Chapter 490

"And what about when Victoria framed me and locked me in prison? Do you remember what you told me then?"

My voice trembled with barely restrained fury.

"You told me to kill my own child—to make up for Victoria's miscarriage."

The words tasted like poison on my tongue.

"Have you forgotten every cruel thing you've ever said to me, Alexander? After everything you've done to Ethan and me, what makes you think you have the right to promise him a happy family?"

My fingers curled into fists.

"You lost the right to call yourself his father a long time ago."

I wrenched my arm free from his grasp and turned away, my heart pounding.

Alexander stood frozen, the snowflakes settling on his broad shoulders like a cruel mockery of the warmth we once shared.

Each one melted against his skin, seeping into the hollow space where his heart should have been.

Inside the house, I forced a smile as I knelt before Ethan.

"Would you like to live with Mommy from now on, sweetheart?"

Ethan's face lit up instantly. "Yes! I want to live with you!"

Then, with heartbreaking innocence, he added, "And Daddy too, so I can have both of you, like the other kids."

My smile faltered.

His hopeful eyes searched mine. "Does that mean we can all go home together after dinner?"

From the doorway, Alexander flinched.

I saw the pain flash across his face—raw and unguarded.

He expected me to refuse.

But instead, I nodded.

"Yes, baby. After dinner, we'll take you home."

I brushed his hair back, my voice soft but firm. "You are my precious boy, Ethan. And if anyone ever says otherwise, you tell me. Mommy will make sure they regret it."

Ethan clapped his hands in delight before darting off to Eleanor and William.

"Grandma! Grandpa! I'm going home with Mommy and Daddy tonight!"

He threw his arms around Eleanor, who hugged him tightly, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears.

"We'll miss you, darling."

William ruffled his hair, his voice thick with emotion. "Come visit us soon, okay?"

Dinner passed in bittersweet warmth.

Eleanor and William watched me with quiet gratitude, as if my mere presence was a gift.

Afterward, I held Ethan's small hand as we walked to Alexander's car.

The drive was silent.

Through the rearview mirror, I caught Alexander's gaze—haunted, desperate.

But I refused to acknowledge it.

When we arrived at the estate, I led Ethan inside, helping him bathe and tucking him into bed.

Only when his breathing steadied into sleep did I finally step out.

Alexander was waiting.

Still in his coat, still carrying the weight of his sins.

I ignored him, moving past without a word.

"Evelyn."

His voice was rough, pleading.

I didn't stop.

"Evelyn, please."

His hand closed around my wrist, stopping me in my tracks.

Before I could pull away, he dropped to one knee before me, his grip tightening like a man clinging to his last hope.