Chapter 392

The grand doors of Blackwood Estate swung open as Alexander escorted Evelyn inside with visible pride.

Life truly had a way of surprising everyone.

Margaret Blackwood rushed forward the moment she spotted her son. "Alexander, tell me it's not true! Those headlines about Victoria - twelve years in prison? And she was impersonating the Montgomerys all along?"

Alexander's expression darkened. "That name is forbidden in this house."

"But—"

"We're here for you to meet my fiancée," Alexander cut in sharply, his gaze softening as it fell on Evelyn. "Mother prepared these dishes specially. I hope you'll enjoy them."

Margaret's face twisted in displeasure. "You made me cook for this... woman?"

Evelyn arched an elegant brow. "Lovely to see you again, Mrs. Blackwood."

"The feeling isn't mutual," Margaret sneered. "Your face alone ruins my appetite."

"Vivian will soon be part of this family," Alexander said coldly. "I suggest you adjust your tone."

Margaret stormed to her husband's side. "Reginald, are you seeing this madness? He brings home a carbon copy of that wretched ex-wife! Why divorce her if he wants the same face?"

Evelyn's fingers twitched at the insult.

Alexander's patience snapped. "Either accept my future wife, or lose your son."

Margaret paled as Alexander turned to leave with Evelyn. "Wait! Fine! If Victoria's out of the picture and you're over her, then... do as you please." She retreated to the kitchen. "I'll check the soup."

Evelyn removed her coat. "I need to freshen up, Alexander."

"Be careful," he murmured, hand resting on her waist. "Remember your condition."

Reginald studied Evelyn over his newspaper. "This Vivian Prescott bears an uncanny resemblance to Evelyn Sinclair. Why marry someone who looks like the woman you supposedly despise?"

"Who said I despised her?" Alexander's retort left his father speechless.

Reginald had limited interactions with Evelyn during his overseas assignments, but her striking features remained memorable. His opinion had been shaped entirely by Margaret's tales of Evelyn's misdeeds - stories painting her as the villain his son loathed.

Yet now...

Evelyn didn't actually need the bathroom, but Margaret's venomous words stoked the embers of her rage. She needed composure.

She remembered how this woman had dismissed her as mere staff when Victoria framed her for theft. Margaret had never respected the orphaned daughter-in-law she deemed unworthy.

Composing herself, Evelyn exited—only to collide with Henry Blackwood returning from the gardens.

"Grandfather Blackwood," she greeted respectfully. "What a pleasant surprise."

The old man's knowing gaze pierced through her. "I had my doubts before, but now I'm certain."

Evelyn feigned confusion. "Certain of what?"

Henry's eyes gleamed with wisdom. "It's you, isn't it? Evelyn Sinclair. I know it's you."