Chapter 298

Evelyn met Alexander's intense gaze before withdrawing her arm and stepping out of the car with finality.

A carefree smile played on her lips as she felt his eyes tracking her every move.

'Have you finally seen Victoria's true colors, Alexander?'

'Yes, but it's far too late now.'

'Too late for these wounds to ever fully heal. You may want to use who I am now to ease your guilt, but I'll be the one pushing you toward your downfall.'

Alexander waited until Evelyn's silhouette disappeared before turning his car around.

He purchased eighty-eight crimson roses and drove to the cemetery.

Countless words swirled in his mind, yet when standing before Evelyn's grave, they all caught in his throat.

After a prolonged silence, he finally murmured, "Perhaps I'll bring her to meet you someday. You'd be astonished to find your mirror image walking this earth."

His fingers traced the engraved name as autumn sunlight bathed him in warmth that couldn't penetrate the perpetual winter in his heart.

Upon returning, Alexander became determined to uncover the truth behind Vivian's kidnapping.

The four captors confessed everything - how Victoria had masterminded the entire scheme.

They even admitted taking turns with Victoria, emphasizing she'd participated willingly.

Disgust churned in Alexander's stomach at their testimony.

She volunteered?

The investigation results felt impossible to reconcile with the girl he'd once loved.

Victoria had been his first love, a cherished secret kept close to his heart.

Now, with each revelation exposing her true nature, Alexander struggled to recognize the Lillian he'd met on Pinecrest Heights beach all those years ago.

She'd become someone unrecognizable.

Margaret Blackwood called again, demanding Alexander visit Victoria.

She hung up before he could respond.

Though he'd investigated the kidnapping, one mystery remained unsolved.

Who had sent him Vivian's exact location that night?

Every lead turned cold.

Returning to Blackwood Estate, Alexander froze at the sight of his and Evelyn's wedding portrait - meant to hang above their bed - now discarded by the entrance.

A storm darkened his striking features as he took the stairs two at a time.

He'd permitted no one in their bedroom since Evelyn's death, personally maintaining its sanctity.

Yet now, laughter and chatter spilled from the open doorway.

His fury mounted with each step. Inside, he found Victoria lounging on the bed he'd preserved for Evelyn's memory.

"You're back, Alexander." Victoria offered a demure smile.

"Who allowed you in here?" Each icy word made her flinch.

Her eyes darted toward the bathroom. "Alexander, I—"

"It was me!" Eleanor Kingsley emerged, chin raised defiantly. "Don't like it? Take it up with me instead!"