Chapter 235

Evelyn watched Alexander hesitate for several heartbeats. In those suspended moments, she couldn't decipher the thoughts flashing behind his stormy gray eyes. Then, with sudden decision, he turned toward Victoria with that familiar conflicted expression before rushing to her side.

He dropped to his knees, gathering Victoria's limp form against his chest. "Vicky, Vicky, wake up," Alexander murmured, his fingers brushing her pale cheek with tender concern.

The breakfast bag in Evelyn's hands suddenly felt like lead. Standing frozen in the doorway, she felt her lips twist into a bitter smile.

'Alexander Blackwood, you never fail to meet my lowest expectations.'

'After everything she's done, she still holds your heart in her delicate hands.'

Victoria's eyelids fluttered open dramatically, tears already glistening on her lashes. "Alex, I was wrong," she whispered hoarsely. "I see that now. Please...don't abandon me." A single tear traced down her porcelain cheek.

"Alex, remember your promise? To always protect me? That you'd cherish me forever?" Victoria's voice trembled with practiced fragility. "All I've ever wanted was to be your bride. To stand by your side for eternity, my darling Lex—"

Lex.

The childhood nickname struck Evelyn like a physical blow. Her fingers clenched around the paper bag until the edges bit into her palms.

Alexander's brow furrowed as he studied Victoria, his expression unreadable.

"Lex, can you forgive your Lily? I'll be good, I promise. No more reckless behavior—" Victoria invoked the pet name from their shared past, her eyes brimming with calculated vulnerability.

Evelyn nearly applauded the performance. The woman deserved an Oscar for this display.

How touching. How utterly nauseating.

"You're burning up," Alexander said tersely. "We need to get you to the hospital." As he helped Victoria rise, she suddenly threw her arms around his neck. "Alex, if you can't forgive me, I'd rather die right here—"

Alexander's jaw tightened. "Enough of that talk."

His gaze lifted and locked with Evelyn's standing in the doorway. The apology in his eyes was almost laughable.

"Don't let me keep you, Mr. Blackwood," Evelyn said smoothly before he could speak. "Miss Lancaster needs medical attention. Fevers can be quite dangerous, after all."

Victoria peeked at Evelyn from beneath her lashes, a smirk playing at her lips when she saw Evelyn turn away. "Alex," she whispered loudly enough to carry, "I've been standing all night. I don't think I can walk. Will you carry me?"

The request sent an unexpected jolt through Evelyn's chest.

Of course he would.

The realization burned hotter than she cared to admit.

Why should she care? It wasn't jealousy—just disgust at seeing Victoria's manipulations succeed yet again.

But Alexander surprised them both. He helped Victoria to the car without lifting her, his hands remaining strictly professional. As the car passed the intersection, Evelyn caught his lingering gaze through the window, the breakfast still clutched uselessly in her hands.

That face. Always that damned face.

The following days passed without Alexander's presence. Though he called repeatedly and visited her boutique, Evelyn made herself scarce. She'd once built her universe around Alexander Blackwood.

But universes could exist without their false suns.

The only reason she'd allowed him back into her orbit was vengeance.

Yet even revenge required patience.

Evelyn understood the delicate balance—Alexander was beginning to see her again, truly see her. And that fragile recognition was worth more than any impulsive strike.