Chapter 354

Once, she had played this very role to win Alexander’s trust and sympathy. But now—

Evelyn watched as Alexander pulled Vivian into his arms, his voice thick with protective fervor.

"No one will lay a finger on you as long as I’m here!"

"Alexander, she’s faking it! That woman is nothing but an actress!" Victoria snapped, her voice trembling with rage.

"Even if she is acting, I’d gladly watch."

His response froze Victoria in place. At the same time, it stunned Evelyn—though secretly, it made her lips curl in satisfaction.

Victoria, you’re finally tasting your own medicine.

"Alexander, after all these years together, you don’t trust me? You’d rather believe this scheming witch? I’m heartbroken!"

Victoria covered her face, her shoulders shaking with dramatic sobs. Then, without another word, she turned and fled upstairs to the guest room.

In truth, she wasn’t running from heartbreak—she was running from Alexander’s questions.

If he pressed her about the child he had with Evelyn all those years ago, she wouldn’t have an answer.

She had orchestrated the forced labor, stolen the premature infant, and passed it off as her own.

After Evelyn’s release from prison, she had lied, claiming Alexander had killed the child.

When Alexander learned of Evelyn’s delivery in prison, Victoria had fabricated medical reports to convince him the baby had died from birth complications.

Only Margaret, Richard, and she knew the truth. And she would never allow a fourth person to uncover it.

Downstairs, Evelyn feigned distress. "Alexander, I’ve given up everything to be with you. I’m terrified Victoria will hurt me. Is it true she really… smothered your child with Evelyn?"

A sharp pang struck Alexander’s chest. He searched her eyes—wide with feigned concern—before answering quietly, "What if I told you I don’t even know the truth myself?"

On the surface, Evelyn looked bewildered. Inside, she sneered.

Alexander Blackwood, how dare you claim ignorance?

I saw you order that tombstone shattered. I watched as the child I carried for ten months was crushed to dust. You didn’t even spare the ashes—and now you have the audacity to say you don’t know?

"Stay with me from now on. Don’t leave my sight. I’ll keep you safe."

His voice was tender, brushing against her ear like a lover’s whisper.

Evelyn’s mind flashed with memories drenched in hatred. She glanced toward the second floor.

"Will Victoria be staying here too?"

Alexander smiled, his gaze softening. "Trust me. Soon, you’ll be the only mistress of this house. And my only wife."

The only mistress. The only wife.

Evelyn laughed inwardly—bitter, mocking. But outwardly, she played her part flawlessly. "Okay. I believe you."

No, Alexander. The only one I trust is myself.

And soon, you and Victoria will pay for everything.

She met his eyes, her heart a vault of vengeance. Then, he took her hand.

"Come. There’s somewhere I want to take you."