Chapter 477
The moment Alexander spoke those words, the atmosphere between them turned glacial.
Evelyn's furious gaze wavered with shock. "Alexander, what did you just say?"
His heart clenched painfully as he met her intense stare.
"Alexander, say it again! You knew our child was alive all along? Do you actually know where she is?" Evelyn's composure shattered completely. She gripped his shoulders desperately. "Tell me! Right now! Where is my baby?"
Alexander felt his soul tearing apart seeing the tears welling in Evelyn's bloodshot eyes.
"Eve, please calm down—"
"Calm down? How could you expect me to be calm?" Evelyn let out a bitter laugh, her glare sharp enough to pierce steel. "You never cared about our child, but I did! Do you have any idea what it's like to be torn from your own flesh and blood? Of course you don't—you're heartless! That witch Victoria is all that matters in your frozen, emotionless heart!"
"Daddy! Mommy!"
Just as Evelyn was about to demand answers, little Ethan came running from the house.
His beaming smile caught the moonlight, revealing an uncharacteristic mischievous glint in his eyes.
The sight of that cherubic face momentarily softened Evelyn's rage and pain.
She drew a shuddering breath, forcing composure before offering Ethan a tender, loving smile.
"Ethan, sweetheart."
Kneeling, she caught the boy as he barreled into her arms.
Tears threatened to spill as she felt his small, warm body pressed against hers.
She adored Ethan with every fiber of her being, wanting to shower him with all the maternal love she could give.
Yet in this moment, the ache for her own biological child burned fiercer than ever.
Alexander pressed his lips together, his gaze filled with aching tenderness as he watched them.
'Eve, Ethan is your son. Our son. When you learn the truth, your joy will know no bounds.'
"Happy birthday, darling." After releasing Ethan, Evelyn planted a kiss on his cheek before presenting the carefully chosen gift.
Ethan accepted it with an excited grin. "Thank you, Mommy!"
His childish voice flowed over Evelyn's heart like healing spring water.
Rising on tiptoes, Ethan reciprocated with a sloppy kiss on Evelyn's cheek.
She smiled through unshed tears, ruffling his hair before standing.
"Daddy, Mommy, come inside! Grandpa and Grandma made all my favorite foods!" The boy grabbed both their hands, tugging them toward the house with infectious enthusiasm.
Evelyn shot Alexander one last searing glare.
He responded with a gentle, knowing smile. "Don't worry. Our child is safe and loved."
"Loved? How can a child abandoned by her father and stolen from her mother possibly know love?" Evelyn scoffed. Yet as she followed Ethan, her hand instinctively tightened around his small one.
Watching them walk ahead hand-in-hand, Alexander's eyes shimmered with gratitude.
His smile turned bittersweet. Despite everything, he remained thankful that the people he loved most were still within reach.