Chapter 54

The small child turned at the sound of approaching footsteps. His cherubic face now fully visible to Evelyn, those sparkling eyes like polished sapphires blinking up at her.

The burning hatred in Evelyn's chest dissolved instantly, replaced by an unexpected surge of tenderness.

Tears pricked at her eyelids as an overwhelming urge to weep seized her.

'If my baby had lived, she would have been just as adorable.'

After all, Alexander's genes were impeccable. Any child of his would undoubtedly inherit those striking features.

Evelyn crouched down, gently brushing her fingers against his soft cheek. "What's your name, sweetheart?"

The boy blinked adorably. "Mommy and Daddy call me Ethan."

'Mommy and Daddy.'

The words stabbed through Evelyn's heart.

Her child should have known that same love, but now...

"Evelyn! What are you plotting now? Take your revenge on me if you must, but leave my son with Alexander alone!" Victoria's shrill voice cut through the moment, her exaggerated tone emphasizing the boy's parentage.

Evelyn had never considered harming an innocent child. Hearing Victoria's accusation, a dark thought flickered through her mind.

Perhaps she should take lessons in cruelty from this woman.

"Mommy!" The boy immediately ran to Victoria.

Victoria scooped him up with exaggerated concern, examining him dramatically. "Let me check if you're hurt."

Evelyn let out a soft, humorless laugh. "Victoria, your performance improves with each act."

"How can you be so heartless?" Victoria's face twisted in feigned anguish. "Three years ago you stole my fiancé and killed my first child with Alexander. Now you'd harm my son? Though we're not blood sisters, I've always treated you kindly."

Watching Victoria's theatrical display, Evelyn responded with an icy smile. "Oh, you've been exceedingly kind to me, dear sister. And I intend to repay every bit of that kindness."

Victoria froze, momentarily speechless at Evelyn's words.

Evelyn took satisfaction in her stepsister's stunned expression.

Preparing to leave, Evelyn spotted Alexander approaching. Moonlight accentuated his aristocratic features, making him even more devastatingly handsome than three years ago.

Her traitorous heart skipped a beat, though she'd long abandoned any hopes regarding this man.

She gave him a dismissive glance and moved to walk past.

Alexander's hand shot out, grasping her wrist.

"Where do you think you're going, Mrs. Blackwood?" His deep voice held a note of confusion.

Evelyn paused, noticing Victoria's darkening expression from the corner of her eye. She curved her lips into a saccharine smile.

"What do you imagine, darling? It's late. I'm going home, of course."

Her artificial smile faltered slightly when she caught the unreadable glint in Alexander's eyes. He released her wrist before she could decipher it.

"Wait in the car. I'll join you shortly."