Chapter 232

Alexander's intense gaze met Evelyn's mesmerizing eyes as he confidently raised his wine glass.

"This first toast is an apology for whoever offended you earlier," Alexander declared before draining the glass. He immediately poured another. "And this is to celebrate meeting such an extraordinary woman like Miss Prescott."

He continued drinking glass after glass without pause.

The night deepened as the rain softened to a drizzle. By the time Alexander finished the entire bottle, his pale complexion had flushed with intoxication.

His usually sharp, captivating eyes now glazed over with drunken haze.

"Future Mrs. Blackwood, allow me to escort you home," Alexander slurred as he stood unsteadily.

"Mr. Blackwood, you should rest. I'll call Nathaniel to pick me up."

"Him?" Alexander chuckled deeply, his rich baritone vibrating with sensual charm. His alcohol-clouded vision blurred the crystal chandelier's light, making the woman before him resemble the one from his dreams.

"I insist on seeing you home," he persisted, staggering toward Evelyn.

His steps faltered dangerously before he reached her. Though initially reluctant, remembering Victoria watching outside, Evelyn extended her hand to steady him.

His full weight collapsed against her, confirming his drunken state.

"Mr. Blackwood, let's sit for a moment," Evelyn struggled to guide him to the sofa.

She knew the brighter the interior lights, the clearer Victoria could see from outside. That woman must be seething with rage by now.

"You're intoxicated. Let me make you some lemon water," Evelyn said, attempting to withdraw her hand.

Alexander's grip tightened suddenly. "Don't go," he murmured.

Turning, Evelyn saw the half-reclining man - cheeks flushed, gaze unfocused - whispering, "Lillian..." The name slipped from his lips repeatedly.

Evelyn stared coldly at the drunken man.

"Lillian, don't leave me again..."

Lillian.

Evelyn's lips pressed into a thin line. Of course he was calling for Victoria, the woman who'd stolen her identity as Miss Montgomery and taken the name Lillian Montgomery.

She regarded Alexander with a sneer.

"So you still can't forget that viperous Victoria. Your broken engagement must be just for show? How could the great Alexander Blackwood ever let her go?"

As Evelyn tried to pull away, Alexander yanked her forcefully into his arms.

Crashing against his broad chest, Evelyn inhaled his familiar icy fragrance.

She jerked her head up, meeting his dark, misty eyes. His intoxicated gaze held bottomless depth - mysterious, alluring, yet deceptively tender.

Evelyn's expression remained razor-sharp.

"Alexander, look carefully. I'm not your Lillian. I'm the ex-wife you hated enough to kill!"

Her lips trembled with suppressed fury as she glared at his handsome face.

"I'll reclaim everything you owe me with interest. You'll finally understand how it feels to be manipulated and betrayed by someone you love!"

Suddenly, Alexander tightened his embrace.

"Lillian..." His heated whisper brushed her ear.

Evelyn froze until his lips grazed her cheek. She struggled violently.

"Alexander, release me!"

"Never again... I'll never let you go again, Lillian..."

"I'm not her! Let go!"

Their struggle dislodged something from Alexander's pocket. The fallen object caught Evelyn's eye, and one glance petrified her completely.