Chapter 92

Evelyn felt her pounding heart suddenly still, the fiery heat draining from her body as ice replaced the blood in her veins.

How laughable.

To imagine for even a second that Alexander had been jealous. What utter nonsense.

This was simply the behavior of a possessive alpha male marking his territory.

She was nothing more than a pawn in his twisted game.

A bitter smile curved Evelyn's lips as she sensed Alexander approaching from behind. "I'll entrust my wife to your care, Uncle Sebastian. Thank you in advance for looking after her," he said smoothly.

Sebastian gave a polite nod. "Naturally."

Though Evelyn hadn't purchased another scarf, she did acquire bandages to conceal the angry red mark Alexander had left on her skin.

Settling at her desk, she attempted to focus on work. Soon her phone buzzed relentlessly with venomous texts from unknown numbers, all condemning her for seducing Alexander.

Only one person would orchestrate such harassment - Victoria.

This reaction confirmed Victoria must have witnessed Alexander pinning her against the wall earlier.

Evelyn silenced her phone and returned to her tasks.

Later, Blackwood Estate servants summoned her for dinner.

She'd planned to visit Grandfather Blackwood anyway, given his recent declining health.

After clocking out, Evelyn stopped to buy the old man's favorite pastries before boarding the bus to Blackwood Estate.

The grand doors swung open to reveal Victoria lounging on the sofa, lazily eating fruit. Beside her, little Ethan slept soundly against a velvet bolster.

The sight of the child sent an uncontrollable pang through Evelyn's heart.

The pain always came first, followed by memories of that terrible night when her labor was induced, and the baby she never held.

"Hello." Victoria showed no surprise at Evelyn's arrival.

Ignoring her, Evelyn moved further into the mansion. As she approached the staircase to find Grandfather Blackwood, Victoria's venomous voice stopped her. "The old bastard isn't here."

Evelyn whirled around at the disrespectful words.

"That's still Alexander's grandfather, Victoria! How dare you speak of him that way? What if the Blackwoods hear you?"

Victoria snorted derisively. "What's wrong with calling a bastard a bastard? Does it upset you, Evelyn?"

"Victoria—"

"I would've been Mrs. Blackwood years ago if not for that meddling old fool. Though I suppose it's working out now that his weak heart landed him in the hospital."

"Grandfather had a heart attack? He's hospitalized?" Dread pooled in Evelyn's stomach. "Which hospital is he at, Victoria?"

"Pfft." Victoria's cold laugh sent chills down Evelyn's spine. "Who are you to demand that information? What makes you think you deserve to know?"

Tossing aside her fruit knife, Victoria advanced like a predator cornering prey.

"Look at you, Evelyn - pathetic and reeking of poverty. How dare you steal my man? Did you actually think Alexander's little display today meant anything? You're just a temporary distraction to him!"