Chapter 433

Evelyn hadn't anticipated Alexander's sudden appearance. Not only did he intercept her, but he had also uttered those unexpected words.

Sebastian's expression darkened. "Alexander, weren't you supposed to be away on business?"

"Am I not permitted to return? If I hadn't, I wouldn't have caught you harassing my wife," Alexander retorted icily, his fingers tightening around Evelyn's wrist. "Let's go inside."

Without sparing Sebastian another glance, he guided Evelyn toward the entrance of Blackwood Enterprises.

Evelyn cast one last glance at Sebastian before following Alexander silently.

Back in the office, she braced herself for his interrogation—but none came.

"Aren't you going to ask me anything?" She studied his composed expression, curiosity flickering in her gaze.

Alexander shrugged off his coat, his tone light. "Should I have something to ask?"

"Don’t you want to know what was on that flash drive? Or why I was giving it to Sebastian?"

"If you wanted me to know, you would’ve told me." His lips curved into a faint smile.

His indifference unsettled her.

"You didn’t stop me out of curiosity—you already knew what was inside, didn’t you?" A knowing smile played on her lips.

"How would I know?" His patience was unshaken. "I simply dislike seeing you interact with him."

Noticing her frown, he closed the distance between them.

His voice softened, laced with a tenderness she’d never heard before.

"Vivian, I don’t want you getting close to any other man—especially Sebastian."

His warm gaze enveloped her like winter sunlight before he pulled her into an embrace.

"Promise me you won’t meet him alone again. Please."

The vulnerability in his whisper sent a shiver down her spine.

His arms tightened around her.

"I can’t lose you. Not again."

Evelyn hesitated before wrapping her arms around his waist. "I promise."

A low chuckle rumbled in his chest. "Good."

Later, she accompanied him to the board meeting, though her mind wandered.

Alexander’s behavior had planted seeds of suspicion in her heart.

When the meeting adjourned, Eleanor called unexpectedly—Beatrice’s trial was set for that afternoon. She wanted to thank Evelyn for her earlier assistance.

They would never know Vivian was the true victim in this twisted game.

At 1:30 PM, Evelyn sat in the courtroom’s gallery.

Beatrice stood defiantly in the defendant’s box, admitting to the baby swap but dismissing its gravity.

"I didn’t harm the child. I just switched them. My sister can confirm I handed her a living baby. If she died later, that’s her own fault!"

Her venomous words ignited fury in Eleanor and William, their fists clenching in silent rage.

Evelyn pitied the woman—her warped love for Sophia was nothing but self-delusion.

The judge recoiled at Beatrice’s callousness. Was this truly a mother’s justification for destroying a family?

Then, Beatrice’s sister took the stand.

Beatrice brightened instantly. "Your Honor, ask her! I gave her the child—alive and unharmed!"

"Silence," the judge commanded sternly. "Witness, answer the prosecution’s questions."