Chapter 310

Evelyn, who had only walked a short distance away, allowed a subtle smile to play on her lips.

Her strategic retreat had worked perfectly. As expected, Alexander's attention was now firmly on her.

Alexander opened the car door for Evelyn with unexpected gentleness.

Sliding into the passenger seat, Evelyn caught sight of Victoria's furious expression in the rearview mirror. The sight filled her with quiet satisfaction.

As the car pulled away, Evelyn feigned distress. "Even though I promised not to pursue the kidnapping case further, it seems they're planning to sue me instead? The thief playing victim - I won't tolerate this injustice."

"That won't happen," Alexander assured firmly.

Evelyn studied him with amusement. "You're certainly going above and beyond for Victoria's sake."

Alexander's expression darkened at her words. He opened his mouth to refute, then closed it again without speaking.

After a weighted silence, he seemed to recall something. "Earlier you mentioned having good news to share. What is it?"

Evelyn arched an elegant brow, her smile turning playful. "About that..." she trailed off, her clear eyes studying his profile.

"I want to revisit your home tonight. Another one of those candlelit dinners you used to make me. Then I'll share my news."

Alexander's grip tightened on the steering wheel at her words. He nearly missed the red light ahead.

When their eyes met, Evelyn saw something flicker in his gaze. His heartbeat seemed to accelerate for reasons neither could explain.

Their next stop was the grocery store, where they moved through the aisles with an easy familiarity that could be mistaken for newlyweds. Evelyn selected ingredients while Alexander carried the basket.

Back at the estate, as they unpacked groceries, Alexander received an urgent call from Blackwood Enterprises. Before leaving, he invited Evelyn to wait in his bedroom.

She accepted.

Stepping into the bedroom triggered a flood of conflicting emotions.

She should despise this place.

Yet seeing the unchanged decor - nearly identical to three years ago - left her momentarily disoriented.

The outdated but well-loved dresses still hung in the closet. The bedsheets, though faded, were the same set she'd chosen with such hope.

That hope had been crushed the night Alexander never came to share their marriage bed.

A noise downstairs snapped Evelyn from her thoughts.

Peering over the railing, she saw Victoria gleefully unpacking their groceries. The younger woman began preparing an elaborate meal, even setting out candlesticks - clearly planning her own romantic dinner.

Evelyn heard Victoria's failed call to Alexander, followed by a saccharine voicemail: "Alexander, it's Victoria. I've prepared a special candlelight dinner. When will you be home? It's been so long since we dined together. You must join me tonight."

Victoria hung up with affected shyness before retreating to her room.

Evelyn descended the stairs with deliberate calm. Surveying the lavish spread in the kitchen, she smiled knowingly.

Victoria reappeared moments later.

Finding Evelyn seated at the kitchen island, Victoria's face twisted in outrage. "What are you doing here? Who gave you permission—"

Evelyn looked up leisurely, taking in Victoria's plunging neckline and overpowering perfume - the cloying scent betraying its expensive origins.

With regal composure, Evelyn arched a brow. "Soon this will be my home. Why shouldn't I be here? The real question is - why do you keep trespassing? Shall I have you removed myself?"