Chapter 348

Alexander's gaze lingered on those vibrant eyes before him, his mind drifting to distant memories.

He never truly meant to say "I do" in the first place.

When the officiant had asked, his thoughts had flashed back to his wedding with Evelyn. That was why he had smiled—why his expression had softened.

"Alexander, what's on your mind?" Evelyn's voice pulled him from his reverie.

Just then, his phone buzzed.

"I have something to handle. I'll be back soon," he said after glancing at the screen.

"Go ahead."

He nodded, but as he turned to leave, his gaze lingered on the woman propped against the headboard. There was something unreadable in his eyes.

The moment she heard the car engine roar to life, Evelyn slipped out of bed.

She hadn't expected Alexander to bring her back to his estate.

Yet, here she was. He had abandoned Victoria mid-ceremony, sweeping Evelyn away with such urgency. This outcome was better than she'd dared hope.

A slow, satisfied smile curved her lips.

Victoria must be seething right now. The thought of her twisted, furious expression was almost too delicious.

When Alexander arrived at Blackwood Estate, the air was thick with disapproval. On the other side of the room, Victoria wept uncontrollably, her eyes swollen, her breath ragged.

"Alexander, how could you?" Eleanor Kingsley's voice was sharp with accusation. "You humiliated Victoria in front of everyone! Carrying off that—that Vivian Prescott like some tragic hero. Do you have any idea what this will do to her reputation?"

"Alexander, you've gone too far. Apologize to Victoria immediately," his mother, Margaret Blackwood, urged.

"Please, don't blame him," Victoria choked out between sobs. "It's not his fault. Alexander, I just want you to be happy."

"Did you hear that?" Eleanor snapped. "After everything she's sacrificed for you, this is how you repay her? You don't deserve her!"

"If I don't deserve her, then I'll leave," Alexander replied coolly. The room fell silent, stunned.

"Alexander, what—what are you saying?" Eleanor demanded.

His gaze settled on Victoria, detached. "I gave you the wedding I promised. Consider my debt paid. But if I see a single smear campaign against Vivian, this ends now."

Victoria's eyes widened in disbelief. The man before her was a stranger—cold, indifferent.

"I have nothing more to say to any of you. Leave me alone." With that, he turned on his heel.

For a moment, Victoria stood frozen. Then, with a choked cry, she sprinted after him.

"Alexander! Wait! Please!"

She caught him just outside, her hands clutching his sleeve.

"Don't do this to me," she begged, tears streaming. "I can't lose you. I can't—"

He looked down at her, his expression unreadable. Once, her tears would have shattered him.

But not anymore.

Because now he knew the difference between guilt and true heartbreak.

The moment Evelyn had gasped for breath in his arms—that was agony. A thousand knives carving into his chest.

"Alexander, I don't care about the wedding. I just want you. Please, don't leave me!"

She clung to him, desperate.

"Don't make me do something I'll regret," he said flatly, peeling her hands away.

Victoria staggered back, her face twisting. "So that's it? You're really cutting me off?" Her voice turned eerily calm.

"Are you threatening me?"

"Would I ever?" She laughed bitterly. "I just thought you should know—Evelyn's ashes are still with me. If you walk away now, I'll destroy them."

To her shock, Alexander smirked.

"Keep them, then. But stay away from Vivian. That's my final warning."

Victoria's jaw dropped.

He didn't care?

He was willing to forsake Evelyn's remains—for her?

Impossible.