Chapter 346
Alexander's piercing gaze locked onto Evelyn. Under Victoria's hopeful stare, he strode past her without hesitation, moving directly toward Evelyn instead.
Victoria stood frozen on the crimson carpet, her expression crumbling into disbelief.
"What brings you here?" Alexander approached Evelyn, his stormy eyes softening as they reflected her delicate features.
"Miss Lancaster was kind enough to invite me," Evelyn answered with a coy smile. Her fingers reached up to adjust his silk tie. "She mentioned you've been anticipating this day. That soon you'd belong to her, and I should abandon all foolish hopes and disappear. But how could I possibly let you go when my heart beats only for you?"
Victoria's face darkened like gathering storm clouds.
Seeing Alexander's icy glare, she rushed to defend herself. "Alexander, don't listen to her lies! I never said any of those things!"
"How unbecoming of you, Miss Lancaster. If you had the courage to say it, have the decency to own it."
"You—"
"Unlike you, when I say I love Alexander, I mean it with every fiber of my being. I won't surrender so easily."
Victoria's eyes widened in shock, her carefully constructed composure cracking.
Evelyn turned back to Alexander, meeting his searching gaze without flinching. Then, rising onto her toes, she pressed a featherlight kiss against his cheek.
The brief contact sent an electric current through Alexander's veins, his pulse quickening inexplicably.
"Go fulfill your promise with her. I'll be waiting." Evelyn's fingers lingered on his tie before withdrawing.
Victoria looked as though she'd been struck, her carefully manicured nails digging into her palms.
She'd never anticipated Evelyn would dare make such a bold move.
Evelyn sauntered past Victoria with effortless grace. "Why so surprised? Shouldn't you understand this best, Miss Lancaster? Didn't you insert yourself between Alexander and his ex-wife in the name of love? Didn't you hound Madeline to her death? Consider this my education in your methods."
Victoria's mouth filled with the metallic taste of rage, her throat too tight to speak.
She longed to wrap her hands around Evelyn's slender neck, but the gathered crowd and flashing cameras forced her to swallow her fury.
The ceremony must proceed.
The grand hall buzzed with elite guests and eager journalists. Evelyn took her seat in the front row, the picture of composed elegance.
Moments later, Alexander appeared at the altar, his commanding presence drawing every eye. To the world, he was perfection incarnate.
But Evelyn's heart remained untouched.
He'd shattered it beyond repair. The mere memory of loving him brought only pain.
The officiant's voice rang out, announcing the bride's entrance.
Evelyn watched as Victoria glided down the aisle on William Montgomery's arm, her smile radiant. That man—her own father—now doted on this viper in human form.
As Victoria passed, she shot Evelyn a triumphant glance that screamed, 'Vivian, Alexander Blackwood will be mine. What hope do you have against me?'
Evelyn's lips curved. She observed Victoria taking her place before Alexander, her eyes brimming with possessive adoration.
The gathered elite murmured their approval. Before the officiant could finish speaking, Victoria breathlessly uttered her "I do," then gazed expectantly at Alexander.
The officiant turned to him. "Mr. Blackwood, do you take this woman to be your lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold, for better or worse, in sickness and in health, to love and cherish until death do you part?"