Chapter 426

Evelyn quickly composed herself, forcing a serene smile. "Alexander, Grandfather needs his rest. We should go."

Alexander's piercing gaze caught the fleeting mockery in Evelyn's eyes. He gave a slight nod. "Very well."

Returning to the estate, Evelyn stepped under an icy shower, letting the cold water calm her racing thoughts.

'Grandfather Henry definitely suspects my true identity. That warning about staying away from Sebastian wasn't subtle.'

'Has he been investigating me behind the scenes?'

'I need to accelerate my plans.'

'Every day I delay increases the risk of Alexander discovering the truth.'

'He's far from stupid - his intelligence is one of the things I admired about him.'

When midnight's silence enveloped the Blackwood Estate, Evelyn carefully opened her eyes, confirming Alexander's deep sleep.

She slipped from his embrace like a shadow, padding silently to his study under the silver moonlight.

After days of careful observation, Evelyn had confirmed the study lacked any security system.

Flicking on the desk lamp, she sifted through documents - mostly mundane corporate reports of little importance.

The computer screen blinked to life, demanding a password.

What would he use?

Evelyn tried Alexander and Victoria's birthdates without success.

Just as she considered abandoning the attempt, a small voice came from the doorway. "Mommy?"

"Ethan?" Evelyn's breath caught at the sight of the sleepy child.

"Mommy, why are you working so late?" The boy shuffled forward, rubbing his eyes.

Evelyn's heart swelled at hearing him call her 'Mommy'. "Just remembered some unfinished work, sweetheart."

"I'll stay with you." Ethan's sleepy smile revealed his crooked front teeth.

Before Evelyn could protest, he'd already settled beside her.

"Mommy's being forgetful tonight. I can't remember the password, so maybe we should both go back to bed."

"You forgot? Don't worry, I know it!"

Evelyn stared in shock as Ethan dashed out, returning moments later clutching his tablet.

She expected to see a written password, but instead watched as he launched an unfamiliar app, connecting it to the computer. Within moments, eight digits flashed on the tablet screen.

Evelyn's blood ran cold.

'That can't be... Alexander's password?'

'It's impossible!'

Her hands trembled as she recognized the sequence. Before she could react, Ethan had already typed the numbers.

The computer unlocked with a soft chime.

Simultaneously, a notification pinged on Alexander's phone.

His dark eyes snapped open, immediately noting Evelyn's absence. Checking his phone, he rose silently and headed toward the study...