Chapter 237

The moment that familiar scent enveloped her, Evelyn Sinclair knew exactly who was holding her.

But why was Alexander Blackwood here?

Had he brought Ethan with him?

Was her son nearby?

The thought of Ethan suddenly flooded her mind. Steeling herself, she pulled free from Alexander's embrace.

"It's the nice gentleman!"

Amelia beamed up at Alexander, her rosy cheeks dimpling with delight. The little girl clearly adored him.

A faint smile curved Alexander's lips as he glanced at Amelia before his piercing gaze settled on Evelyn.

"Seems I made the right choice coming out today," he remarked, his tone laced with implication. "Why didn't you answer my calls?"

Evelyn lifted her chin, forcing a polite smile. "Apologies, Mr. Blackwood. I've been occupied spending time with Sebastian and my daughter. Meaningless calls aren't a priority."

"Meaningless?" His brow arched. As she turned to leave with Amelia, his hand shot out, gripping her wrist.

Evelyn froze. "Mr. Blackwood, release me. Unless you'd like Victoria Lancaster to assault me again for daring to breathe the same air as you."

Alexander's intense stare burned into her. Sunlight danced across her flawless skin, illuminating her with an ethereal glow.

Memories flickered in his eyes, softening his gaze. "I made you come all that way for nothing. I regret wasting the breakfast you prepared. But I couldn't just let her die."

Of course not.

Evelyn's lips curled in bitter amusement.

Alexander, did you ever lift a finger when I was drowning in despair?

You didn't just watch—you plunged the knife deeper.

"Vivian, are you jealous?" The question caught her off guard.

Her heart stuttered before she schooled her features into indifference.

"See this, Mr. Blackwood?" She gestured to Amelia. "I have a child with Sebastian. Why would I care about any man who isn't him?"

Alexander's smile vanished.

His jaw tightened, lips pressing into a hard line.

"She's yours and Sebastian's daughter?" Ice dripped from his words.

Evelyn smiled sweetly. "Obviously."

"How long have you known each other?"

"Three years."

Three years.

Those three years had haunted Alexander—the memory of Evelyn's lifeless body in his arms, the crushing certainty she was gone forever.

It had been three years since that day.

Three years since she left him.

"Amelia, let's go."

"Okay!" The little girl chirped, her crystal-blue eyes twinkling. "Bye-bye, nice mister!"

As Evelyn turned away, Alexander snapped back to the present. His fingers closed around her slender wrist again, his grip unyielding.

"Mr. Blackwood?"

Evelyn frowned, irritation flashing in her eyes.

"Something else?"

"How old is your daughter?" he demanded, his expression grave.

"Two," she answered without hesitation.