Chapter 342

Evelyn's lips curled into a triumphant smile as she observed Victoria's smug expression falter.

"Miss Lancaster, are you hallucinating? Alexander came here for me."

Victoria's face froze, confusion flashing across her features like lightning.

Then she saw it - Vivian extending her hand toward Alexander with that infuriatingly sweet smile. The man Victoria loved walked straight past her to take Vivian's hand.

"Alexander?" Victoria's voice cracked with disbelief. An invisible weight crushed her chest, making each breath a struggle.

Evelyn reached up with feigned shyness to adjust Alexander's collar. "You look devastatingly handsome today, darling. No wonder Miss Lancaster here was willing to be your mistress."

"You lying witch!" Victoria's carefully constructed composure shattered. "You're the one who seduced my fiancé!"

Her palm flew toward Evelyn's face.

Evelyn gasped dramatically, pressing herself against Alexander's chest. Her frightened doe eyes instantly ignited Alexander's protective instincts.

He caught Victoria's wrist mid-swing, his voice glacial. "Daring to attack Vivian in front of me? How many times have you threatened her behind my back?"

Victoria recoiled as if struck. "That's not true! She's been targeting me since she arrived! First stealing you, now this dress that was rightfully mine!"

"I'm not some trophy to be won," Alexander stated coldly, wrapping an arm around Evelyn's waist. "I bought this dress for Vivian. I didn't even know you'd be here today. Stop embarrassing yourself."

Victoria's face drained of color. "You... you gave her this dress?"

The realization burned through her like wildfire. Her furious gaze locked onto Evelyn, who responded with a mocking smirk.

"Alexander, don't be upset," Evelyn purred, clinging to his arm. "We're supposed to be happy today for our engagement photos. Let's not waste time on... distractions."

Alexander's expression softened as he looked down at Evelyn. "You're right. Let's go."

They turned in unison, staff rushing to assist with Evelyn's elaborate gown.

"Miss Lancaster!" Victoria's assistant, Amelia, whispered urgently. "All the press is waiting outside for your fitting. If they see Mr. Blackwood with her instead—"

Victoria's nails dug into her palms. The scandal would ruin her. She couldn't allow it.

"Alexander!" She lunged forward, blocking their path.

Alexander's eyes turned arctic. "Don't make me have you removed."

Evelyn watched with amused anticipation, wondering what desperate move Victoria would attempt next.

Victoria's chest heaved as she glared between them. "Alexander, if you walk out that door with this woman today, you'll never find Evelyn Sinclair's remains!"

The threat hung in the air like a guillotine blade.