Chapter 375

"Alexander, I swear it's true! That witch is Evelyn!" Margaret pointed an accusing finger at Vivian, her voice trembling with rage.

Richard joined in, his face contorted with fury. "She's the one you despise most - Evelyn Sinclair hiding behind this Vivian Prescott facade!"

"Enough!" Alexander's voice cut through the air like ice. His piercing gaze could have frozen hell itself. "How dare you attack Vivian to avenge Victoria? You'll pay dearly for this."

The chilling threat made Margaret and Richard recoil as if doused in arctic water. Their blood ran cold.

"Vivian, let me take you home." Alexander's tone transformed instantly, warming like spring sunshine after winter's frost.

Vivian pressed herself against Alexander's chest, her wide doe eyes glistening. "Alexander, I was so terrified. I thought they might kill me right there."

"You lying snake! Stop this charade!" Margaret shrieked, her face flushing crimson. "Alexander, she admitted it herself moments ago!"

"Alexander, I never said such things," Vivian murmured softly, all traces of her earlier defiance vanished. "They want to silence me because I'm the key witness against Victoria."

Margaret nearly choked on her fury. "Evelyn, you-"

Before she could continue, Alexander gently guided Vivian away. Over his shoulder, Vivian flashed them a triumphant smirk that promised retribution.

The car ride to Blackwood Estate passed in silence. Vivian had obtained her driver's license during her years abroad, but Alexander didn't need to know she'd driven herself to the confrontation. Her carefully timed distress message had brought him running right on cue.

Back at the estate, Vivian clung to Alexander like a frightened bird. "I'm still shaking. Do they hate me because I resemble your ex-wife?"

"No one will harm you while I'm here," Alexander murmured, his arms tightening around her.

Feeling his protective embrace, Vivian discreetly checked Sebastian's message. A satisfied smile played on her lips. "Alexander... would you stay with me a while longer? I don't feel safe yet."

"Of course," he agreed without hesitation.

Meanwhile, Margaret and Richard tended to their wounds before visiting Victoria at the detention center. They recounted every detail, expecting shock, but Victoria merely clenched her fists.

"That cunning fox set this entire trap!" she spat, eyes blazing. "She planned every move to destroy me!"

Margaret rubbed her bruised backside. "Who could imagine Evelyn surviving and returning like this? Now Alexander trusts her completely while you're trapped here. What do we do?"

Victoria's nails dug into her palms. "He's blinded by that face!" She fixed her parents with a steely gaze. "Never reveal Vivian's true identity. Our lives depend on it."

The silent exchange between Margaret and Richard spoke volumes. The game had changed, and the stakes had never been higher.