Chapter 69

Victoria stopped her pitiful act and turned to face Henry Blackwood with an uncomfortable expression.

The elderly patriarch's face was stern, his presence commanding. "You inserted yourself into another woman's marriage and had the audacity to bear an illegitimate child. Instead of feeling shame, you wear your disgrace like a badge of honor. The Blackwoods don't welcome daughters-in-law who lack self-respect."

Victoria's carefully constructed mask nearly shattered at his words. Her lips twitched violently.

Clearly, she hadn't anticipated how lowly the old master regarded her character.

No wonder he'd always disapproved of her.

Evelyn observed Victoria's clenched fists. The woman was struggling to maintain her sweet facade, yet stubbornly refused to drop the act.

"Father, you can't say that!" Margaret Blackwood interjected sharply. "Evelyn was the real homewrecker here! If she hadn't schemed against Alexander all those years ago, he and Victoria would be happily married by now! And let's not forget she kidnapped Ethan! How can you overlook that?"

"I never took Ethan. And I wasn't behind what happened three years ago either. I was the victim in all of this," Evelyn countered calmly.

Margaret's face flushed with anger. "That Dominic Fletcher already confessed everything about Ethan's kidnapping! How dare you still deny it? You've been obsessed with Alexander for years and couldn't have him, so you set him up!"

"If I didn't orchestrate anything, then why did he sleep with me? The reporters even caught us together. You planned everything, Evelyn! You're the most despicable, low-class woman I've ever met!"

"Dominic was paid to say those things. I don't even know him." Evelyn's gaze flickered briefly to Victoria before settling on Alexander. "Yes, I've loved Alexander for a long time. But I would never resort to such underhanded tactics to get a man."

Her eyes met Alexander's with quiet dignity before she offered a bitter smile.

"But I see everything clearly now."

Evelyn's words carried profound weight. Alexander's brow furrowed as he studied her carefully constructed smile, his expression inscrutable.

"Grandfather, thank you for your trust and support. But I'm clearly not meant to be a Blackwood. I've made my decision - I want a divorce."

Her declaration sent shockwaves through the room.

Victoria nearly vibrated with excitement. Finally, she would become Alexander's lawful wife!

Evelyn noted Victoria's barely concealed delight. But when she glanced at Alexander, she found him staring at her with such intensity it made her pulse race. His dark eyes burned with something dangerous and unreadable.

She quickly averted her gaze.

"Father, since she's brought up divorce, you should agree to it," Margaret urged eagerly. Victoria watched the exchange with barely restrained hope.

Henry Blackwood ignored them both, extending his hand toward Evelyn. "Come here, child."

Victoria and Margaret's faces fell.

After a brief hesitation, Evelyn approached the kind-faced patriarch.

Henry studied Evelyn with gentle eyes. "I'll ask you two questions," he said softly. "Do you truly wish to divorce Alexander and cease being part of our family?"

Evelyn's gaze flickered to Alexander's stormy expression before she nodded. "I'm not worthy of the distinguished Mr. Blackwood."

As she spoke, an icy chill seemed to emanate from Alexander's direction.

Henry nodded thoughtfully, his eyes twinkling as he glanced at his grandson. "Then tell me - did this 'distinguished Mr. Blackwood' continue sharing your bed after being forced into marriage?"