Chapter 388

Alexander's face drained of color when he realized Evelyn had been staying at Ethan's place these past few days.

His gaze turned icy.

"Has she returned to Hawthorne Estate recently?"

Simon replied, "The day you left for your business trip to Cresthaven, Mrs. Whitmore came back for dinner. She hasn't been back since."

Thirty minutes later, a sleek black car pulled up outside the grand gates of Hawthorne Estate.

Alexander stepped out, his polished shoes crunching on the gravel path. In the garden, Oliver lounged on a wicker rocking chair, soaking up the afternoon sun.

Spotting Alexander's arrival, Oliver sprang to his feet. "Alex? What brings you here?"

Simon stepped forward with an armful of elegantly wrapped packages. "Mr. Whitmore was occupied with his trip to Cresthaven and couldn't visit earlier. He's free today and brought these gifts from his travels."

Oliver eagerly took the boxes from Simon's arms. "You didn't have to! Mom! Alex is here!"

He ushered them inside with enthusiastic gestures.

Upstairs, Margaret descended the staircase just in time to see—

"Alexander, where's Evelyn? Why isn't she with you?"

Margaret frowned, glancing behind him as if expecting her daughter to appear. The absence felt unsettling.

"I invited her for dinner last night, but she declined," Alexander admitted, his jaw tightening. "I assumed she'd come with me today."

Oliver huffed, crossing his arms. "Mom, I texted her saying I’m leaving for college soon and might not see her for months. She barely replied—just one word!"

Alexander’s instincts flared.

Even if Evelyn wanted distance from him, she wouldn’t shut out her family like this.

Oliver and Evelyn had always been close. For her to ignore him… something was wrong.

"Oliver, let me borrow your phone," Alexander said abruptly.

Without hesitation, Oliver tossed it to him. Alexander had gifted him a rare sports car last month—of course he’d hand it over without question.

Alexander dialed Evelyn’s number.

The line rang once.

Then silence.

His grip tightened.

She’d hung up.

Alexander's phone buzzed instantly with a reply: [What?]

Seeing the message, he didn't respond. Instead, he called again.

This time, Evelyn answered with a text: [I’m sick. My voice is gone. If you need something, text me.]

Alexander smirked and typed in Oliver’s tone: [Evelyn, you promised me a set of limited-edition figurines before I left for college. Don’t tell me you forgot?]

The reply didn’t come as quickly this time.

Five minutes ticked by. Silence.

Alexander called again.

Finally, Evelyn responded slowly: [Fine. I’ll have someone deliver them to the house later.]

Oliver had been watching Alexander’s every move with wide eyes. The moment figurines were mentioned, he perked up. "Alex, how did you know I collect those?"

Alexander gave him a knowing once-over, his gaze sharp enough to peel back layers. As if I wouldn’t notice.

With a satisfied smirk, he handed the phone back to Oliver.

The test was complete.

And the truth had revealed itself.

The messages sent from her phone weren't hers.

A cold smirk curled on Alexander's lips. The realization struck him like lightning—he had never considered this possibility before.

Ethan Caldwell must have Evelyn under his complete control.

Otherwise, he wouldn’t have restricted her access to her own device.