Chapter 86

Evelyn wasn't prepared for this. Her hands trembled as she reached for tissues to wipe away the crimson stains.

Panic clawed at her throat. She didn't understand why she was vomiting blood, but she couldn't let Alexander see this.

"Evelyn! I don't care if you refuse to eat, but how dare you ruin my meal!"

Mrs. Blackwood hadn't noticed the blood mixed with the curry Evelyn had expelled. Her finger jabbed the air accusingly.

"Warn me next time before you come! I can't stand the sight of you!"

"Please calm down, Mrs. Blackwood." Victoria rushed to comfort her, but not before flashing Evelyn a triumphant smirk.

She'd seen the blood clearly.

Victoria knew Evelyn couldn't undergo tumor surgery anymore. Trigger foods like this would only accelerate her demise.

If Evelyn died, the path to becoming Alexander's lawful wife would finally open.

"Are you trying to disgust me on purpose?" Alexander's roar shook the dining room.

Evelyn clutched her burning stomach, keeping her mouth shut. The metallic taste lingered, threatening another wave.

"Alexander, don't be angry. Evelyn didn't mean to." Sebastian's calm voice held genuine concern. "Are you alright?"

Tears pricked Evelyn's eyes. After everything, the only person who cared was someone she'd met mere days ago.

She swallowed hard and shook her head.

"I'm fine—" The words came out strained.

This only enraged Alexander further. "You play dead when I speak to you, but answer him so eagerly? Evelyn, you're unbelievable!"

He yanked her up violently just as the old master's voice echoed from above.

"What's all this commotion?"

Henry Blackwood squinted sleepily, having just woken from his nap.

"Finished eating? Then go home." His knowing smile landed on Alexander holding Evelyn. "Go make me a great-grandson. I'm waiting for my little Evelyn to give me a chubby heir."

A chubby heir.

Tears spilled onto Alexander's hand.

Alexander suppressed his fury, pulling Evelyn close. "Don't worry, Grandfather. We'll start working on that heir immediately."

His tone was firm, but Evelyn felt the rage vibrating through him.

As they passed Sebastian, Alexander shot him a murderous glare.

The car ride home was silent. The moment they arrived, Evelyn bolted to the bathroom, retching violently.

The blood in the sink turned her ghostly pale. She gripped the marble counter for support.

Was the tumor progressing?

Was this the end?

Her reflection stared back - a hollow-eyed specter.

Alexander's approaching footsteps sent her scrambling to wash away the evidence. She gargled frantically.

No sooner had she finished than Alexander dragged her away.

"Why must you be so revolting, Evelyn? Hmm? Disgusting me isn't enough - you had to do it in front of my family too!"

She collapsed against his chest, head spinning. The fire in her stomach raged on.

She wanted to flee, but Alexander hauled her to the bathtub like a ragdoll. The icy blast from the showerhead hit without warning.

Winter air seeped through the unheated mansion as freezing water pounded her skin.