Chapter 478

Eleanor and William had been anxiously waiting, fearing Evelyn might not appear. When she walked into the grand living room of Blackwood Estate with Ethan, their eyes shimmered with relief.

"Evelyn! You came!" Eleanor rushed forward, her voice trembling with emotion.

Evelyn's gaze flickered to Eleanor's bandaged leg. The older woman still walked with a slight limp. "Mrs. Kingsley, you should sit. I wouldn’t want your injury to worsen on my account," she said coolly.

Eleanor’s smile faltered. "A mother would do anything for her child’s safety. Your well-being is all that matters. We owe you everything, Evelyn—not the other way around."

William nodded solemnly beside her, his eyes filled with remorse. "We’ve failed you in ways we can never make right. If you choose not to acknowledge us, we’ll respect that. Just seeing you here is enough."

Evelyn’s expression remained unreadable. "Isn’t this supposed to be Ethan’s birthday celebration?"

The older couple exchanged glances before nodding. "Yes, of course. But before we begin, Alexander has something for you," Eleanor said, gesturing toward the man approaching with a cake.

Evelyn’s brows furrowed. "If this is another attempt to reconcile us, I’m leaving."

"Evelyn, please!" Eleanor caught her arm. "We won’t mention it again if it upsets you."

As Evelyn turned to leave, Alexander’s fingers closed around her wrist. His touch sent warmth spiraling through her veins.

She met his gaze, irritation flashing in her eyes. "Let go."

"Ethan wants you here. As for my gift… you’ll accept it when you’re ready."

"Daddy, what gift?" Ethan piped up, tilting his head curiously.

Evelyn pulled her hand free and forced a smile for the boy. "It’s your special day, sweetheart. Of course there’s a gift for you." She scooped him into her arms and carried him toward the dining room.

Eleanor sighed as she watched them go. "If only she knew the truth—that Ethan is her son. She’d be overjoyed."

Alexander’s lips twisted bitterly. "After everything I’ve done, her hatred is justified. I don’t deserve her forgiveness."

Ethan’s sixth birthday was meant to be extravagant, yet it unfolded with quiet simplicity.

Alexander lit a single candle shaped like the number six. Ethan squeezed his eyes shut, made a wish, and blew it out with a giggle. When he cut the cake, his small hands carefully offered the first slice to Evelyn.

"Thank you, Mommy," he said solemnly.

Evelyn blinked. "For what?"

"This is the best birthday ever."

The room fell silent.

"My real mommy doesn’t like me," Ethan confessed, his voice small. "She only smiles when Daddy’s watching. When he’s gone, she locks me in the dark and yells. But you’re different. You always protect me."

His hopeful eyes met hers.

"Will you be my mommy forever? Will you keep me safe?"