Chapter 245

Alexander's eyes locked onto the professional DNA analysis report displayed on his screen. His fingers flew across the keyboard, scrolling past pages of technical data straight to the conclusive results.

The air left his lungs in one sharp exhale.

Every lingering doubt, every foolish hope he'd secretly harbored shattered in that instant.

The report confirmed without question - he was not Amelia's biological father.

Yet their chromosomal match was undeniable. There existed only one possible explanation for such identical genetic markers.

Amelia was truly Sebastian's daughter. That's why their DNA showed familial connection.

His phone clattered onto the marble floor unnoticed.

Golden sunset light painted his frozen expression. After what felt like an eternity, Alexander's lips twisted into a bitter smile.

"So there really are people who look this alike in the world."

"The truth remains - you're gone from me forever."

The familiar ache returned, that gaping wound from three years ago that would never fully heal. The regret, the loss - permanent scars on his soul.

Evelyn moved through her preparations with renewed confidence, certain Alexander's suspicions had been laid to rest. Her focus now centered entirely on the upcoming gala dinner in two days.

The most prestigious venue in Willowbrook was undoubtedly the six-star hotel owned by Blackwood Enterprises. Evelyn had already secured the reservation. Just as she stepped out to finalize the contract, she spotted Victoria approaching her boutique.

The usually composed socialite looked uncharacteristically distressed, her delicate features drawn with worry rather than the venomous expression she'd worn after dropping her carefully constructed facade.

"Miss Prescott," Victoria hurried forward, "might I have a moment of your time? There's something important we need to discuss."

Evelyn regarded the woman before her with undisguised contempt. "We have nothing to discuss, Miss Lancaster."

She turned to leave.

"Please, Vivian!" Victoria's voice cracked with desperation. "Just five minutes of your time."

Evelyn paused, glancing back over her shoulder. "Since you're begging so prettily, Miss Lancaster, you have ten minutes."

"Thank you," Victoria murmured, though the gratitude rang hollow to Evelyn's ears.

In a nearby café, Victoria ordered refreshments with practiced charm, maintaining her fragile smile throughout.

"Spit it out, Miss Lancaster," Evelyn said bluntly, setting her phone on the table. "I have business to attend to."

Victoria's hands clenched beneath the table at Evelyn's dismissive tone. "Vivian, you must understand...you look exactly like my late sister Evelyn. But I'm begging you - don't repeat her mistakes."

Evelyn's lips curved into a dangerous smile. "And what mistakes would those be, exactly?"

Victoria sighed dramatically. "I'm asking you to stop pursuing my fiancé."

"You're an accomplished woman, Miss Prescott. With your beauty, your successful boutique under the Lady Belle franchise...surely you have better options than becoming the other woman?"

Ah. So that was Victoria's game - poisoning the well.

"The other woman?" Evelyn nearly choked on the irony.

Before she could respond, Victoria's eyes welled with crocodile tears. "Please don't destroy what Alexander and I have. And don't ruin your own reputation. Once branded a homewrecker, that stain never fades."

Evelyn threw her head back with genuine laughter. "Homewrecker?" Her piercing gaze pinned Victoria in place. "How remarkably bold of you to say that to my face, Miss Lancaster. Tell me - does your reflection still recognize you?"