Chapter 339

A sudden melancholy shadowed his gaze as he spoke.

After a brief silence, Alexander murmured, "I owe her this much."

"You owe her?"

'You owe her?'

'Alexander, you owed me too, but you conveniently forgot.'

Evelyn let out a soft laugh but didn’t press further. Instead, she tilted her head slightly, her voice smooth as silk. "Fine. If that’s how it is, I won’t make this harder for you. But if you truly mean to marry me, then prove it."

At her words, the gloom in Alexander’s expression lightened just a fraction. "Name it. Anything within my power, I’ll do."

A playful smile curled her lips. "Simple. Accompany me somewhere tomorrow. I’ll tell you where when you pick me up in the morning."

"Done," he agreed without hesitation.

For reasons he couldn’t explain, seeing that smile on her face lifted his spirits more than he expected.

When Alexander returned to Blackwood Estate, Victoria rushed to him the moment he stepped inside.

"Alexander, you’re finally back." Her face was etched with worry, her hands trembling slightly. "I was terrified you wouldn’t come home."

He sidestepped her coldly, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "Shouldn’t you be busy with wedding preparations? What are you doing here?"

"You’re my groom. Who else would I go to?" Victoria stepped closer, feigning shyness. "Alexander, I’m finally going to be your bride. I can’t believe it."

His lips curved into a hollow smile. "As long as you’re happy. Once you’ve had your fill of joy, don’t forget to return what’s mine."

Victoria’s smile stiffened, the coy act vanishing instantly. She knew exactly what he meant—Evelyn’s ashes.

He still cared so deeply for her.

Thankfully, he had no idea Evelyn was the girl he’d been searching for all these years.

If he ever found out, he’d lose himself completely to her.

Swallowing her unease, Victoria forced a fragile smile.

"Alexander, I know you’re still upset with me. It’s okay. As long as I can marry you and be your wife, I’ll endure any misunderstanding." She paused, then feigned concern. "But please, don’t let that Vivian Prescott fool you. She’s trouble—one moment entangled with your uncle, the next claiming she’s carrying your child. It’s bad enough she looks like Evelyn, but she’s just as deceitful."

"Enough," Alexander snapped, his sharp glare cutting through her. "Just because I don’t voice certain things doesn’t mean I’m blind. Don’t test my patience. It has limits."

Victoria’s breath hitched. The ice in his stare sent a chill down her spine.

'Has he seen those leaked photos of me and Dominic?'

'No. If he had, he would’ve confronted me already.'

Clutching at hope, she donned her wounded mask again.

"Alexander, I’m sorry. I won’t say anything to upset you again." Her eyes shimmered with false tears. "The bridal boutique called. We can go for our fittings tomorrow. I’ve waited so long for this."

"I’m busy," he dismissed coldly, turning toward the stairs.

Her smile cracked. "Then the day after?"

"Still busy. Try the dresses on your own."

Victoria bit her lip, watching his retreating figure. Pushing further would only backfire.

Her fists clenched, nails digging into her palms. Rage simmered beneath her skin, but she swallowed it down.

Fine. If he wouldn’t go with her, she’d make sure the world saw her as the perfect bride—with or without him.