Chapter 369

Evelyn offered him a faint smile. "Alexander, are you here to see Victoria? Still clinging to her memory?"

Alexander stepped closer, his mesmerizing gaze locking with her exquisite eyes. "The only one I can't let go of now is you."

"Truly?" Evelyn searched his eyes, feigning surprise. "If that's the case, I'm overjoyed."

"Every word is true." Alexander extended his hand. "If you'll have me, I'll devote myself to you from this day forward."

Evelyn studied his outstretched hand—those long, elegant fingers she'd once yearned to hold. The memory of their warmth haunted her.

When she remained silent, a flicker of unease crossed his chiseled features. "Do you refuse?"

Her lips curved into a knowing smile as she placed her hand in his. "Why wouldn't I accept? I've waited an eternity for this moment."

'An eternity indeed.'

Alexander escorted Evelyn back to Blackwood Estate.

Seeing Ethan at the dining table brought an unexpected wave of relief.

She approached the boy. "Ethan."

The child's crystalline eyes brightened instantly. "Vivian."

"Thank you for being so brave during the testimony." Evelyn ruffled his hair, her heart aching at his rosy cheeks.

Victoria had borne this perfect child yet showed him no affection, while Evelyn's maternal instincts surged.

"Vivian, you must stay safe." Ethan's solemn tone surprised her as he produced a crystal bracelet from his pocket.

Evelyn's eyes widened. "I thought this was lost forever."

Perhaps moved by her joy, the boy flashed his first genuine smile in months, revealing tiny canines.

"Let me put it on you," he offered, small fingers grasping her wrist.

"Of course." Evelyn raised her hand obediently.

Her gaze softened as she watched Ethan's concentration. Those thick lashes fluttered against his cheeks, unbearably endearing.

She couldn't resist caressing his face. "Ethan, if I ever upset your father, will you hate me?"

The bracelet clicked into place as she spoke.

The boy looked up, mischief sparkling in his enormous eyes.

Before he could respond, Alexander interrupted. "Ethan, do you care for Vivian? Would you accept her as your mother?"

Evelyn froze—until Ethan nodded. "Yes, Mommy."

That single word—'Mommy'—poured over her heart like warm honey.

She'd always adored this child, but never imagined he'd return her affection so completely.

Perhaps Victoria's neglect had made him crave the love Evelyn so freely gave.

—

Victoria faced immediate charges, with a court date already set.

Though the verdict remained pending, her reputation lay in ruins, dragging Montgomery Enterprises' stock prices down with it.

In her office, Evelyn scanned the financial reports, brow furrowed.

She knew the company would suffer another blow when Victoria's conviction became official.