Chapter 474

"Papa," Ethan called out to him at that moment.

Alexander turned in surprise. The handsome little boy approached him with a bright smile, his crystal-clear eyes mirroring Evelyn's more than ever.

Truth be told, during the three years of Evelyn's supposed "death," he rarely heard Ethan address him as "Papa." And when he did, it was always hollow and obligatory—nothing like the warmth in his voice now.

"Papa, you're here too? Will you celebrate my birthday with Mama tomorrow?"

Birthday.

Alexander suddenly remembered—tomorrow was Ethan's fifth birthday. Yet in all these years, he'd never once celebrated it with his son.

"Ethan, your father has to leave now. You can tell him whatever you want next time," Evelyn interjected with a practiced smile, her words clearly meant to dismiss Alexander.

She turned icy eyes toward the man. "You should go now."

Alexander's lips twisted into a bitter smile. "I'm leaving, but about Ethan's birthday tomorrow—"

"Birthday?" Evelyn cut him off with a mocking laugh, her gaze sharpening. "How touching, Mr. Blackwood. You treated Victoria's son like royalty while discarding mine like trash. You had someone force an abortion on me in prison, stole my child, and let her grow up as a bastard you threw away!"

Her voice cracked. "For years I clung to that fake photo Victoria gave me—the one she claimed was my baby. Do you remember finding me sobbing over a landscape postcard? That was my child's supposed picture!"

Alexander's heart wrenched. He remembered that day vividly—Evelyn kneeling on the pavement, desperately clutching that postcard. Now he understood the cruel truth behind her anguish.

"Alexander," Evelyn's voice trembled with rage, "tell me—what sin did I commit to deserve this? I will never forgive you. Not in this lifetime. Get out. Now!"

Alexander's throat worked silently. He searched Evelyn's furious eyes, words failing him. "Evelyn—"

"Leave!"

"Alright. I'm going." Without further protest, Alexander turned away, his broad shoulders carrying an unfamiliar weight of loneliness.

Evelyn drew a shuddering breath, forcing composure. At least her child was alive—that was her only solace.

The next morning after dropping Ethan at kindergarten, Evelyn headed to Diamond Boulevard to buy birthday gifts—one for Ethan, and another for the daughter she'd never held.

'My darling, I pray I find you soon. I want to hold you, to celebrate every birthday we've missed.'

As she exited the boutique, a familiar figure caught her eye—Margaret Dawson.

After testifying against Victoria, Margaret and Richard had vanished. Evelyn never expected to see her here.

While Victoria would never reveal her child's whereabouts, Margaret might.

Margaret had just pawned her jewelry. Spotting Evelyn, she paled and bolted like a criminal.

"Margaret!" Evelyn gave chase without hesitation. When Margaret recklessly dashed across the intersection against the light, Evelyn followed—her daughter's face the only thing in her mind.

If Margaret escaped now, she'd lose this crucial lead.

The walk signal flashed green. A speeding white sedan ran the red light, tires screeching as it barreled toward Evelyn.

Through the chaos, one voice pierced the air—"Evelyn!"—followed by a sickening crash.