Chapter 479

Alexander's brows knitted tightly together as he processed Ethan's words.

His stormy gray eyes reflected a turbulent mix of sorrow and barely restrained fury.

The revelation struck him like a physical blow—how could Victoria have done such monstrous things to their child when he wasn't looking?

No wonder Ethan had been so withdrawn. The pieces finally clicked into place.

Alexander's hands clenched into fists, knuckles turning white with tension.

"That woman is pure evil!" Eleanor spat, her voice trembling with outrage. William placed a steadying hand on her shoulder, his expression equally grim.

Evelyn's heart ached for the little boy. A cold fire ignited in her chest as she turned her gaze toward Alexander.

"Mr. Blackwood, your beloved Victoria is truly exceptional," she said icily. "But do you really think that's the worst of it?"

Her lips curled into a bitter smile as she recounted the past.

"She carved open Ethan's face with a fruit knife to frame me. I'll never forget how she pressed the blade into my hand while he screamed, smiling like it was all some twisted game."

The room fell deathly silent.

Eleanor and William looked stricken. Even though they hadn't witnessed the event, they'd condemned Evelyn just as harshly afterward.

Evelyn's eyes flicked to Alexander's ashen face before softening as she turned back to Ethan. "I promise you, Ethan. No one will ever hurt you again."

"Really?" The boy's eyes shone with tentative hope.

Evelyn extended her pinky. "Pinky promise."

Ethan's answering grin—complete with adorable dimples—was the first truly childlike expression Evelyn had seen from him. Her own lips curved in response before she could stop them.

After the birthday celebration ended, Evelyn prepared to leave.

Eleanor and William hovered awkwardly, countless unspoken apologies lodged in their throats.

Alexander expected Evelyn to storm out without a backward glance. Instead, he found her waiting by the door, arms crossed.

"Alexander. Where is my daughter?" Her voice was steel wrapped in velvet. "Don't think this changes anything between us."

He approached slowly, guilt weighing down each step. "You're right to worry. She's... not well."

Evelyn's breath hitched. "What do you mean? Is she sick? Alexander, tell me—"

"I'm sorry."

Without warning, he pulled her into a crushing embrace. The scent of her perfume—something floral with a hint of spice—flooded his senses.

He'd been so arrogant, so certain Ethan was thriving under his care. All while Victoria systematically destroyed their son behind closed doors.

And now history was repeating itself with Amelia.

Evelyn shoved him away, panic sharpening her features. "Alexander! Where is she?"

His hands tightened on her shoulders. "Tomorrow. I'll take you to her tomorrow."

A spark of hope lit Evelyn's amber eyes. "You swear?"