Chapter 455

Crash!

The porcelain teacup slipped from Eleanor Kingsley's trembling fingers, shattering against the marble floor.

Her hands remained suspended in midair, frozen in shock.

"W-What did you just say...? Vivian is Evelyn...?" Eleanor whispered, her vision blurring as tears welled up in her eyes. The only image she could focus on was Evelyn Sinclair's striking face.

She hadn't suspected a thing. Of course, she had wished—prayed—that her daughter was still alive. And over these past few months, she had grown inexplicably fond of Vivian.

She should have been overjoyed.

Yet, an inexplicable ache twisted in her chest.

William Montgomery emerged from the study at the sound of the crash. Seeing Eleanor standing there, tears streaming down her face, he rushed to her side, concern etching deep lines into his forehead.

"Ellie, what's wrong? Why are you crying?" He glanced at Alexander Blackwood, confusion darkening his gaze. "Mr. Blackwood, when did you arrive? Why is Ellie so upset? Are you here to take Ethan home?"

Alexander gently stroked Ethan's hair. "I'm not taking him back. Mrs. Kingsley isn't sad—she's happy."

"Happy?" William's bewilderment deepened.

Before he could question further, Eleanor spun around and seized his hands. "William, our daughter is alive!"

"What?" His breath caught. "Ellie, what are you saying?"

Tears spilled freely down Eleanor's cheeks. "Vivian is actually Evelyn! She's our precious girl, our Evelyn! She's alive!"

William's heart hammered against his ribs. "Vivian is Evelyn...?"

Eleanor collapsed against his shoulder, sobbing uncontrollably—a storm of joy and sorrow. "William, it's a miracle. Our daughter is alive. She's alive! Thank God!"

William's own eyes burned with unshed tears. Swallowing the lump in his throat, he wrapped his arms around Eleanor, steadying her. But he couldn't wait another second.

"Where is she? Where's Evelyn? I need to see her—now."

"Mr. Blackwood, you must know where she is, don't you? Please, tell us!" Eleanor pleaded, desperation lacing her voice.

Alexander's expression darkened, an unspoken bitterness tightening his jaw. "Try Blackwood Enterprises. She might still be in the CEO's office."

Without another word, Eleanor and William bolted for the door, not even bothering to change out of their house clothes.

"Where are Grandpa and Grandma going?" Ethan blinked up at Alexander, puzzled.

"They're going to find your mommy," Alexander murmured, crouching to meet the boy's curious gaze. His fingers brushed tenderly through Ethan's soft hair.

"Ethan... Daddy made a terrible mistake. I failed you and your mommy."

Ethan tilted his head, not fully understanding. Then, Alexander pulled him into a fierce embrace.

"I promise you this—from now on, I will spend every moment making it up to you both."

Winter evenings arrived swiftly, draping the city in early darkness.

Evelyn finished signing the last document and called Olivia Bennett, gathering her coat and bag.

As she stepped out of her office, the receptionist hurried over. "Miss Prescott, just now—"

"Miss Quinn is fine," Evelyn corrected smoothly.

"My apologies, Miss Quinn." The receptionist flushed. "The front desk just called—Mr. and Mrs. Kingsley are here to see you urgently. They're on their way up now."

Evelyn nodded, her expression unreadable. "Understood. Thank you."

Without another word, she stepped into the private elevator, the doors sliding shut behind her.

At that exact moment, the adjacent elevator dinged open. Through the narrowing gap of her closing doors, Evelyn caught a fleeting glimpse of Eleanor and William's frantic figures.

Her gaze remained cool, detached—until the metal sealed her away.

Eleanor and William rushed to the receptionist the second they stepped out.

"Is Miss Quinn still here?" William demanded.

The receptionist gestured helplessly toward the private elevator. "She just left."