Chapter 305

Evelyn froze, her pulse quickening. "Why are you asking me this so suddenly, Alexander?"

"Did you lose it?" His voice was like ice.

"Of course not!" Evelyn's response came too fast. "It's a gift from you. I've treasured it all these years."

Alexander studied her with piercing skepticism. "Show me."

Evelyn hesitated, then forced a tender smile. "Are you wondering if I've missed you all this time? I have. That's why I've kept everything you ever gave me safe. I'll prove it right now!"

She rushed from the room before he could respond.

Thirty minutes later, Evelyn returned clutching a delicate leaf bookmark between trembling fingers. The preserved maple leaf, perfectly laminated between transparent sheets, showed no signs of age despite the years.

"See, Alexander?" She extended it toward him with practiced sweetness, her voice dripping with nostalgia. "I still remember those days when I was the only one who mattered to you."

Alexander accepted the bookmark with measured calm. The familiar veins of the leaf confirmed its authenticity.

This was indeed the one he'd made all those summers ago.

Victoria was that girl.

He set the bookmark aside without comment, watching as relief flickered across Evelyn's face.

She'd been thorough. After sensing Alexander's suspicion during her return, she'd dispatched someone to track his movements. The report of his visit to Pinecrest Heights had chilled her blood.

That diary stolen from Vivian's belongings had been her salvation. Finding the pressed leaf tucked between its pages had been nothing short of divine intervention.

Now, seeing Alexander's expression soften, Evelyn played her final card. Tears welled in her eyes with practiced ease.

"I'm sorry for entering your room without permission. Please forgive me?" Her fingers crept toward his sleeve. "I just... I need to stay here. The thought of being alone terrifies me. But with you and Ethan nearby, I feel safe again."

Alexander withdrew his arm sharply. "Stay if you must." The words held no warmth.

The estate was already tainted. Her presence changed nothing.

Evelyn beamed. "Really? Oh Alexander, our family can finally be together again!" She moved closer, eyes shining. "I knew you wouldn't abandon me. You promised to take care of me forever—"

"Forever." Alexander's mouth twisted into a humorless smile.

Vivian recounted every detail of the previous night to Sebastian as he stood silhouetted against the floor-to-ceiling windows, his silence more telling than any response.

"He believes we slept together. That's why he's so determined to marry me now."

A bitter laugh escaped Vivian's lips as she studied Sebastian's rigid posture.

"Alexander never believed a word I said when it mattered. He always took Victoria's side no matter how many times she framed me." Her nails bit into her palms. "Now they'll know how that feels."

The heavy silence that followed was broken only by the distant chime of a grandfather clock.