Chapter 61

She had to survive long enough to witness Victoria's downfall!

Evelyn didn't make it out of Willowbrook. Alexander would drag her back to Blackwood Estate eventually.

Strangely enough, Old Master Blackwood took an instant liking to Evelyn. He patted her shoulder with unexpected warmth. "You remind me of someone, child. Perhaps we were family in another life?"

Oddly enough, Evelyn felt the same inexplicable connection the moment their eyes met.

Every visit to Blackwood Estate was torture. While she played the perfect companion for Alexander, everyone else treated her like unwanted trash - especially Victoria.

She'd clawed her way this far, only to be blocked by the old man's affection. Becoming Mrs. Blackwood now seemed impossible.

On Monday afternoon while job hunting, Evelyn's phone buzzed with Alexander's call. He demanded her presence at the estate that evening.

Before she could refuse, he cut in. "I'm swamped today. Get yourself there. And don't forget Grandpa's favorite pastries from Maplewood Avenue."

Through her visits, Evelyn had learned about the old man's weakness for those particular muffins. Alexander never passed the shop without buying some.

Grabbing her purse, Evelyn took the subway to Maplewood Avenue.

As she exited the bakery, a small figure caught her eye. Ethan Blackwood - Victoria and Alexander's son.

Evelyn scanned the area but saw no sign of Victoria. The toddler kept turning in circles, clearly searching for someone.

'Lost?' she wondered. Passersby were starting to notice the lone child. Some approached him curiously.

At barely two years old, how could Ethan explain his situation?

When a shady-looking man moved toward the boy, Evelyn sprinted forward. "Ethan!" she called.

The child turned. Having met Evelyn several times, he recognized her instantly. "Evie!" he chirped.

The stranger scowled and walked away.

"Where's your mommy, sweetheart?" Evelyn crouched to his level.

"Mommy..." Ethan's big eyes welled with tears.

The word pierced Evelyn's heart.

She'd been a mother once. That chance was stolen from her forever.

After fifteen minutes with no sign of Victoria, Evelyn tried calling Alexander. No answer. Remembering his earlier claim about being busy, she gave up.

Since she was heading to Blackwood Estate anyway, she might as well bring Ethan along. A taxi pulled up just then.

As the cab drove off, Evelyn studied the child beside her, lost in thought.

This was Victoria's flesh and blood. Why couldn't she abandon him like Victoria had abandoned her daughter? Why couldn't she let some stranger take him?

But she couldn't. Not only that - she found the boy endearing.

Exhaustion overtook her. Evelyn closed her eyes briefly...

She awoke to violent shaking. Victoria's manic face filled her vision, streaked with tears. "Evelyn! Where's my baby? Give me back my son! Please!"