Chapter 240

Evelyn turned on her heel, tossing over her shoulder, "You should take Ethan to see a doctor. I'm leaving now."

"He's not my only child."

?

Alexander's cryptic remark echoed behind her, just as he'd said this afternoon.

Evelyn froze mid-step, sensing Alexander closing the distance between them.

"I have a daughter too."

"..."

Her heart stuttered painfully as a flicker of devastation crossed her eyes.

Had her words this afternoon aroused his suspicion? Had he uncovered something in these few hours?

Just as her thoughts spiraled, Alexander's voice whispered against her ear. "With my ex-wife."

"..."

Her eyes widened fractionally, a dagger of anguish twisting in her chest.

"Really?" She forced a smile as she turned to meet his piercing gaze. "Where is she now?"

Alexander studied Evelyn's face intently, an inscrutable smirk playing on his lips. "Dead."

"..."

"Killed by her own father—me."

"..."

Evelyn's fists clenched involuntarily, yet she maintained her composed smile. "Mr. Blackwood, what a morbid sense of humor. What father would harm his own flesh and blood?" She glanced at her wristwatch. "I really must go. Sebastian will worry."

With that, she turned away.

The moment her back faced him, her carefully constructed smile shattered. Darkness and agony threatened to consume her.

Evelyn bit her lip hard, willing the tears not to fall.

Yet the image of that lost child—destroyed by Alexander's hands—sent hot tears escaping down her cheeks.

From the second-floor balcony, Alexander watched Evelyn's hurried departure. He pulled out his phone, dialing Lucas. "Dig deeper into Vivian Prescott's background. I want every detail. Also investigate Sebastian Whitman's movements over the past three years. Report anything unusual immediately."

On the other end, Lucas sprang into action.

Hanging up, Alexander's pulse raced inexplicably.

He recalled this afternoon's conversation with Evelyn, little Amelia's innocent face flashing in his mind. Then came the memory of that fateful night three years ago—how he'd taken Nathaniel Sterling's affectionate gesture as betrayal and ravaged Evelyn in blind rage.

If Evelyn had survived... if she'd conceived that night... the child would be two now.

His earlier confession had been deliberate. That fleeting anguish in Evelyn's eyes when he spoke of killing his own child—he'd caught it.

Returning to the apartment, Evelyn found Sebastian tucking Amelia into bed.

"Everything alright?" Sebastian noted Evelyn's troubled expression.

She recounted everything, voicing her fears. "Sebastian, I think he suspects me again."

"Don't fret." Sebastian's calm smile never wavered. "I won't let him connect you to Evelyn."

"You have a plan?"

"One that will erase all doubts about you being Maddie." His gentle smile mirrored the tranquil night outside the window. "I'd hoped you'd rest today. Instead, you're distressed." His fingers brushed her cheek tenderly. "Go shower and sleep."

At his touch, Evelyn shivered slightly before nodding. "Goodnight."

"Goodnight." Sebastian watched her retreat, his warm gaze dimming like the gathering storm clouds outside, layers of mystery swirling in those depths...

Alexander tossed restlessly all night. Just as sleep claimed him, Lucas called.

Snapping awake, he scanned the documents Lucas had sent.

"Mr. Blackwood, I've forwarded everything. Most appears unremarkable, but one detail stands out."

Alexander stopped scrolling. "What is it?"