Chapter 345

Evelyn didn’t hesitate to reveal the truth.

To her surprise, Eleanor didn’t react with anger. Instead, a knowing smile curved her lips.

"Vivian Prescott, I see what you're trying to do. You want to drive a wedge between me and my daughter."

She lifted her chin, confidence radiating from her. "I’m her mother. Do you really think I wouldn’t recognize my own flesh and blood? Your pathetic attempts won’t work."

With that, Eleanor gripped Ethan’s hand and turned to leave.

Evelyn’s voice carried after them, cool and deliberate. "What you believe isn’t always the truth, Mrs. Kingsley. If you don’t want to live with regret, think carefully about the woman who died three years ago. Think about the resemblance she bore to you."

Eleanor froze mid-step.

Evelyn pressed on, her words sharp. "I was there outside Victoria’s hospital room. I heard Margaret Dawson say it myself—your real daughter is dead."

"Enough!"

Eleanor whirled around, her eyes blazing with fury.

"Vivian Prescott, today is my daughter’s wedding. I won’t waste my breath cursing you. But if you dare slander Victoria again, I swear you’ll pay for it."

The warning hung in the air as Eleanor stormed off, leaving Evelyn standing alone.

A dull ache throbbed in Evelyn’s chest.

"I’m right here," she whispered to herself. "How can you not feel it? The blood we share means nothing to you?"

Her bitter smile faded as she watched Eleanor disappear into the crowd.

After a long moment, Evelyn turned away—only to collide with the very person she least wanted to see.

Victoria Lancaster stood before her, resplendent in her white wedding gown, a bouquet of roses clutched in her hands.

The moment their eyes met, Victoria’s lips curled into a triumphant smirk.

"I didn’t expect you to show up," she purred, malice lacing her voice. "Vivian Prescott, have you no shame?"

Evelyn tilted her head, her own smile slow and deliberate. "Shame requires a conscience, Victoria. Something you clearly lack."

Victoria’s expression darkened.

"Still playing the victim?" She scoffed. "Alexander and I are about to become husband and wife. The whole world will witness it. And you?"

She lifted her chin, eyes gleaming with cruel amusement.

"You’ll be nothing but a forgotten ghost."

"Do you really think marrying him will be the end?" Evelyn countered, watching as Victoria’s smirk faltered. "Remember what happened to the last woman who married Alexander. You know better than anyone how that story ended."

Victoria’s laugh was sharp. "You dare compare me to that pathetic fool? She wasn’t even fit to lick my shoes!"

Her voice dripped with venom. "Alexander despised her. She deserved to die. But me? He’s loved me for over a decade. This marriage was always meant to be."

Before Evelyn could respond, Victoria’s assistant, Amelia, rushed over.

"Miss Lancaster, Mr. Blackwood has arrived."

Victoria’s face lit up. "Perfect. Make sure everything is ready."

Amelia nodded, casting a wary glance at Evelyn before hurrying off.

Victoria turned back to Evelyn, her smile widening. "I’m about to become Alexander’s wife. You should stay and watch, Vivian. Witness the moment you lost him forever."

As she spoke, footsteps echoed behind her.

Victoria’s expression softened instantly. "Alexander," she cooed, lifting her skirts as she moved toward him.

Evelyn’s gaze lifted, meeting the piercing eyes of the man who had once been hers.

"Alexander," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.

A faint, bittersweet smile touched her lips as she took in the sight of him—tall, commanding, every inch the man she had loved. And lost.