Chapter 454

Five years had passed, and this was the first time Alexander felt Ethan's voice sounded so sweet when he called him "Daddy."

He moved closer to the boy and knelt down. His gaze softened as he studied the small face before him. Maybe it was just his imagination, but in this moment, Ethan looked more and more like Evelyn.

"Ethan," Alexander murmured gently, suppressing the emotions swelling in his chest.

The little boy nodded eagerly. "Daddy, when can I go home? I miss Mommy. Not my mommy but Vivian." He emphasized the last part carefully.

Alexander's heart clenched. "Ethan, Vivian is your mommy. You only have one mommy. Never forget that."

"I won't," Ethan promised solemnly. He waved the small object in his hands. "I'm almost done with this bunny. When I finish, I'll give it to Mommy to keep her safe."

As the child explained his invention, Alexander realized it was a miniature self-defense device. He marveled at how a five-year-old could possess such technical skill. Then he remembered the microchipped bracelet he'd once given Evelyn - perhaps talent ran in the family.

Eleanor emerged from the house carrying tea and snacks. She stopped abruptly when she saw Alexander. "Mr. Blackwood! When did you arrive? Are you here to take Ethan home?"

Alexander rose slowly as Eleanor approached.

"Grandma!" Ethan chirped, his voice bubbling with a joy Alexander had never heard before.

He knew this transformation was entirely Evelyn's doing. Victoria had dragged this innocent child into darkness, but his real mother - Evelyn - had brought him back into the light.

"What a good boy you are, Ethan." Eleanor stroked the child's hair affectionately before sighing wistfully. "Though Victoria's actions were despicable, and William and I despise her completely, Ethan is innocent. He's such an obedient, intelligent child. We've truly come to love him as our own grandson."

She hesitated before adding, "Mr. Blackwood, if you're too busy to care for Ethan, William and I would be honored to continue raising him. We'd like your permission to keep him with us."

Alexander's lips curved into a rare, genuine smile. "You don't need to treat him like a grandson."

Eleanor's face fell. "What? Are you saying we can't see Ethan anymore? But why? We genuinely love him, and—"

"You misunderstand," Alexander interrupted gently. "That's not what I meant."

Eleanor blinked in confusion. "Then what are you saying, Mr. Blackwood?"

"I'm saying Ethan is actually your biological grandson."

Eleanor froze. "W-what? Ethan is my real grandson? H-how can that be?"

Alexander nodded, a self-deprecating smile playing on his lips. "Ethan isn't Victoria's child. He's Evelyn's son."

"What?" Eleanor gasped, torn between shock and overwhelming emotion.

When she'd learned Evelyn was her daughter, her heart had shattered. With Evelyn gone, she'd believed all hope was lost.

But if she still had a living grandson... perhaps her broken heart could begin to heal.

"There's more you should know," Alexander continued, his eyes softening. "Evelyn is still alive."

Eleanor's breath caught.

"Vivian is Evelyn."