Chapter 8

The performance had been flawless. Evelyn couldn't find a single misstep in the act she had orchestrated.

Yet, she hadn’t anticipated Victoria being pregnant too.

But was the child really Alexander’s?

Evelyn remembered that night three months ago—when Victoria had stumbled into the wrong room, intending to ruin her, only to end up with some nameless stranger. If she was truly pregnant, the father remained questionable.

Still, Evelyn couldn’t ignore the fact that Alexander had spent countless nights with her.

The thought sent a sharp pang through her chest.

But nothing compared to the agony of watching Alexander cradle Victoria with such tenderness, his expression softening in a way Evelyn had never seen directed at her.

Victoria buried her face in her hands, her sobs pitiful and dramatic.

"Alexander, don’t blame Evelyn," she whimpered. "It’s my fault. I shouldn’t have fallen for you. But please… talk to her. I don’t want her to hurt our baby..."

At the mention of the child, Evelyn saw the shift in Alexander’s eyes—cold, calculating, then blazing with fury.

His gaze locked onto her like an arctic blade.

"Evelyn."

His voice was a whip crack, laced with venom.

She had never heard her name spoken gently from his lips. Only hatred. Only rage.

"She provoked me," Evelyn said, fighting to keep her voice steady. "Alexander, don’t be fooled. She’s not what she seems—"

"Enough." His tone was lethal. "Did you strike her?"

Evelyn pressed her lips together. "Yes."

She admitted it without hesitation, watching as Victoria smirked behind Alexander’s back, triumphant.

Alexander’s eyes burned with something dangerous.

The slap came without warning.

Evelyn’s head snapped to the side, the sting radiating across her cheek. The metallic tang of blood bloomed on her tongue.

Tears welled, spilling over before she could stop them.

He had never hit her before.

He had ignored her. Despised her. But never laid a hand on her.

"Apologize to Victoria. Now."

His voice was ice, his expression unreadable.

Victoria stepped forward, feigning distress.

"Alexander, it’s fine. Evelyn and I are sisters. She doesn’t need to apologize. This is my fault. You’re married to her. I shouldn’t have gotten involved, but I just… couldn’t stay away from you..."

"Stop lying, Victoria!" Evelyn snapped, her voice raw. "This was your plan all along!"

Victoria’s face crumpled. "Evelyn, how could you say that? What’s happened to you?"

"You happened!" Evelyn shot back. "You manipulative snake!"

"Evelyn!"

Alexander’s grip was iron as he yanked her from the bed, forcing her toward Victoria.

"Apologize."

His command left no room for defiance.