Chapter 411

Alexander gripped his phone tightly, listening as William recounted the identification results word for word.

William's voice was layered with emotions—joy, yet tinged with an inexplicable sorrow beneath it.

As the words sank in, a storm of emotions raged within Alexander's chest.

"Alexander, you're back."

The call hadn't even ended when a sweet voice cut through his thoughts.

He looked up to see Evelyn approaching him, her delicate features sharpening in his dark gaze.

"I was waiting for you to have dinner," she said, reaching for his suit jacket to hang it up.

Alexander quietly ended the call, his eyes never leaving her faintly smiling face.

As she turned away, he suddenly seized her wrist.

Evelyn glanced back, puzzled. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing," he murmured. "I just missed you."

In one swift motion, he pulled her into his arms, his embrace tight, his hands burning against her skin. The intensity of his hidden affection was almost scorching.

Yet, to Evelyn, his touch only fueled her resentment.

She would never forget how coldly he had treated her before.

How many times had he abandoned her in the pouring rain, leaving her heart shattered in the bitter cold? Even now, it remained frozen.

But Alexander, it's hilarious how obsessed you are with a woman who's only pretending. When I gave you my heart, you threw it away.

Now that I'm playing a role, you cling to me like a fool.

Pathetic.

A mocking smile curled her lips.

"I missed you too," she replied flatly, devoid of emotion. "Let's eat. Ethan is waiting."

She pulled away without sparing him another glance.

At dinner, Evelyn doted on Ethan, serving him food and wiping the soup from his lips.

She noticed the boy's smile had grown brighter, the shadows around him fading.

After the meal, she helped him with his homework.

Kindergarten assignments were simple for her, but challenging for a child.

Yet, Evelyn was surprised—Ethan completed them flawlessly without guidance.

She suspected he had inherited Alexander's sharp mind—his memory was remarkable, his intelligence undeniable.

At least, she thought bitterly, he took nothing after Victoria.

The thought made her chest ache.

Where are you, my baby?

Where did Victoria hide you?

I need to find you soon...

The next morning, Alexander dropped Evelyn off at Diamond Boulevard before driving away.

But instead of heading to Blackwood Enterprises, he turned toward the cemetery.

Eleanor and William were already there, dressed in solemn black, white chrysanthemums in hand. Their eyes were red-rimmed.

The late autumn wind was biting, slicing through the silence of the nearly empty graveyard.

Only the rustling of fallen leaves filled the air.