Chapter 317

Though startled internally, Evelyn maintained her poised demeanor, her lips curving into a composed smile.

She arched a delicate brow, feigning confusion. "A special mark? I wasn’t aware of anything like that. What exactly did you see?" Her tone was steady, but her pulse betrayed her.

Alexander’s dark eyes held hers, a faint smirk playing on his lips. "A pale pink butterfly. On the small of your back."

His voice was low, rough with the lazy warmth of early morning.

"Must be a birthmark."

Relief washed over Evelyn at his words. She exhaled softly, her smile turning wry.

"It is."

"A rather unique one."

"And yet, uniqueness didn’t stop my birth parents from abandoning me." She lowered her gaze, focusing on her breakfast.

Sunlight streamed through the stained-glass windows, casting fractured patterns across her refined features. Her lashes fluttered like delicate wings, but beneath their shadow, a quiet sorrow lingered in her eyes.

For reasons he couldn’t explain, Alexander’s chest tightened at the sight of her subdued expression.

His amusement faded, replaced by something heavier. "You once mentioned your parents lost you through negligence and took in an imposter instead. Have you ever tried finding them?"

"I did," Evelyn replied without looking up. "But they prefer the fraud now. As for me—"

A bitter laugh escaped her. "They can’t even stand the sight of me, much less claim me as theirs."

Silence stretched between them.

After breakfast, Alexander escorted her back to her apartment.

Sebastian had waited all night. Seeing her return unharmed, the tension in his shoulders eased.

Evelyn didn’t mention the drugging incident, not wanting to worry him. But Sebastian noticed immediately—her outfit wasn’t the one she’d left in.

"Did you stay with him all night?" he asked cautiously.

She brushed it off. "Just to spite Victoria."

"You slept in his room? Did you two—"

"No." Her voice turned icy. "I’ll never let him touch me again. How could I still hope for anything from the man who sent me to hell?"

Her dimples appeared, but her smile was sharp with mockery.

"Sebastian, don’t worry. I know what I’m doing."

"Good." His worry softened into quiet affection. He took her hand gently. "Even if it’s pretend, seeing you with him unsettles me."

Though his words were vague, she understood.

"From the moment I saw Alexander shove you out of that car, leaving you in the rain, I swore I’d protect you."

His voice was tender. "Women are treasures, Evelyn. Especially one as extraordinary as you."

His warmth enveloped her like a healing balm, soothing the fractures in her soul.

She met his gaze, conflicted. Words tangled in her throat.

Sebastian only smiled, brushing his fingers through her hair.

"Henry Blackwood’s eightieth birthday is on the tenth. If Alexander has any real interest in you, we’ll see it then."

Evelyn’s mind whirred.

This was the perfect opportunity.

Perhaps it was time.

The events of last night still haunted her.

Thankfully, Alexander had only seen the butterfly birthmark. If he’d glimpsed her chest—

Her identity would’ve been exposed.