Chapter 399

Evelyn had already stepped through the doorway when Victoria's desperate shout reached her. A flicker of hope ignited in her ice-blue eyes.

Her heartbeat accelerated dangerously, pounding against her ribcage.

Though skeptical, she slowly turned, lifting her frosty gaze. "That revelation doesn't suddenly make you innocent."

Victoria's bloodshot eyes locked onto hers. "I'm telling the truth! Your child lives. I lied about its death just to torture you. I've kept it hidden all these years as insurance!"

Evelyn steeled her emotions as she stepped closer. "Proof. Give me one reason to believe you."

"Would you rather cling to hope or despair?" Victoria smirked, knowing Evelyn's deepest wound was the child she'd never held.

She could never imagine the truth - that Evelyn's child had been right beside her all along!

Seizing Evelyn's silence, Victoria pressed on. "Get me released, and I'll tell you where your bastard is. Otherwise—"

"Dream on," Evelyn cut in sharply. "You're not walking free."

Victoria gaped at Evelyn's composed expression. "Don't you want your child back?"

"More than anything," Evelyn admitted, eyes flashing. "But I know you'd lie. And even if you're telling the truth, you'll still pay for murdering my grandfather and Sophia!"

Victoria's face drained of color as Evelyn turned away casually.

Was this really the same Evelyn Sinclair she'd once manipulated so easily?

The realization struck too late - her bargaining chip had become Evelyn's greatest lead. She'd played her hand too soon.

Regret tasted bitter, but the game was already over.

Stepping into the sunlight, Evelyn gazed at the cloudless sky with renewed hope glimmering in her eyes.

Tears traced her cheeks as her lips curved slightly.

"Wherever you are, my darling, Mommy will find you. I swear it..."

She buried the joy deep inside and began investigating the past with fresh determination.

If her child lived, those ashes had been fake.

Had Victoria deceived Alexander too?

If the ashes were fabricated, then Alexander's cruelty had been genuine - his hatred for her and their child absolute.

Days passed with no breakthroughs in her covert search.

Margaret and Richard remained elusive.

On the wedding eve, Evelyn met Sebastian while Alexander was engrossed in a crucial video conference.

Sebastian was stunned to learn the child stolen from Evelyn in prison might still live.

"Could this be another of Victoria's schemes?" he questioned, ever cautious.

"Precisely because it's Victoria, I believe she'd keep such leverage," Evelyn reasoned, hope shining in her eyes. "I need to find my child, Sebastian. I wonder if she looks like Amelia..."

"I'll help you," Sebastian promised, his usual warmth tinged with melancholy. "After all these years... I too long to reunite with lost family."

Evelyn studied his suddenly somber expression.

"Something troubles you. Won't you share it? After all you've done for me, let me shoulder some of your burden."

Sebastian met her gaze solemnly. "A gentleman shouldn't burden the woman he admires, but today... there's something you should know."

Evelyn tensed as his demeanor shifted.

"I'm listening."

"Have you ever wondered why I avoid Blackwood Estate? Or why I despise everyone under its roof?"

His words flowed softly, like a quiet stream carrying hidden depths.