Chapter 819

Elian Cross paused in his steps.

He turned to look at Alistair Montgomery.

A strange feeling inexplicably rose in his heart.

"That woman..." Elian spoke carefully, "Do you still remember what she looked like?"

Alistair raised an eyebrow. "Of course I remember."

Elian breathed a sigh of relief.

If he remembered her appearance, then it couldn't possibly be Evelyn Ross.

Anyone who had seen Evelyn's face would never forget it.

He smiled politely. "Then I won't disturb you any further."

As he turned to leave, Elian didn't notice the profound meaning flashing in Alistair's eyes.

After he had walked away, the guard spoke in a low voice. "Your Majesty, that lady was wearing a mask back then..."

Alistair raised a hand to stop him.

"A mask can hide a face," he said slowly, "but it cannot hide the eyes."

Those eyes.

Gentle as water, yet firm as iron.

Alistair closed his eyes, memories flooding back like a tide.

Five years ago.

Twenty-five-year-old Alistair set foot on Chinese soil for the first time.

He was already engaged then, but had postponed the wedding using his youth as an excuse.

That night at the bar, he had carelessly fallen into a trap.

His guard hurried off to find an antidote, while he stumbled into a private room.

The scent of rose dew greeted him.

A woman wearing a silver mask stood at the boundary between light and shadow.

"Do you need help?" Her voice was very soft.

Alistair looked up.

With just one glance, he fell into those eyes.

Gentle enough to melt ice and snow.

Firm enough to split stubborn rock.

"Are you sure?" he asked hoarsely.

"I am sure."

The woman hooked his tie, leading him deeper into the room.

"I need a child," she whispered in his ear, "and you need one too."

Alistair scoffed at the time. "I'm only twenty-five."

"You will need one."

The woman pushed him onto the bed, leaning close.

In the heat of passion, he reached out to remove her mask.

His fingertips were gently pressed down.

"Alistair," she chuckled softly, "if you can recognize me by these eyes, then it is fate."

"If you cannot..."

"Then don't come looking for me."

Those words were like a curse, branded into his heart.

Five years.

He had countless beauties in his harem, but never again had he seen such a gaze.

Gentle yet resolute.

Alluring yet unaware.

Now, the voices within the country urging him to establish an heir were growing louder.

Only then did he suddenly remember her words—

"You need a child."

She had spoken a prophecy.

"Your Majesty," the guard's voice pulled him back to reality, "are there really women in China who practice magic?"

Alistair shook his head. "I don't know."

But he believed in fate.

This trip to China was ostensibly to seek medical treatment, but in reality, it was to find someone.

He believed that if he saw those eyes again, he would definitely recognize them.

"Daddy!"

A clear, childish voice rang out.

Chloe Davis ran over and took his hand. "Why are you unhappy?"

Alistair crouched down. "I'm looking for someone."

"Who?"

"A very important person."

Chloe blinked, then suddenly pointed not far away. "Is it Mommy?"

Alistair followed her pointing finger.

Evelyn Ross was talking to someone else.

Her profile was cold, her gaze arrogant.

"It's not her," Alistair shook his head.

"But that is Mommy," Chloe tilted her head.

Alistair patiently explained. "The person I'm looking for has very special eyes."

Chloe thought for a moment, then her eyes lit up.

"Mommy's eyes before were different from now!"

Alistair was startled.

"How were they different?"

"It's just... just..." Chloe struggled to find the words, "Mommy before was gentler, Mommy now..."

She couldn't explain clearly, so she simply took Alistair's hand.

"Daddy, I'll show you a photo!"

She pulled Alistair upstairs.

Her small figure was full of energy.

Alistair let her lead him, but ripples stirred in his heart.

The Evelyn Ross from before...

Could it be her?