Chapter 440

"Yet now you're shamelessly using my death to claim you love me?"

"Alexander, you're utterly pathetic."

"I need to leave for F Country in three hours. I'll be gone approximately two days." His deep voice resonated through the car.

F Country?

Evelyn's eyes flickered with recognition. She responded coolly, "Understood."

Alexander studied her reflection in the rearview mirror - that icy expression that never seemed to thaw.

When the car stopped, Evelyn exited without waiting, striding into Blackwood Estate alone. She nearly went to see Ethan before remembering Eleanor had collected him that morning.

Though not their biological grandson, Eleanor and William adored Ethan unconditionally. Their love for the child was genuine.

Evelyn retrieved her silk pajamas, preparing for a shower. As she turned, she found Alexander watching her with that unreadable gaze.

"What now? Will you scold me for speaking to your mother that way? Or perhaps you agree your ex-wife Evelyn was a despicable wretch, so I've no right defending her?"

Her lips curled in that mocking smile she'd perfected. She stepped closer to the silent man.

"Save your breath if you plan to lecture me. My stance won't change."

But instead of words, Alexander cradled the back of her head gently. His lips descended, capturing hers in a kiss that stole her breath.

Evelyn froze. She'd expected anger, accusations - not this tender assault.

By the time she regained her senses, he'd already pulled away.

His gaze held hers, brimming with emotions she couldn't - wouldn't - decipher.

"Nothing you say or do could ever make me resent you."

His arms enveloped her then, holding her with impossible care - as if she might break from too much pressure, yet vanish if he held too lightly.

"Wait for my return. I'll resolve everything. Trust me."

That whisper curled around her heart like smoke.

Evelyn exhaled slowly, neither resisting nor reciprocating. Let him have this moment. Let them pretend.

Suddenly, she smiled against his shoulder.

'Alexander, this will be our final embrace.'

'When you return from F Country, Vivian Prescott will cease to exist.'

'No more smiles for you. Not even the counterfeit ones.'

Three hours later, Alexander's private jet cut through the twilight sky toward F Country.

The next morning found Evelyn attending the executive meeting as the acting CEO's wife. Before she could take her seat, Yvonne and Margaret Blackwood stormed in, hostility radiating from them.

"Vivian, don't presume you hold any authority here simply because my son is absent," Margaret sneered.

She marched straight to Alexander's customary seat and addressed the room. "Effective immediately, all company affairs will be overseen by myself and Miss Yvonne Yaleman. All documents requiring approval will come through us."