Chapter 255

"Go ahead, Mr. Blackwood." Evelyn smiled calmly. "I'm just as curious as everyone else about what you're going to announce."

Alexander curved his lips into a seductive smirk. "Patience," he murmured before glancing at Sebastian, who stood protectively behind Evelyn. Then, he turned to face the crowd and the flashing cameras of the media.

Victoria's heart pounded violently in her chest. She realized with horror that Alexander might be about to publicly dissolve their marriage. Desperation clawed at her as she grabbed his arm, her voice trembling.

"Alexander, please—that video is fake! Don't believe it. Don't do this. I can't lose you. Please..."

Her whisper was barely audible, but he heard every word.

Alexander lowered his dark, piercing gaze to hers. "You don't need to explain anything to me. I saw that video three years ago."

Victoria's face drained of color. "W-What?"

He had known all this time?

And yet, he had never confronted her.

That meant he had chosen to stand by her despite everything.

A flicker of hope ignited in her chest.

"Alexander, if you knew, then you must still trust me. Please, don't make that announcement. I need you..." Her voice cracked, her beautiful face twisting into a pitiful plea.

For a moment, Alexander studied her—her pleading eyes, her trembling lips. Then, unbidden, an image of Lillian flashed through his mind.

Without another word, he pulled his arm free and faced the crowd again.

"Everyone, I hereby declare that my marriage to the daughter of the Lancasters is now cance—"

Thud.

"Victoria! Oh God, Victoria!"

Before Alexander could finish his sentence, Victoria collapsed dramatically at his feet.

Eleanor rushed forward, sobbing hysterically. "Alexander, what are you waiting for?! Get her to the hospital now!"

Margaret Blackwood hurried over, shoving her son urgently. "Alexander, move!"

Evelyn couldn't see Alexander's expression, but she watched as he scooped Victoria into his arms and strode swiftly toward the exit.

The room erupted into murmurs—some shocked, some speculative.

Evelyn's lips curled into a bitter smile.

Then, a warm hand settled on her shoulder. She looked up into Sebastian's comforting gaze.

"Don't let it hurt you," he murmured. "If your parents knew the truth, they'd regret every moment they failed to see you."

Evelyn exhaled softly. "Sebastian, thank you. Even if I never get to reclaim my place in their lives, at least I've cleared my name."

"What will you do now?" he asked gently.

A dangerous glint flickered in Evelyn's eyes as she stared in the direction Alexander had disappeared. "I need to know which hospital they took her to."

Half an hour later.

Evelyn pulled her coat tighter as she stepped into the hospital.

As she approached the inpatient ward, she spotted William Montgomery rushing into the elevator, his face etched with worry.

Of course. Even now, they all still doted on Victoria.

But Evelyn knew better. She had seen Victoria's "fainting" act too many times before.

She reached the corridor outside Victoria's room just as Alexander stepped out.

His striking features were unreadable, but the tension in his jaw and the shadow in his eyes betrayed his concern.

For her.

Again.