Chapter 285

Alexander's sharp brows knitted together. "What did you just say?"

Nathaniel's voice was laced with urgency. "When will you stop, Alexander? Until Evelyn dies? Is loving you such a crime? Tell me—where did you take her?" His rapid-fire questions betrayed his growing panic.

But the truth remained—Evelyn was gone. No amount of denial could change that.

Then it hit him. Vivian Prescott.

She was the only reason Nathaniel would believe Evelyn was still alive.

Had something happened to Vivian?

A cold dread settled in his chest.

Without hesitation, Alexander wrenched himself free from Victoria's grasp and turned on his heel.

Victoria stood frozen for two full seconds before snapping out of it. By then, Alexander was already striding out of the hospital room. "Alexander! Where are you going?"

Her frantic cry went unanswered. He didn’t even glance back.

Margaret, who had been waiting outside, pushed the door open just in time to see Alexander disappear down the hallway.

Inside, Victoria hurled a glass of water from the nightstand to the floor in a fit of rage.

Margaret rushed to her side. "What happened? What did he say?"

Victoria's fists clenched, her eyes burning with fury. "He told me he's loved Evelyn his entire life! That woman—that wretched woman—he still wants her!"

Margaret paled. "You mean... the Evelyn from his past? But he thinks you're her! That shouldn’t matter—"

Her words only stoked Victoria's rage.

She understood exactly what Alexander meant.

His heart had always belonged to Evelyn—then and now.

He was so obsessed that he'd even fixated on a woman who resembled her!

And her? She had never truly held a place in his heart.

Everything he'd given her—every kindness—was just him fulfilling promises meant for Evelyn.

A sinister smile curled her lips as she recalled Alexander's abrupt departure.

"Give me your phone."

Margaret handed it over eagerly, her expression greedy. "Tell them to tighten the ropes. Squeeze every last drop from her. Let’s see how high and mighty she acts after that!"

Victoria smirked. "Oh, I won’t stop at squeezing her dry. I’ll make sure she never sees daylight again."

Alexander left the hospital and immediately reached out to Nathaniel.

They agreed to meet. The moment Nathaniel saw him, he lunged forward, grabbing Alexander by the collar.

"You call yourself a man, Alexander Blackwood? I get that you don’t love Evelyn anymore, but why torture her? Why did she have to fall for a bastard like you?"

Alexander remained impassive, his voice icy. "Let go."

His cold stare bore into Nathaniel’s furious expression.

"You played your part in ruining things between Evelyn and me back then, Nathaniel."

Nathaniel scoffed, releasing him with a shove. "You’ve got the nerve to do it but not own up to it?"

Alexander smoothed his collar with deliberate precision, erasing every wrinkle. Then he smirked—a look far more mocking than Nathaniel’s.

"Got the nerve to do it but not own up to it, huh?"

His lips curved slowly into a chilling smile.