Chapter 400

Evelyn shook her head, her bewildered gaze locked on Sebastian. His next words would reveal a shocking fragment of history.

The weight of Sebastian's secret settled heavily in her chest before she could fully comprehend it.

Her phone buzzed with Alexander's call before she could process Sebastian's revelation.

A tender light returned to Sebastian's eyes as he watched Evelyn depart.

"What kind of man pushes the woman he loves toward his enemy?" Sebastian murmured to himself.

A dangerous smile curved his lips, his eyes glinting like shards of ice.

Following Alexander's summons, Evelyn arrived at Blackwood Enterprises' grand lobby.

The automatic doors slid open just as she approached, revealing Alexander's imposing figure.

Every movement exuded effortless aristocracy, his presence commanding the space.

His frosty gaze melted instantly when it landed on Evelyn, warmth flooding his features.

"You sounded urgent on the phone. What's this about?" Evelyn asked, forcing a smile.

Alexander took her hand without answering, leading her to the waiting car.

As they drove, Evelyn half-expected them to be heading to the courthouse for their marriage license.

Yet that seemed unlikely - she'd postponed their wedding plans, citing unfavorable dates.

The scenery outside grew increasingly familiar as they traveled.

They were heading toward Pinecrest Heights.

True enough, thirty minutes later, the car stopped at Pinecrest Heights' windswept shoreline.

The autumn sea breeze carried biting saltiness, needling through clothing with winter's approach.

Evelyn's heart twisted as she faced the churning waves.

This place once held their most cherished memories - now nothing but withered petals of the past.

Why had Alexander brought her here?

She turned to find him emerging from the car, clutching an extravagant bouquet.

Blood-red roses glistened in his hands, their golden edges catching the afternoon sun.

Alexander approached, the wind softening his usually sharp features.

"For you," he murmured, offering the blooms.

"Thank you." Evelyn accepted them with a practiced smile, meeting his unusually bright eyes.

"Alexander, why here? Why roses? What's happening?"

"Something long overdue." His voice sounded strangely thick.

Evelyn frowned. "What do you mean?"

"Marrying you." The words came easily, his peach-blossom eyes overflowing with warmth.

Before she could react, Alexander dropped to one knee, his cool fingers encircling her left hand.

A dazzling diamond slid onto her ring finger before she could protest.

Her breath caught at his unexpected action.

His phrasing echoed a forgotten promise from years past.

Did he know? Had he discovered-

Alexander's handsome face drew nearer as Evelyn remained frozen. "I love you. Truly."

That emphasized word hung between them.

Then his lips captured hers in a kiss that stole what little breath remained.