Chapter 296

Despite her desperate attempts to justify herself, Alexander's gaze remained clouded with unmistakable disappointment and suspicion.

"Alexander..." Victoria's voice trembled.

"You're nothing like the girl I knew growing up." Alexander's laugh held no warmth. "So much so that I'm beginning to question whether you're truly the same person."

Victoria's pupils contracted in panic. "That's absurd! I'm your Lillian, Alexander!"

"Lillian." Alexander rolled the name thoughtfully on his tongue before abruptly withdrawing his arm. "I'll be investigating this matter thoroughly. You'd better pray your name stays clean."

Victoria stood frozen, her mouth opening and closing soundlessly as she watched Alexander stride away. Her fists clenched until her nails bit into her palms.

No matter what it took, Alexander must never discover her involvement in this!

Two days later, Evelyn signed her discharge papers and headed straight for Victoria's hospital room.

As she approached the door, Eleanor's soothing murmurs reached her ears. The maternal affection in those words made Evelyn's chest constrict painfully.

Her own mother was comforting this monster.

Hearing Eleanor's departing footsteps, Evelyn ducked into an alcove. Only when the older woman's silhouette disappeared down the corridor did she slip into Victoria's room.

Victoria's hopeful expression shattered upon seeing Evelyn. "Vivian Prescott!"

"In the flesh." Evelyn's lips curled into a razor-sharp smile as she sauntered in. "How disappointing. I expected Alexander to be here. I wouldn't have bothered visiting otherwise."

Victoria's mouth twisted. "Mind your manners, Vivian. What gives you the right to address Alexander so familiarly? What are you implying?"

"Nothing much. I simply wanted to see Alexander, so here I am."

"You—"

"Tsk. Hard to believe, isn't it, Victoria Lancaster?" Evelyn's eyes glittered dangerously. "That you've become ensnared in your own trap. Would you call this poetic justice or tragic irony?"

Evelyn's aristocratic features remained composed as she watched Victoria's face darken with rage.

"That's how Evelyn Sinclair died last time, wasn't it? By your hand? But remember this well—I'm not Evelyn. I won't lie down and let you torture me at will. If I were you, I'd reconsider those despicable methods. You're outmatched, Victoria."

"Shut your mouth, you bitch!" Victoria hurled her water glass at Evelyn in a blind rage.

Evelyn sidestepped gracefully.

Neither woman anticipated Alexander's sudden appearance in the doorway.

The glass shattered against his broad frame, shards grazing his cheekbone.

"Alexander!" Victoria gasped, her face draining of color.

Evelyn immediately pressed a delicate hand to her chest. "Alexander, you're here. I feared I might not live to see you again."

Her voice caressed his name with intimate familiarity as she lifted her mesmerizing gaze to meet his startled one.

Victoria's eyes bulged. "Vivian Prescott! How dare you address my fiancé like that? What's with that look?"

"Alexander insisted I call him that." Evelyn's smile was all innocence.

"What?" Victoria choked out.

Evelyn draped herself against Alexander's arm, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Perhaps you should explain this to Miss Lancaster, darling. Everything I said is true. Oh, and how you mentioned you'd make me your wife if I said yes, remember?"