Chapter 308
The screen went black.
"Vivian."
Alexander replayed the security footage twice, his pulse hammering against his ribs. Snatching his car keys, he immediately called Evelyn.
No answer.
He sped toward the accident location. Just before arriving, his phone rang.
Seeing the caller ID, Alexander exhaled in relief.
He tapped his earpiece. "Vivian?"
"It's me."
That familiar voice instantly eased the tension coiling his muscles.
They met ten minutes later. Alexander's intense gaze swept over Evelyn's unscathed appearance. "You're truly unharmed?"
Evelyn glanced at the minor scrape on her knee. "Just a scratch. Rather than fussing over me, Mr. Blackwood, perhaps you should be more concerned about your son."
Alexander frowned. "Ethan?"
"Yes. I must ask - is Ethan truly Victoria's child?" Evelyn's brow furrowed. "I was shocked to see her abandon him to an oncoming vehicle while fleeing to safety."
Alexander's expression darkened as he recalled the footage - Vivian risking her life to shield a boy while Victoria was conspicuously absent.
"Let me take you home." Alexander moved to support her, his arm naturally encircling her shoulders.
"I'd prefer accompanying you, if possible. Victoria just took Ethan away. I want to ensure he's alright."
Studying her striking profile, Alexander nodded. "Very well. We'll go to my estate."
Throughout the drive, Alexander kept stealing glances at the rearview mirror, suddenly invested in her wellbeing.
She occupied a different space in his world than others.
As they entered the Blackwood Estate, memories flooded Evelyn - Victoria framing her for the staircase incident, Alexander forcing her to kneel all night in the rain after her prison beating.
His cruelty toward their unborn child. His endless tolerance for Victoria's wickedness.
Standing by as she suffered under the merciless downpour.
"Penny for your thoughts?" Alexander's rich baritone snapped her back.
Evelyn smiled faintly. "Just wondering if I should share some interesting news with you."
"Interesting news?" Alexander's eyes narrowed slightly.
The car halted at the gates just as Victoria and Eleanor emerged with a stone-faced Ethan.
Spotting Alexander and Evelyn together, Victoria froze before storming forward.
"What are you doing at my home, Vivian Prescott?" she demanded harshly.
Alexander turned with displeasure. "Mind your tone. Vivian is my guest."
"Vivian?" Victoria's anger flared. "Why bring this woman into our home, Alexander? And why say her name so... intimately?"
"Are you questioning me?" Alexander's voice turned arctic, his gaze piercing. "Perhaps you should answer me first. What exactly were you doing when Ethan nearly got hit by that car? As his mother."
"I-I tried to save him but twisted my ankle!" Victoria stammered.
"Twisted your ankle?" Evelyn chuckled darkly. "At least make your lies believable, Miss Lancaster."
"You!" Victoria pointed accusingly. "You're poisoning Alexander against me! I wouldn't have fallen if you hadn't pushed me! I'd never let Ethan get hurt! Alexander, don't believe this scheming woman's lies!"