Chapter 56

Alexander's fingers dug into Evelyn's arm like steel claws. No matter how violently she thrashed against him, he effortlessly forced her into the sleek black sedan.

She couldn't remember when he'd stopped caring about her "soiling" his precious car. Now he even allowed her to sit in the front passenger seat without hesitation.

Dark clouds rolled across the sky without warning. Within minutes, a violent storm unleashed its fury upon Willowbrook.

Evelyn's breath hitched. Heavy rain always transported her back to that horrific delivery room.

The cramped space. The blinding pain. The overwhelming terror as they ripped her newborn daughter away.

She squeezed her eyes shut, trying to block out the memories of blood-soaked sheets and heart-wrenching screams.

"Alexander, where are you taking me?" Evelyn's voice cracked. "Planning to finish what you started? I won't let you murder me like you did our child!"

Her fingers scrambled for the door handle, nails scraping against polished leather.

She couldn't die yet. Not before making Victoria pay for what they'd done.

Alexander slammed the locks with one hand while yanking the steering wheel with the other. The car fishtailed before screeching to a halt.

"Have you lost your damn mind?" His stormy gaze burned into her as he dragged her across the console.

Evelyn met his glare with bloodshot eyes. "I lost my mind the moment I fell for a monster like you. A man who could slaughter his own flesh and blood without blinking!"

Each word tore through her chest like shrapnel.

How could someone be so cruel? So heartless?

Yet the proof sat before her in a tailored Armani suit.

Alexander studied Evelyn's tear-streaked face, his expression unreadable. After a long pause, he finally spoke. "Were you really pregnant three years ago?"

Evelyn's bitter laughter filled the car.

Tears spilled down her cheeks as she flashed a sardonic smile. "How convenient that you've forgotten, Mr. Blackwood. Shall I refresh your memory?"

She leaned closer, her breath fogging the glass between them.

"That night in the boardroom when I begged on my knees? When you kicked me away and said—"

Her voice dropped to a deadly whisper. "'Then let that bastard in your womb rot alongside Victoria's miscarriage.'"

Alexander's pupils contracted.

Evelyn watched the realization dawn across his perfect features. "You did it, Alexander. You buried our daughter with Victoria's illegitimate child."

Her fists pounded against his chest. "She was innocent! Your own flesh and blood!"

Sobs wracked Evelyn's body as years of pent-up agony erupted.

"Do you want to see more proof?" Her fingers flew to her coat buttons. "Here! See what your precious Victoria did to me!"

Layer by layer, she revealed the roadmap of scars covering her once flawless skin.

Alexander's jaw tightened as he took in the angry marks crisscrossing her torso. His knuckles turned white against the steering wheel.

A muscle twitched in his temple as his grip on her shoulders loosened ever so slightly.