Chapter 300

Evelyn stepped into the sleek black sedan as it accelerated toward Pinecrest Heights.

The golden autumn sun dipped low, casting long shadows across the coastal cliffs. A briny ocean wind carried memories of the past, though the ancient pine trees stood unchanged, the moment felt entirely different.

Pinecrest Heights had become a place Evelyn despised ever since Alexander first brought Victoria there.

She could still hear Victoria's words echoing in her mind - how she'd described meeting Alexander in nearly identical terms to Evelyn's own first encounter with him.

Was this cruel irony or just fate's twisted sense of humor?

Lost in thought, Evelyn turned to see Alexander uncorking an expensive bottle of wine.

"What's troubling you so deeply that you'd drive all this way?" Evelyn asked, feigning innocence. "Is this place special to you?"

She tilted her head. "Or perhaps this is where you and Victoria first became intimate?"

The cork popped with perfect timing as Evelyn finished speaking.

Alexander's dark eyes locked onto hers, his lips curving into that dangerously charming smile that caught the dying sunlight.

"How would you feel if someone discarded everything precious to you?" His voice held an edge.

"Precious things?" Evelyn's brow furrowed. "Like what?"

He simply smiled that enigmatic smile, retrieving two crystal glasses from the car's minibar.

"Drink with me," he commanded, though his gaze softened with something unreadable.

Evelyn accepted the glass and drained it effortlessly.

There were few things about her past self she hadn't mastered now. Alcohol held no challenge.

Alexander's eyes gleamed with unexpected admiration.

The sunset painted Evelyn's porcelain skin in warm hues, enhancing her striking features.

"An '82 Lafite," Evelyn remarked, swirling the ruby liquid. "You're being generous tonight, Mr. Blackwood." She arched an eyebrow. "Care to share what's put you in such a mood?"

She continued before he could answer. "I gave my statement at the police station yesterday. They confirmed Victoria orchestrated the kidnapping." Evelyn studied his reaction. "I assume you already knew? Is that why you're upset?"

Alexander downed his wine in one smooth motion.

Another ocean breeze swept through as twilight descended. Streetlights flickered to life around them.

His intense gaze never left hers. "Will you press charges?" The question came abruptly.

Evelyn blinked. "Excuse me?"

"I'd like to convince you not to."

His words struck her like a physical blow.

'Even now, Alexander? After everything, you still defend her?'

Evelyn forced a careless smile. "Victoria must mean the world to you, Mr. Blackwood." Her fingers tightened around the glass. "But tell me - what possible reason could you have for protecting such a monster?"