Chapter 518

Alexander's gaze was icy and detached. "It's exactly what it looks like. We won't be staying at Whitmore Manor anymore."

Harold's expression darkened. "Have you forgotten our family traditions? She's pregnant—how could you possibly—"

"If we're unhappy there, staying is pointless."

Alexander wrapped a protective arm around Evelyn's shoulders.

"Your precious grandson has been harassing my wife, and you turn a blind eye. We're simply choosing not to live at Whitmore Manor anymore. Which situation is more outrageous?" Harold was left speechless.

Without another glance, Alexander grabbed their suitcase with one hand and took Evelyn's hand with the other, heading for the door.

Harold suddenly called out, "Let her stay. I need to speak with her."

"There's nothing to discuss. If you have something to say, say it to me. Ethan's the one harassing her. She has nothing to do with this." Alexander's tone was firm, shielding Evelyn from any potential confrontation.

"Alexander! Watch your tone!" Harold's voice was sharp, but Alexander didn't flinch.

Evelyn froze. The rumors circulating in Cresthaven had clearly reached Harold's ears.

What was Ethan trying to accomplish?

Alexander's expression darkened. "I never want to hear that question again. If Ethan keeps spreading lies, I'll deal with him myself. I don't care who's protecting him."

Without warning, Alexander grabbed the antique vase Harold had just polished and hurled it to the floor.

The vase shattered instantly, fragments scattering across the marble.

Harold's face twisted in horror. "Alexander! That was your mother's—how could you—"

"Why not?" Alexander sneered, utterly indifferent. "You abandoned her son for over a decade without a second thought. Funny how a vase suddenly means more to you than a person."

Harold recoiled as if struck, his lips trembling.

Alexander didn't wait for a response. He took Evelyn's hand and walked out.

Something nagged at Evelyn.

"Harold seemed genuinely upset about Alexander's mother," she thought, puzzled.

"But if he cared, why abandon Alexander for so long? Why leave him with strangers and never look back?"

In the car, Evelyn kept glancing at Alexander, struggling with unspoken questions.

She hesitated, unsure if she should ask.

Alexander sensed her turmoil.

"It's not some grand secret," he said quietly. "People say my mother died giving birth to me, and my father resented me for it, so he sent me away. But that's not the truth."

Evelyn bit her lip. "Then what is?"

"The truth is, my mother ran off with another man, convinced she'd found true love. She dumped me at Whitmore Manor like unwanted baggage. They crashed their car not long after. She's been missing ever since—probably dead by now."

Evelyn's breath caught.

She had no idea.

Alexander's mother had abandoned him—for another man.