Chapter 404

Evelyn's rose-tinted lips curved into a faint smirk as she observed the peaceful expression on the sleeping man's face.

Three years of insomnia, Alexander?

Yet here you are, sleeping like a baby.

Tell me, did you ever lose a single night's sleep over my supposed death?

No, of course not.

With one last glance at Alexander's serene features, Evelyn turned away and headed to the bathroom. After freshening up and changing, she stepped out into the hallway—only to nearly collide with little Ethan emerging from his room.

"Good morning, sweetheart."

She smiled warmly and crouched to his level.

"Is it time for school already? Would you like Aunt Vivian to make you something special for breakfast?"

Ethan blinked up at her with those impossibly large hazel eyes before nodding shyly. "Yes, please."

The simple response made Evelyn's heart swell.

Though the kitchen staff had already prepared breakfast, Evelyn insisted on making Ethan's meal herself—a nutritious spread with a playful touch.

At the dining table, Ethan stared at the star-shaped pancake on his plate without touching it.

Worried, Evelyn leaned closer. "Don't you like pancakes, darling? I can make you something else—"

Before she could finish, Ethan shook his head vigorously.

When he looked up, his entire face glowed with something pure and joyful. "Thank you... Mommy."

Mommy.

The word struck Evelyn like lightning. Most children resisted stepmothers, yet here was Ethan embracing her without hesitation.

Her vision blurred as she gently stroked his soft hair. "Aunt Vivian will always love you as her own, Ethan. I promise you'll never lack for a mother's love again."

The boy's answering smile—so bright and trusting—nearly shattered what remained of Evelyn's defenses.

After breakfast, she walked Ethan to his preschool, hand in hand. Her own daughter Amelia was safe with a trusted friend—she would never set foot in this particular school again.

Just as they reached the gates, Eleanor Kingsley appeared, clutching a stack of papers.

The older woman froze upon seeing Evelyn with Ethan. "Miss Prescott, I didn't expect to see you bringing Ethan to school."

"What brings you here, Mrs. Kingsley?" Evelyn kept her tone light.

Eleanor's gaze lingered on Ethan's small hand wrapped in Evelyn's. "Just as I cared for Victoria like my own daughter these past years, I've loved this child as my grandson. What happened to Victoria... well, she brought it upon herself. But Ethan..." Her voice cracked. "I can't bear to let him go."

Evelyn understood perfectly—the raw affection in Eleanor's eyes was unmistakable.

"Grandma."

Ethan's clear voice cut through the tension.

"You'll always be my grandma."

Eleanor's face transformed with hope. "Ethan—"

As she reached to embrace him, the papers slipped from her grasp. Evelyn's breath caught when she recognized the image printed on them.

Ethan crouched to help gather the scattered pages. His small fingers paused over one particular sheet. "I've seen this butterfly before."

The innocent observation sent a chill down Evelyn's spine.