Chapter 374

Evelyn Sinclair gazed down at the petrified faces below her. Her emerald eyes narrowed into slits, venom dripping from every word.

"I considered you family. I donated my bone marrow to save Victoria's life without hesitation. And how did you repay me?" Her voice cracked like ice. "I never asked for gratitude, but I certainly didn't expect betrayal!"

The silence was deafening.

"I've never harmed a soul. Yet all of you conspired to destroy me over and over!"

Her fingers curled into fists. "Remember how you kicked me when I was already bleeding? Left me choking on my own blood in that storm?"

Margaret Dawson's jaw dropped as realization dawned. "You—you're not Vivian Prescott! You're Evelyn Sinclair!"

A cruel smile played on Evelyn's lips. "The very same Evelyn you tried to murder."

Thunder might as well have struck the room. Richard Montgomery's hands trembled violently.

"You're supposed to be dead!"

Evelyn's laugh was bitter. "Why would I die when my tormentors still breathe?"

Margaret's face twisted with rage. "You venomous snake! Victoria has Alexander and the Blackwoods protecting her! If you dare—"

"Still delusional, I see." Evelyn cut her off with a mocking tilt of her head. "Do you truly believe Alexander would lift a finger for your precious daughter now? As for the Blackwoods...we both know who the real heiress is."

Margaret sputtered, searching for words that wouldn't come.

She shoved Richard violently. "Don't just stand there! Deal with her!"

Richard scrambled for a kitchen knife, his movements frantic.

"You'll regret coming back, Evelyn! We should've finished the job last time!" Margaret hissed, launching herself forward despite her injuries.

Evelyn sidestepped gracefully. The distant roar of an engine signaled her cue.

She stood perfectly still. Richard took it as fear, pressing the blade to her throat.

"Don't move!"

CRASH!

The door exploded inward. Alexander Blackwood took in the scene with glacial fury.

Evelyn let her mask slip for just a moment—lips trembling, eyes wide with manufactured terror. "Alexander! They're trying to kill me!"

"Goddamn it." The words were a death sentence.

Richard froze under that arctic stare. Before he could blink, Alexander's boot connected with his ribs, sending him flying.

Strong arms enveloped Evelyn. "Are you hurt?" Alexander's voice was rough with concern.

The fallen knife found Margaret's thigh instead.

"AGH!" Her scream pierced the air. Through pain-blurred vision, she saw Alexander cradling Evelyn like something precious. "Alexander, don't be fooled! That's not Vivian—it's Evelyn Sinclair!"