Chapter 233

Evelyn Sinclair could forget many things in her life.

She could forget the happiest moments she had ever experienced.

She could even forget the intoxicating feeling of being deeply in love with Alexander Blackwood.

But there was one thing she would never forget—not for the rest of her life.

Her breath hitched as she slowly bent down, her fingers trembling as they brushed against the object lying on the floor.

The moment she picked it up, memories crashed over her like violent waves.

She could almost hear the rhythmic sound of the ocean, smell the salt in the air, taste the sea breeze on her lips.

And then, a boy’s voice, soft and sincere, whispered in her ear.

"Linnie, when I grow up, I'll make you my bride..."

But that promise had been swept away by the wind, sinking into the depths of the sea, never to resurface.

Some things could never return to the way they once were.

"Linnie..."

Alexander’s drunken murmur snapped her out of her thoughts.

He was still calling for her—or at least, the name that had once belonged to her.

But the Linnie he was calling for now was not Evelyn.

It was Victoria Lancaster—the woman he had spoiled, the woman he had loved blindly, the woman who had destroyed everything.

Evelyn’s fingers tightened around the small, colorful shell in her palm.

A bitter laugh escaped her lips.

After all these years, he still kept it?

"Alexander," she whispered, her voice laced with venom. "Why hold onto this when your heart belongs to Victoria? The girl who waited for you all those years is dead."

Her gaze flickered to his flushed face, his lashes fluttering as he mumbled incoherently.

Disgust coiled in her stomach.

She turned sharply, ready to toss the shell into the nearest trash bin—

But his hand shot out, gripping her wrist with surprising strength.

"Linnie... don’t go. Please... don’t leave me..."

Evelyn froze.

For a moment, something inside her wavered—but then she remembered.

She remembered the betrayal.

The pain.

The lies.

With a sharp jerk, she wrenched her arm free.

"Your precious Linnie is outside putting on a performance," she spat. "If you miss her so much, go find her yourself."

Without another word, she snatched up her bag and strode toward the door.

The moment she stepped outside, she was met with the sight of Victoria Lancaster standing in the rain, her expression shifting from hopeful to murderous in an instant.

Evelyn smirked, unfurling her umbrella with deliberate slowness.

"My, my, Ms. Lancaster," she drawled. "How dedicated you are, standing out here in the rain just to win back Alexander’s favor."

Victoria’s lips curled into a sneer. "Don’t act so smug, Vivian. You think this little stunt will tear us apart?" She took a step closer, her voice dropping to a venomous whisper. "Alexander will always love me. And if you keep pushing me, you’ll regret it."

Evelyn tilted her head, feigning innocence. "Oh? I’m terrified."

Victoria’s eyes flashed. "You—"

"Alexander’s cooking is quite impressive," Evelyn interrupted smoothly. "He’s already invited me back for another tasting."

Victoria’s face darkened.

"And he’s a terrible drinker," Evelyn continued, her lips curving into a mocking smile. "He got so drunk he held my hand and wouldn’t let go."

Victoria’s breath hitched. "What did he say to you?"

Evelyn shrugged. "Why don’t you ask him yourself?"

Victoria lunged for the door—only to find it locked.

Evelyn’s laughter was cold. "I locked it. You’ll have to wait until he sobers up."

Victoria whirled around, fury burning in her eyes. "You bitch—"

She raised her hand to strike—

But Evelyn caught her wrist effortlessly, her grip like steel.

"Try that again," Evelyn murmured, her voice dangerously soft, "and I’ll break every bone in your hand."

She shoved Victoria back with enough force to send her stumbling.

Victoria barely caught herself, her chest heaving with rage.

Evelyn adjusted her umbrella, casting one last dismissive glance at the soaked woman before her.

"If you enjoy standing in the rain so much, by all means—stay."

And with that, she turned and walked away, leaving Victoria seething in the storm.