Chapter 264

"Olivia, I never forgot."

"That's why I've returned for vengeance. This is for myself, but mostly for my child."

When Olivia noticed Evelyn's prolonged silence, she rushed forward and seized her hand urgently. "Evelyn, please come with us. Nathaniel genuinely loves and cares for you. Stop letting that monster manipulate you!"

"Enough." Evelyn cut her off sharply. "How many times must I say this? I'm not Evelyn Sinclair. And why shouldn't I stay with Mr. Blackwood? His past has nothing to do with me. All I know is that I'm happy with him. I enjoy his company. So stop harassing me!"

Her words dripped with ice as she shoved Olivia's hand away.

Turning abruptly, she clutched Alexander's arm, feigning intimacy. "Alexander, let's go somewhere quieter. These people are insufferable."

"Fine." Alexander responded flatly, unfazed by her touch.

Before leaving, he cast one last solemn glance at Olivia, her accusations still echoing in his mind.

The pain struck like a thousand scorpion stings to his heart, stealing his breath away.

Olivia had recounted every cruel act he'd committed against Evelyn, exposing his merciless nature.

In the passenger seat, Evelyn watched Alexander's troubled expression from her periphery.

She knew Olivia's words had struck a nerve.

A secret smirk curled her lips. 'How does it feel, Alexander? Finally feeling remorse? Or did you suddenly grow a conscience?'

'But when did you ever show me any conscience?'

'If you'd shown me even a shred of mercy back then, I wouldn't have suffered such a horrific fate!'

Autumn dusk draped the cemetery in a thin veil of mist.

Evelyn stepped carefully over fallen leaves toward the weathered headstone.

White chrysanthemums trembled in her grasp as she laid them before the grave and bowed deeply.

"Grandfather," she whispered, tracing the engraved name with her fingertips.

"Evelyn has come to see you."

Her smile wavered as tears blurred her vision.

"I know you'd disapprove of my actions, but I can't forgive what he did to me... to our child."

"He's taking the bait now. I'll make him fall hopelessly in love, then let him experience the agony of betrayal by someone he loves."

"And those who hurt you will pay dearly too."

Her eyes narrowed into dangerous slits, glinting with cold determination.

Lighting memorial candles, she settled onto the damp earth beside the grave.

The autumn sky darkened around her, but she remained, seeking comfort from the grandfather who'd once cherished her.

Alexander hadn't planned to visit the cemetery today, but Olivia's words haunted him.

Knowing apologies were meaningless, he came seeking impossible absolution.

The bouquet of 88 roses felt heavy in his arms. After placing them reverently, his fingers automatically traced the engraved name, a futile attempt to bridge the chasm between life and death.

Only cold stone met his touch - no warmth, no forgiveness.

Turning away, he sought a place to keep vigil when a flash of white caught his eye - a slender figure moving between graves, her silhouette achingly familiar.

The evening mist obscured her face, but his pulse quickened violently.

"Evelyn—!"

Her name tore from his lips as he spun toward Henry Whitmore's grave, his polished shoes crushing fallen leaves in his desperate pursuit.