Chapter 355

The instant Evelyn regained consciousness, Alexander firmly grasped her wrist and pulled her toward the exit.

Evelyn studied his intense expression with growing curiosity.

Where exactly was he taking her?

Victoria lingered in the guest suite for nearly an hour before hearing the distinct rumble of an engine.

Peering through the balcony doors, she watched Alexander drive away with Evelyn clinging to his arm.

Clutching her designer handbag, Victoria muttered obscenities under her breath while summoning a private car to the Montgomery estate.

After receiving Victoria's update, Margaret and Richard erupted in furious curses directed at Vivian.

Their faces soon twisted with concern.

"That scheming whore dared to humiliate you? She even invaded your home to steal Alexander right from under you!" Margaret's face flushed crimson as she clenched her fists. "She's more treacherous than Evelyn ever was! I'll tear that bitch apart with my bare hands!"

"Victoria, is that woman really carrying Alexander's child?" Richard interjected. "If it's true, you must eliminate that bastard immediately!"

"Obviously I know that!" Victoria sneered, already formulating plans. "But Alexander acts completely bewitched! He obeys that slut's every word now!"

"Why?" Richard frowned.

Victoria ground her teeth before confessing, "Because Evelyn is dead, and he's transferred all that misplaced affection and longing onto Vivian instead!"

"Alexander always cherished me most. But now that bitch is gone, he claims he never loved me." Her voice dripped venom. "Just some childhood nostalgia. Hah! That nostalgia belongs to Evelyn, not me!"

Seeing Victoria tremble with rage, Margaret leaned closer with a wicked suggestion. "Darling, don't fret. Don't you still hold the ultimate bargaining chip?" Her eyes gleamed maliciously. "That little brat Ethan remains your greatest weapon."

"That bastard child?" Victoria scoffed. "I should have smothered him years ago! He's nothing but an eyesore now."

"If he's such an eyesore, make him disappear permanently." Margaret's lips curled. "But ensure Vivian takes the blame. Two birds with one stone!"

A sinister light ignited in Victoria's eyes.

"Mother, you're brilliant." A cruel smile spread across her face. "There's a family hike this afternoon. That bitch Vivian will definitely attend. The perfect opportunity presents itself."

She practically vibrated with dark anticipation.

Framing others for murder had always been her specialty.

Evelyn never anticipated Alexander's destination when he mentioned taking her somewhere special.

He purchased another lavish bouquet of crimson roses—this time placing them directly in Evelyn's arms.

She didn't count the stems, but the weight suggested another ninety-nine rose arrangement.

Leaning against the sleek car door, she twirled a rose between her fingers. "Alexander, is this your idea of a romantic date spot?"

His gaze grew distant. "I never found cemeteries frightening. Not until three years ago, when a woman stood before me and vowed to return everything—even her ashes." His voice dropped. "That's when I learned true terror—the finality of death."

Evelyn's pulse quickened.

'Is he speaking of me?'

'Did my death teach him to fear mortality?'

'Hmph.'

'Alexander, you fear death now?'

'Did you ever consider how terrified my child was when you murdered it?'

She lifted her chin with a mocking smile.

The setting sun cast long shadows across his haunted expression.

"Vivian, you truly love me, don't you?"

Evelyn batted her lashes, answering without hesitation. "Of course I 'love' you, darling."

Alexander smiled faintly, studying her breathtaking beauty before murmuring, "That's enough for me."

Twilight mist swirled around them as they returned to the Blackwood estate.

The moment Alexander opened the grand doors, savory aromas wafted from the kitchen.

"Alexander, you're home." Victoria emerged wearing a saccharine smile. "I prepared your favorite dishes."