Chapter 453

The murderous glint in Alexander's eyes vanished.

He seized Victoria's wrist and yanked her forward. "Say that again."

Victoria inhaled his familiar scent greedily, tears streaming down her face.

Even as he glared at her with icy detachment, his striking features still made her heart ache.

She had missed him—even now, when he was furious.

"Alexander, I know I've done terrible things, but my love for you was real. I truly—"

"Spare me the theatrics," he cut in coldly. "Answer me. Is the child Evelyn and I had really alive?"

His menacing tone sent a chill down her spine.

Trembling, she met his gaze and nodded. "H-He's alive... still breathing..."

The frost in Alexander's eyes melted instantly. "Where is he? Where's my son?"

Victoria bit her cracked lip. "I want out of here first."

"You think you're in any position to bargain?" His grip tightened. "Tell me now, or you'll be worthless to me."

Her face paled.

Survival was her only option. "He's... always been near you."

A spark ignited in Alexander's eyes. "Ethan?"

The image of the little boy flashed in his mind.

Victoria clenched her teeth, resentment flaring as she saw the joy in Alexander's expression.

When she had faked her pregnancy and "given birth" to Ethan, Alexander had shown no such happiness.

But now?

Pure relief.

All because the child was his—and Evelyn's.

Without another word, Alexander turned and strode away. Victoria scrambled after him, but the cell door slammed shut in her face.

"Alexander! Please! I won't do it again! Forgive me—for the sake of what we once had! Alexander!"

Her desperate cries fell on deaf ears.

Outside the prison, Alexander slid into his car. His hands trembled slightly as he gripped the steering wheel.

Ethan is mine and Evelyn's son.

No wonder he was always distant from Victoria but so attached to Evelyn. He called her 'Mom' without hesitation.

Blood recognizes blood.

Ethan.

The name echoed in his mind, filling him with an overwhelming warmth.

He made a call, confirming Ethan's whereabouts. The boy had been staying with the Montgomeries.

Without wasting another second, Alexander sped toward Montgomery Manor.

When he arrived, he found Ethan in the garden's glasshouse. The little boy sat on a bench, completely absorbed in assembling a small gadget.

His rosy cheeks were slightly flushed, his delicate fingers moving with precision. His bright eyes flickered with concentration.

Alexander's chest tightened as he approached.

Ethan must have sensed his presence, because he looked up. His lips parted in surprise.

"Daddy."

That single word struck Alexander like sunlight breaking through storm clouds.