Chapter 336

Evelyn approached the open diary with hesitant steps. The pages fluttered slightly, revealing lines of youthful devotion penned in her own handwriting.

Her past affections for Alexander stared back at her in ink.

A bitter laugh escaped her lips. How naive she had been.

She snatched the diary and turned to leave, but Alexander's grip tightened around her wrist.

Evelyn lost her balance, tumbling against his broad chest.

His gaze was clouded with intoxication yet burning with intensity.

"Stay," he murmured, voice rough. "Don't walk away this time."

"You're drunk, Alexander. I'm not who you think I am." She twisted in his hold, but his arms became steel bands around her.

He only smiled, pulling her closer until their breaths mingled.

Sweat beaded on Evelyn's forehead from her futile struggles. Eventually, exhaustion claimed them both, and she succumbed to sleep in his unyielding embrace.

Dawn painted gold across the room when Alexander stirred. His fingers traced the delicate contours of Evelyn's sleeping face - the arch of her brows, the slope of her nose, the bow of her lips.

His touch lingered at the undone button of her blouse.

Evelyn awoke to his icy stare.

"My behavior last night was unacceptable," he said stiffly. "I'll assume full responsibility."

"Responsibility?" She sat up slowly. "By forcing me into marriage? I won't be shackled to a man who doesn't love me."

"What if I do?" Alexander's gaze burned into hers. "Give me time. I'll arrange everything."

The decree left no room for refusal.

Though marriage had always been her endgame, Evelyn hadn't anticipated it happening so soon.

She reported her progress to Sebastian later that day.

"Vivian, reconsider this path," he urged.

"It's the only way," Evelyn said coldly. "I'll make him pay in blood - his heart, his empire, everything."

Seeing the inferno in her eyes, Sebastian fell silent.

Her phone buzzed with breaking news alerts moments later. Verified sources confirmed it - Alexander was marrying Victoria.

The announcement struck like a physical blow.

Victoria's triumphant call came as Evelyn stared at the screen. "Three days, Vivian. That's all it takes for me to become Mrs. Blackwood."

Her mocking laughter grated against Evelyn's ears. "Did you really think resembling that dead bitch Evelyn would work? Alexander loathes the sight of you."

"We're finalizing wedding details at Blackwood Estate right now. He's letting me design everything exactly how I want. Know your place and disappear."

The line went dead.

Evelyn's grip turned the phone case white. Victoria's gloating voice echoed in her mind as she plotted her next move.

Blackwood Estate buzzed with wedding preparations when Evelyn arrived.

Alexander called as she stepped from the car. "Vivian, we need to talk. Where are you?"

"Funny," she said coolly. "I was about to say the same. Look outside."

She hung up and strode through the gates.

Inside, Victoria clung to Alexander's arm, cooing over bridal magazines. His head snapped up at Evelyn's entrance.

"Alexander?" Victoria followed his gaze, her sickly-sweet mask slipping.

Margaret and Eleanor broke off their excited chatter, faces darkening at Evelyn's presence.

"This is inappropriate," Margaret hissed.

"Get out!" Eleanor advanced like a territorial hawk.

Victoria transformed into a trembling fawn. "Miss Prescott, please respect our happiness."

Evelyn ignored them all, walking straight to Alexander with fire in her eyes.

"I'm pregnant."