Chapter 262

Olivia Bennett wasn't convinced. She opened her mouth to argue, but Alexander Blackwood's words extinguished the flicker of hope in her heart instantly.

Her gaze fell upon Evelyn Sinclair's breathtaking face, and her shoulders slumped in defeat.

'This can't possibly be Evelyn.'

'No, it must be her.'

Olivia glared at Alexander, her teeth clenched. "Alexander, this is clearly a setup. She's definitely Evelyn! You're the one who—"

"Enough." Evelyn's icy voice cut through the air. "Whatever history you share with Evelyn Sinclair has nothing to do with me. Let me make this perfectly clear—I am not Evelyn Sinclair."

With deliberate grace, she lifted her mesmerizing eyes to meet Alexander's. "I'm taking the day off. Would you care to join me, Mr. Blackwood?"

Alexander studied her hypnotic gaze, a slow smile forming. "The pleasure would be mine."

His fingers intertwined with hers as they walked away.

The crowd parted like the Red Sea, all eyes following the striking couple's departure.

Olivia and Nathaniel Sterling rushed after them, only to witness Evelyn slipping into Alexander's luxury car with a triumphant smirk.

"How is this possible?" Olivia fumed, her hands shaking. "Nate, we need to follow them."

Nathaniel's gaze lingered on the disappearing car, a soft smile playing on his lips. "If Evelyn's alive, I'll accept her no matter what she's become—"

Alexander parked near Willowbrook's secluded nature reserve. Evelyn stepped out, exhaling dramatically.

"What a nuisance looking identical to Mr. Blackwood's ex-wife," she complained, tossing her hair. Then feigning confusion, she asked, "Who was that man earlier? You seemed acquainted."

Alexander's gaze darkened as he studied her. "Just some wealthy fool who can't move on from my ex-wife."

Evelyn's pulse stuttered at his words.

'Can't move on.'

What bittersweet poetry.

Someone in this cruel world still remembered her.

Yet for ten torturous years, her heart had belonged only to this ruthless man before her.

'Life's cruel irony.'

'The one I love doesn't love me, while the one who loves me—'

This endless cycle of unrequited love only destroyed those foolish enough to give their hearts unwisely.

'Nathaniel, you still remember Evelyn.'

'She doesn't deserve your devotion.'

Alexander observed her pensive expression. "You seem moved, Miss Prescott."

Evelyn blinked, her mask slipping back into place. "Merely surprised that someone would cherish the woman you so clearly despised."

"Cherish?" Alexander's expression darkened, a storm brewing in his piercing gaze. He closed the distance between them, caging her against the car with his muscular frame.

His intense stare searched her face as he murmured, "There's a question I wanted to ask you last night." His breath warmed her skin. "Vivian Prescott, are you falling for me?"