Chapter 330

All because of a childhood vow, he shielded a woman who had long since rotted from within.

Like a lovesick fool, he carved pieces of flesh from the woman who truly held his heart.

Alexander's fingers trembled as he picked up his phone again. The screen displayed newly surfaced childhood photos of Victoria.

When they'd reunited, he'd asked to see pictures of her younger years. She'd claimed they were lost during a move.

Now internet sleuths had unearthed them anyway.

His thumb hovered over the headline.

Knock. Knock.

The office door interrupted his thoughts.

Lucas Grant stood waiting. "Come in," Alexander commanded, schooling his features into neutrality.

The phone clattered onto the desk as all traces of vulnerability vanished.

"Mr. Blackwood," Lucas reported briskly, "I've been monitoring Sebastian Whitman as instructed. While he's shown no unusual behavior, yesterday he secretly met with two senior board members from Blackwood Enterprises."

Alexander steepled his fingers. "Sebastian has always distanced himself from the family fortune and influence. Why suddenly engage with corporate leadership?"

Something nagged at him. Henry Blackwood knew Sebastian's secret—had always avoided speaking of it.

Beneath Sebastian's polished exterior churned dangerous currents.

"Here's the birth certificate for Vivian's daughter Amelia, along with hospital records. The investigation proved... difficult." Lucas extended another folder.

Alexander hesitated before accepting it.

The DNA results already confirmed the truth. This paperwork merely formalized his guilt.

"Dismissed. Continue surveillance on Sebastian."

As the door clicked shut, Alexander stared at the unopened folder.

His hands shook remembering how he'd systematically destroyed Evelyn—accelerating her physical and mental decline.

Later, he found himself in a florist, mechanically selecting ninety-nine blood-red roses.

"Fancy meeting you here."

Evelyn's voice startled him as he reached his car. He masked his anguish with practiced charm.

"Vivian? What brings you here?"

"Just passing through." Her smile dazzled as she gestured to the roses. "But you—such an extravagant bouquet. For me?"

Alexander glanced at the flowers. "I'll buy you roses if you like, but these... they're spoken for."

Her perfectly sculpted brow arched. "Not for Victoria, surely? Red roses symbolize love. You still adore her."

"Jealous?" His gaze turned piercing. "Do you know what ninety-nine red roses signify?"

Evelyn's eyes flickered over the bouquet. Ninety-nine roses—eternal devotion.

How predictable. Still pining for Victoria.

Before she could respond, Alexander opened the passenger door. "Curious about their destination? Get in."

With calculated grace, she slid inside.

Twenty minutes later, the car slowed.

Evelyn's breath caught as familiar iron gates came into view.

The cemetery.