damsel. "Alexander—"

"Mr. Blackwood, perhaps I should leave before I further offend your... guest." Vivian's melodious interruption cut through Evelyn's theatrics.

Alexander's gaze flicked between them before striding to Vivian's side. "Let me tend to that wound first."

"Unnecessary." Vivian's delicate frown was artful. "Though I may resemble that unfortunate Evelyn Sinclair, I've no desire to share her fate. A slap today—who knows what tomorrow might bring?"

Evelyn's jaw dropped. "That's a lie! She struck me! Alexander, she admitted she's trying to seduce you—"

"Perhaps you should leave." Alexander's icy dismissal froze Evelyn mid-tirade.

Her face cycled through shades of purple and white, fists clenching until her manicured nails bit into her palms.

She was always the puppeteer—never the puppet!

With a strangled cry, Evelyn lunged at Vivian, only to be blocked by Alexander's imposing frame.

His glacial stare pinned her in place. "Have you not done enough damage today?"