Chapter 480

"Truly." Alexander nodded, his piercing gaze unwavering. "Have faith in me."

His baritone voice carried a rare tenderness. Evelyn found herself momentarily disarmed, staring into those stormy gray eyes. After a heartbeat, she regained her composure and pushed his hands away with deliberate coldness.

"Mark your words, Alexander. Don't make me despise you further." She spun on her heel, her midnight blue dress swirling as she walked away.

Alexander watched Evelyn's retreating figure, a sharp pang gripping his chest. Memories flooded him - the way she used to look at him with adoration, her laughter like wind chimes in spring. All gone now, replaced by this icy distance.

That night, sleep eluded Evelyn.

Her thoughts raced with images of the child stolen from her at birth. What would her daughter look like? She must be beautiful, with Alexander's striking features and her own delicate bone structure.

Yet one question tormented her - how long had Alexander known their child survived? That cemetery scene... his cruelty had seemed so genuine. Was it all an act?

Dawn found Evelyn still tossing restlessly.

The shrill ringtone jolted her awake. Sebastian's sleep-roughened voice invited her to accompany him to Blackwood Enterprises for a board meeting.

After agreeing, she tried calling Alexander. When he didn't answer, she sent a terse message: "Don't forget your promise about our child."

Arriving at Blackwood Enterprises, Evelyn froze at the media circus outside. Reporters swarmed like vultures, their cameras flashing.

Then she saw him.

Alexander stood head and shoulders above the crowd, his tailored black suit accentuating his powerful frame. Even amidst chaos, he exuded effortless command, his chiseled features impassive.

Evelyn edged closer, catching his calm declaration: "Blackwood Enterprises remains under family control, merely temporarily managed by my uncle Sebastian. The Blackwood legacy endures."

He spoke with such conviction, as if losing his empire meant nothing. A wry smile touched his lips. "As for those rumors about my downfall? Wise men know truth from fiction."

The reporters pressed harder. "Mr. Blackwood, Victoria Lancaster faces murder charges. As her longtime lover, will you provide legal counsel?"

Another shouted, "You haven't visited Victoria since her arrest, despite her bearing your son. Many call this heartless. Your response?"

Alexander's expression darkened. "Victoria committed crimes and must face justice. Our past entanglement meant nothing - I never loved her." Then his gaze found Evelyn in the crowd, softening instantly. "There's only ever been one woman in my heart - my wife, Evelyn Sinclair. Though her true name is Eveline Montgomery."