Chapter 456

"She's gone? Where to? Do you know?" Eleanor demanded, her voice trembling with urgency.

The receptionist hesitated before answering, "At this hour, she might be heading home."

"Home..." The word tasted bitter on Eleanor's tongue as she stood frozen.

Home.

The Montgomery Estate should have been her rightful home. Yet Eleanor and William didn't dare hope she'd return with them.

Perhaps she never would.

Eleanor remembered Evelyn's words two days ago when she'd come for Ethan. She'd said it would be her last visit.

Back then, Eleanor hadn't understood. Now, the meaning cut deep.

Overcome with remorse, Eleanor broke into uncontrollable sobs.

William pulled her close. "Ellie, don't. We'll find Evelyn again."

"She won't want to see us. She must despise us..." Eleanor's eyes burned as she recalled that hospital day - the day she'd learned Evelyn was her flesh and blood, the day she'd nearly taken her own life in shame.

That moment when Evelyn had called her "Mom."

She'd thought it was just to stop her from jumping.

But it had been genuine.

The memory of Evelyn's voice saying that single word became both the sweetest melody and most painful dagger in Eleanor's heart.

Meanwhile, Evelyn drove toward her meeting with Olivia.

The Mexican cantina overflowed with patrons, its air thick with cumin and chili. Several diners did double-takes seeing Evelyn - this ethereal beauty who looked like she dined on moonbeams, here for street tacos.

"Maddie! Over here!" Olivia waved enthusiastically.

Evelyn spotted not just Olivia but Nathaniel's gentle smile too. She slid into the booth, warmth spreading through her at the loaded tacos before her.

She remembered sharing spicy street tacos with Nathaniel years ago. Even then, his eyes had held that knowing dread - he'd already guessed her time was limited.

Funny how life had other plans.

"How's your recovery, Maddie?" Nathaniel asked with genuine concern.

Evelyn gave a small smile. "All better now."

"You absolutely did the right thing!" Olivia blurted. "After seeing Blackwood Enterprises' stock crash this week - Alexander deserved worse after everything he did to you! Losing his company and reputation is nothing compared to what you and your baby—"

Olivia abruptly bit her tongue. "God, I'm sorry. That was insensitive."

"It's fine," Evelyn said softly. "Actually...my first child might still be alive."

"What?!" Olivia's fork clattered to the table.

Nathaniel's eyes widened. "Alive?"

Evelyn nodded. "But Victoria hid her. I don't know where she is."

"That witch!" Olivia started, then her gaze snapped to something behind Evelyn. She slammed her hands on the table, standing abruptly. "How did you find us? What do you want?"