Chapter 261

Evelyn's breath caught in her throat as the familiar figure emerged from the bustling crowd. For a moment, she felt her soul detach from her body.

Three years had passed, yet Nathaniel Sterling stood before her with the same piercing gaze that once made her heart flutter. His chiseled features now carried a newfound maturity that only enhanced his striking presence.

He moved toward her with deliberate steps, her reflection shimmering in his obsidian eyes. A mixture of disbelief and joy danced across his face.

"Evelyn, it's really you..." Nathaniel's voice wrapped around her like warm velvet, just as she remembered.

"You're mistaken." Evelyn arched a perfectly shaped brow, her tone dripping with irritation. "I'm not Evelyn Sinclair. If you've come to gawk at some resemblance, kindly leave. I have clients waiting." She turned sharply, allowing only the cool marble floor to witness the pain flashing across her features.

'Forgive me, Olivia. Forgive me, Nate.'

"Evelyn!" Olivia's desperate fingers closed around Evelyn's wrist. "Why are you doing this? I know it's you! Why pretend we're strangers?"

Tears glistened in Olivia's eyes as she gestured toward Nathaniel. "You claim not to know me, but what about Nate? Have you forgotten everything he did for you?"

Evelyn's gaze swept over Nathaniel's familiar face before hardening. "One final warning before I call security."

"Nate." Olivia turned pleading eyes toward Nathaniel. "We should take her to Dr. Hayes immediately. Alexander must be threatening her again."

Nathaniel studied Evelyn's tense posture, recalling every cruelty Alexander had inflicted. Determination hardened his jaw as he reached for her hand.

"Release her."

A glacial command sliced through the tension. All heads turned toward Alexander Blackwood, whose presence seemed to lower the room's temperature by several degrees.

Olivia positioned herself as a human shield between Evelyn and the approaching threat. "You monster!" she spat, trembling with rage. "How much more will you torture her?"

Alexander's icy demeanor never faltered as he closed the distance. His stormy eyes locked onto Nathaniel before effortlessly prying Evelyn from his grasp.

"Alexander." Nathaniel's voice vibrated with barely contained fury. "What have you done to her?"

"You vile creature!" Olivia's voice cracked. "You've brainwashed her completely! She doesn't even recognize us anymore!"

Alexander's lips curled into a humorless smile. "Evelyn Sinclair died three years ago," he reminded coolly. "Or have you forgotten? You watched her body turn to ash. Do ghosts typically walk among the living?"