Chapter 276

Evelyn arrived alone at the hospital where Victoria was staying. A massive crowd had gathered outside the building, all staring upward with horrified expressions.

Following their gaze, Evelyn looked up. There, perched precariously on the rooftop railing, sat a pale figure in a hospital gown. Even from this distance, the delicate features were unmistakably Victoria's.

The elevator ride to the roof felt endless. Evelyn had expected Alexander to be there already, but the rooftop was empty except for the drama unfolding before her. Where was he? He'd seemed so concerned earlier. Had it all been an act?

The sound of hysterical sobbing snapped her attention forward. "Victoria, please! I'm begging you!" Eleanor Kingsley screamed, her voice raw with desperation. "Come down from there!"

Eleanor's anguish was palpable, her face streaked with tears. Beside her, William Montgomery held his weeping wife back while speaking gently to the woman on the ledge. "Sweetheart, please listen to me," he pleaded, every word dripping with paternal concern.

Their distress would have been touching if it weren't so tragically misplaced.

"Where's Alexander?" Victoria's fragile voice carried across the rooftop. "Isn't he coming?"

"He'll be here soon!" Eleanor cried. "Just wait a little longer, darling!"

Evelyn rolled her eyes. The performance was almost impressive in its melodrama.

Margaret Dawson chose that moment to escalate the theatrics. "Oh Victoria! How could you do this to yourself? First Evelyn ruined your happiness, now this Vivian Prescott is tearing you and Alexander apart! Why must you suffer so?"

The older woman's crocodile tears flowed freely as she seized the opportunity to vilify Evelyn. "Even though you're not my biological daughter, think of your real mother! The Montgomerys' only child!"

Eleanor wailed at these words, while William's face twisted in anguish. The scene would have been comical if it weren't so pathetic.

Evelyn couldn't contain her derisive laugh any longer. "Only child?" she called out, stepping forward. "Are you certain about that?"

The entire group froze at her interruption. Margaret whirled around, recognition flashing across her face followed by panic. That day in the hospital room - this woman had heard everything.

Victoria recoiled dramatically. "Go away! Get out of here!" she shrieked, withdrawing from Eleanor's outstretched hand.

Eleanor rounded on Evelyn with venom in her eyes. "You! What are you doing here? Haven't you done enough damage? Get out!"

Evelyn advanced despite their protests, her lips curling in amusement. "Why so eager to chase me away, Margaret? Afraid I'll reveal your little secret?"

Eleanor didn't wait for an explanation. With a cry of rage, she lunged at Evelyn, hand raised to strike. "You vile creature! Just like Evelyn, you take pleasure in tormenting my daughter! Well she has parents who love her now!"

Evelyn caught Eleanor's wrist effortlessly. "Are you absolutely sure you want to hit me?" she asked softly, locking eyes with the older woman. Something in her gaze made Eleanor hesitate.

Seizing the moment, Evelyn released Eleanor's wrist and addressed the group. "Let me share what I overheard recently. According to Margaret here, the Montgomerys' real daughter died three years ago."

The silence that followed was deafening.