Chapter 324

Alexander had never lost his composure in public before, but today, he shattered that perfect image—all for Vivian.

His usual regal demeanor cracked like thin ice under pressure.

"Alexander, you heard what Margaret said. Victoria is the victim here. She's innocent!" Eleanor insisted sharply, her voice trembling with conviction. She would rather trust Margaret's explanation than acknowledge Victoria's deceit.

"Aren't you going to release that woman? Where does Victoria fit into this?"

Of course, Alexander wouldn’t let Evelyn go. Instead, he pulled her closer, his grip tightening possessively. His gaze softened as it lingered on her face.

"I will never let this woman go. As for your daughter, our engagement is over. Don’t make me repeat myself."

His tone was calm, almost indifferent, as if discussing the weather. Without another word, he swept Evelyn into his arms and strode into the house, leaving Eleanor standing there, her fists clenched in fury.

The scene was humiliating—for Victoria, for Eleanor, for everyone who witnessed it.

Alexander had publicly renounced his engagement, declaring his devotion to Vivian in front of everyone.

It was unforgivable.

Inside, Alexander carried Evelyn straight to his room. Though he rarely stayed here, the space was immaculate, the air scented with a familiar fragrance—an aromatherapy blend Evelyn had once crafted to soothe sleepless nights.

Old Mr. Blackwood had ordered it for Alexander years ago.

Evelyn slipped into the bathroom to change back into her dress. When she emerged, she found Alexander standing by the window, bathed in golden autumn light.

The crisp white shirt he wore accentuated his broad shoulders, and for a fleeting moment, she was transported back to their college days—when he had been just a boy with a quiet smile.

But that boy was long gone.

"Do you blame me for what happened?" she asked softly, stepping closer.

Alexander turned, his piercing eyes softened by the sunlight. "Perhaps I should never have let you suffer in the first place. Then none of this would have happened."

Evelyn smiled faintly. "Are you saying you feel guilty?"

His gaze darkened. "Didn’t you feel sorry for me too?"

His voice was low, intimate, sending a shiver down her spine.

She met his eyes, her own shimmering with unspoken emotions.

Alexander reached out, his fingers brushing the delicate curve of her brow.

The woman before him was Vivian, but in his heart, she would always be Evelyn.

"I made my stance clear earlier," he murmured. "Do you have anything to say to me now?"

Evelyn tilted her head, her lips curving. "Do you really want to marry me?"

His breath hitched. "Are you willing now?"

She shook her head slowly. "I won’t marry a man who doesn’t love me."

The warmth in his expression vanished. "Then will you still marry Sebastian?"

A playful glint lit her eyes. "Did you forget the good news I wanted to share? My engagement to Sebastian has been called off."

Alexander’s brows furrowed. "If you won’t marry him, and you won’t marry me—what exactly are you planning?"

Evelyn’s smile deepened. Out of the corner of her eye, she caught a shadow lingering in the courtyard.

She reached up, fingers curling around the loose silk of his tie. Her voice was light, teasing. "I was just thinking—maybe it’s fate that I look exactly like Evelyn. Maybe that’s why I fell for the same man she did."

Her words settled over him like a whisper, soft and warm.

Alexander’s pulse quickened. He searched her eyes, so clear and bright, and for the first time in years, hope flickered in his chest.

"Vivian," he murmured, his voice rough. "Are you really in love with me?"