Chapter 421

"Look over there." Eleanor pointed to a spot not far away, her eyes suddenly clouded with sorrow. "My daughter is gone, and I know I can never make up for that loss. This is the only way I can ease my regret, even if just a little."

William's voice was gentle, yet filled with quiet desperation. "We understand this is selfish of us, Miss Vivian. If you're unwilling, we won't force you."

Evelyn glanced at the photo studio ahead and smiled faintly.

So this was their request—to borrow her face for a family portrait.

Sebastian had been right. Some apologies weren't about sincerity. They were about easing one's own guilt.

Would taking this picture truly bring them peace? And what would it do to her?

A bitter chuckle escaped her lips. Closing her eyes, she could still see the cold indifference in Eleanor and William's eyes from years ago.

She had given them enough.

"I'm sorry," Evelyn said firmly. "I can't agree to this. I won't be a stand-in for Evelyn Sinclair. Her life was tragic enough—I refuse to relive it or be tied to her in any way."

Eleanor and William's expressions crumbled, their hearts hollow with grief.

"Miss Vivian, please don't misunderstand," Eleanor hurried to explain, forcing a shaky smile despite the tears welling in her eyes. "We're not trying to replace her. It's alright if you refuse. We were asking too much."

William nodded, his voice thick with regret. "You've already helped us more than we deserve. We were thoughtless."

"Miss Vivian," Eleanor added softly, "you're brilliant and kind. Mr. Blackwood clearly values you. I know you won't suffer the same fate as my daughter. I truly wish you happiness."

Her voice cracked as she wiped her tears. "Let's not trouble Miss Vivian anymore. William, perhaps you should see her home?"

"No need," Evelyn replied with a polite smile. Turning away, she walked off without hesitation.

'I thought I could be heartless. But seeing their grief still cuts deep.'

She hadn't gone far when Eleanor's voice carried behind her.

"William, let's go to the detention center first. We need to ask Victoria about Evelyn's ashes."

Evelyn's steps faltered.

'My ashes are missing?'

"That vile woman!" William's voice was laced with fury. "She desecrated Evelyn's grave and stole her remains. How could anyone be so twisted?"

Evelyn's mind reeled.

'Victoria destroyed my grave? She took my ashes?'

A memory surfaced—Alexander taking her to the cemetery, his eyes wild with anguish as he searched through the wreckage of a shattered tombstone.

'Was he looking for my ashes?

'Was that my grave?'

The realization struck like a blade, tearing through her chest.

Honk!

A blaring horn shattered her thoughts.

She blinked—somehow, she had wandered into the middle of the road.

Before she could react, strong arms yanked her back to safety.

"Miss Vivian, are you alright?" William's voice was laced with concern as he steadied her.