Chapter 447

Evelyn Sinclair wasn't expecting Alexander Blackwood to return so soon, yet her composure never wavered. A faint, knowing smile played at the corners of her lips.

The moment he stepped into the room, the temperature seemed to drop. His presence was commanding, dominating the space as if everything else was merely background scenery.

His dark, piercing gaze locked onto Evelyn’s face, ignoring everyone else. With each step he took toward her, his heartbeat quickened, the rhythm betraying the icy exterior he wore so well.

One of the shareholders finally snapped out of their stunned silence. "Mr. Blackwood, your wife was just—"

"Leave."

Alexander’s voice was sharp, cutting through the air like a blade. His eyes never left Evelyn’s.

The shareholders exchanged uneasy glances but obeyed, filing out of the room until only the two of them remained.

Evelyn broke the silence first, her tone cool and detached. "You returned faster than I anticipated. I assume you already know what’s happened."

Gone was the softness she once carried. Now, there was only distance—and a flicker of disdain.

"Mr. Blackwood, you’ve always been exceptional. Efficient. But this time, you’re too late."

She snatched the stack of documents from the table and tossed them toward him.

"Effective immediately, you are no longer the president of Blackwood Enterprises. You have no authority in this boardroom anymore."

Alexander caught the papers effortlessly, his expression unreadable. He skimmed through the contents before setting them aside with deliberate indifference.

"If losing all of this means I can have you back, then it’s a price I’ll gladly pay."

Evelyn scoffed. "Alexander Blackwood, I’m done pretending. Why are you still playing this game?"

Her gaze raked over his handsome features, her lips curling in bitter amusement. "Do you really expect me to believe you love me enough to sacrifice everything?"

She lifted her chin, defiance flashing in her eyes.

"You know who I am now, don’t you?"

The air between them turned frigid.

A dangerous glint flickered in Alexander’s gaze, yet his voice remained steady as he met the hatred burning in hers.

Evelyn no longer carried the hesitation she once had. She faced him head-on, unflinching. For a brief moment, the past flickered in her mind, softening her expression.

"Do you have any idea how happy I was when I first met you?" she murmured, almost wistful. "You were the light in my bleak, lonely world. I cherished that light, held it close to my heart. I thought when we met again, it would only grow brighter."

Her voice hardened. "But you destroyed it. Over and over, with your cruelty."

Her breath hitched, the pain raw in her words. "Alexander, I loved you so much. I would have done anything for you. So tell me—why did you break the woman who adored you? Why was loving you my downfall?"

Alexander’s throat tightened. His fingers twitched, aching to reach for her, but she recoiled before he could touch her.

His hand fell to his side, empty.