Chapter 55

Should she return with him?

Evelyn curved her lips into a sweet smile. "Alright."

Turning her head, she caught sight of Victoria. The woman's face had darkened like storm clouds, her lips pressed into a thin line. Evelyn could practically hear the grinding of teeth from where she stood.

That look of suppressed fury brought Evelyn immense satisfaction. Victoria teetered on the edge of explosion, yet clung desperately to her carefully crafted image of gentleness.

Alexander was walking toward Victoria now. Of course he would comfort that two-faced witch.

From across the distance, Evelyn watched Victoria clutch her child closer, leaning into Alexander with practiced vulnerability. "Alexander, I'm terrified Evelyn might hurt us again. Three years in prison have only made her more unstable," Victoria whispered.

"Alexander, you remember our childhood promise, don't you? You swore to make me your bride and protect me forever."

Evelyn told herself she no longer cared about Alexander's proximity to other women. Yet seeing them so close sent sharp pains through her chest, each breath becoming a struggle.

This wasn't love. It couldn't be. Only pure, unadulterated hatred.

They'd murdered her daughter in cold blood. And here they stood, living without consequence.

Evelyn didn't wait for Alexander's return. Hailing a cab, she left without looking back.

Her phone buzzed soon after. Though she'd changed her number, those memorized digits burned into her vision like branding irons. Alexander called three times. Three times she watched the screen light up and fade to black.

In the taxi's backseat, the flashing screen mirrored her life - brief moments of hope swallowed by endless darkness.

How many times had she foolishly hoped for even a shred of his affection? Each disappointment piled higher until they formed an insurmountable mountain of despair.

Evelyn pressed a hand to her aching chest. 'This isn't love, Alexander. This is vengeance.'

Job hunting proved fruitless. Rejection after rejection. At this rate, she'd never rebuild her life.

Evelyn confided in Olivia. "I need to leave Willowbrook. Start fresh somewhere else." Only then could she gather the strength to avenge her daughter.

Olivia offered her life savings without hesitation. Evelyn refused. Nothing in life came free.

Packing light, she booked a train ticket. As she wheeled her suitcase outside, a familiar black sedan pulled up.

Alexander emerged, his cool demeanor cracking as he took in her luggage. "Going somewhere, Mrs. Blackwood?"

Evelyn's pulse quickened. Gripping the suitcase handle, she forced calm into her voice. "Perhaps ask your mistress why your lawful wife can't even afford dinner."

Something flickered in Alexander's eyes. Without warning, he seized her arm, pulling her toward the car.

Fear spiked through her - especially when his skin met hers. That familiar warmth sent unwanted shivers down her spine.

Evelyn struggled violently. "Alexander! Let me go!"