Chapter 407

In a heartbeat, Eleanor and William heard Vivian's desperate cry.

Though she'd been moments away from following her daughter into the abyss, Eleanor spun around at the sound. Tears cascaded down her cheeks as she stared at the woman standing just feet away. The world seemed to blur around her.

Through her shimmering tears, she saw a face identical to the one haunting her memories.

"Your Sophia's still alive, Mom. You don't need to die for me," Vivian said gently, her lips curving into a tender smile. "Come back inside. Dad's worried sick, isn't he?"

"Sophia—" Eleanor whispered, stepping away from the ledge as if in a trance.

William blinked rapidly at Vivian before springing into action. He pulled Eleanor safely inside and immediately locked the balcony door.

"Are you— Are you really Evelyn? Tell me you're Evelyn!" Eleanor rushed forward, clutching Vivian's hands with trembling fingers.

She tried to warm Vivian's hands only to realize her own were ice-cold. Under their desperate gazes, Vivian smiled serenely. "I'm glad you're safe, Mrs. Kingsley. Impulse is a dangerous thing—don't surrender to it again. Your life matters."

The realization hit them like a physical blow. Vivian had only said those words to save Eleanor.

Their brief hope shattered, plunging them back into despair.

Both knew Evelyn had succumbed to an incurable illness.

Perhaps she might have lived longer if they hadn't constantly tormented her. The memory of their cruel words at Alexander and Victoria's engagement party haunted them—how Eleanor had accused Evelyn of faking her collapse, even as blood dripped from her lips.

After her final "performance," Evelyn had left them forever, leaving behind only endless regret.

By the time Vivian left the hospital, Eleanor had no tears left to cry.

Vivian understood the depth of Eleanor's grief. She too had wanted to die when her child was taken from her. That pain had felt like the sky collapsing, turning her world monochrome.

But now, color had returned to her life.

—

Alexander awoke feeling more rested than he had in three years.

His hand reached across the bed, finding the sheets already cool. He immediately dialed Evelyn's number.

Her melodic voice through the speaker instantly soothed him.

He'd wanted to take Evelyn on a honeymoon, but she'd declined due to her pregnancy.

Monday noon, Blackwood Enterprises.

Alexander had just concluded a crucial board meeting when he spotted Evelyn waiting gracefully outside the conference room.

Seeing him emerge, she approached with a thermos in hand. "I made lunch, Alexander. Would you join me?"

Witnessing this, Lucas and the other executives discreetly excused themselves.

Evelyn slipped her arm through his as they entered his office—her first time seeing his workspace.

'So this is where he spends his days,' she thought.