Chapter 44

Evelyn's heart shattered into a million pieces.

No physical wound could ever compare to this soul-crushing agony.

She would forever remember that horrific night. The night she was violently dragged into labor, her newborn ripped from her arms.

To this day, she didn't know if her baby was a boy or girl. Would the child have her emerald eyes or Alexander's piercing gaze?

Scrolling through Victoria's Instagram, Evelyn's fingers trembled. The feed overflowed with designer handbags, luxury cars, and smug posts about her influential biological parents. Most gut-wrenching were the photos of Victoria cradling Ethan - the son she shared with Alexander.

This monster had stolen everything.

While Evelyn had nothing left.

The irony burned like acid.

Several times, Evelyn considered confronting Alexander. But prison's lingering trauma froze her each time.

Yet thoughts of her missing child propelled her forward.

Standing before Blackwood Estate - the mansion she once ruled - bitterness flooded her mouth. As she reached for the bell, the doors swung open.

Victoria strutted out in a couture dress, radiating arrogance. Spotting Evelyn, she paused mid-step, shock flashing before morphing into a venomous smile.

"Well, well. If it isn't my dear stepsister." Victoria's stilettos clicked closer. "Finished your prison rehabilitation already?"

Evelyn's stomach churned at her smirk. "Where's my child?" No pleasantries. Just raw demand.

Victoria's expression darkened before twisting into something predatory. "Your child?"

"Yes! My baby! Give them back!"

"That bastard?" Victoria shrugged. "Alexander buried it with my miscarried fetus."

The world went black. Evelyn's heart split open, bleeding agony.

She lunged, fingers digging into Victoria's designer collar. "Lies! My child's alive! I want Alexander! Now!"

"Get your filthy hands off me!" Victoria shrieked. "Security!"

Evelyn barely registered the blow before darkness swallowed her.

Cold water slapped her awake. Victoria loomed over her, smirking. "Three years in prison taught you nothing, did you?" Her manicured nail jabbed Evelyn's abdomen. "That tumor growing inside you? It'll kill you soon." Her laugh curdled blood. "Boys? Aim for her stomach."

Fists rained down. Evelyn curled into herself, but the blows kept coming. The physical pain paled against Victoria's words echoing in her skull.

My baby...