Chapter 70

The room fell into stunned silence. No one had anticipated Old Master Blackwood's question—least of all Evelyn.

Her pulse, which had just steadied, spiked again. She had no idea how to respond.

Henry Blackwood observed the flush creeping up Evelyn's cheeks and understood.

A knowing smile curved his lips before he turned his sharp gaze toward Alexander. Then, with deliberate gravity, he fixed his attention on Victoria and Margaret Blackwood, both wearing expressions of pure discomfort.

"Not a single soul will break this marriage while I still draw breath," the old man declared, his voice ringing with authority.

Evelyn caught sight of Victoria's face—dark as storm clouds, twisted with barely contained fury. She could practically hear the venomous curses swirling in the other woman's mind.

"Miss Lancaster."

The old master addressed Victoria formally, acknowledging her status as the Montgomery heiress.

Victoria forced a brittle smile. "Yes, Mr. Blackwood?"

"I refuse to believe my granddaughter-in-law kidnapped your son. If you insist on pressing charges, you may direct your complaints to my legal team."

Victoria's smile froze.

She hadn’t expected the old man to defend Evelyn so fiercely!

This was outrageous!

He kept calling Evelyn his granddaughter-in-law, each word driving a dagger of jealousy deeper into Victoria’s chest. Her face contorted with barely suppressed rage.

Margaret Blackwood gaped. "Father, have you lost your senses? Evelyn has committed unforgivable acts—how could you—"

"I may be old, but I am not a fool!" Henry Blackwood snapped, his voice cutting like steel. Margaret immediately fell silent. Victoria, though seething, didn’t dare utter another word.

"Enough. Alexander, take your wife home."

The command was clear. To Evelyn’s surprise, Alexander moved beside her without protest, his fingers closing around hers in a deceptively tender grip. "Let’s go."

The moment their hands touched, Evelyn’s heart stuttered.

His skin was cool, but the contact burned like a brand against her palm, sending an uncomfortable heat through her.

Noticing Victoria’s glare, Evelyn tilted her head up and flashed Alexander a sweet, obedient smile. "Of course."

After bidding farewell to the old master, Evelyn followed Alexander in silence.

As they walked toward the car, she could feel the weight of Victoria’s furious stare boring into her back. A glance over her shoulder confirmed it—Victoria looked ready to explode.

Evelyn suppressed a smirk.

Then, without warning, Alexander wrenched his hand away.

He slammed his foot on the accelerator, his voice icy. "Evelyn, I underestimated you. What kind of poison did you feed my grandfather to make him defend you like that?"

Evelyn studied his profile—still breathtakingly handsome, but devoid of any warmth.

Outside, rain began to fall again.

She tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear and smiled sweetly.

"Darling, what a ridiculous thing to say. If I had that kind of poison, I’d have used it on you first."

Alexander slammed on the brakes.