Chapter 18

Evelyn had believed her comeback was flawless. Yet Victoria's words struck like a poisoned arrow, leaving her defenses shattered.

Alexander was here with Victoria for her prenatal appointment.

This sacred ritual belonged to husbands and wives. Yet Alexander had prioritized another woman.

Victoria strutted forward with feline grace. "Evelyn darling, why so pale? Heart aching?" Her voice dripped with false concern.

Evelyn's nails bit into her palms, but she maintained her regal posture. "Only disgusted by your shamelessness."

Her icy gaze traced Victoria's contorted features.

"Truly remarkable how you flaunt your mistress status like a badge of honor. Even vermin have more dignity."

Victoria's painted lips twisted. Then, with calculated timing, her expression melted into theatrical distress.

"Evelyn please!" She grabbed Evelyn's wrist with surprising strength. "I love Alexander! Don't take him from me!"

The performance escalated rapidly.

"Hit me if you must! But spare my baby!" Victoria's scream echoed through the corridor as she dramatically released Evelyn's hand and tumbled down the marble staircase.

Gasps erupted. Dozens of accusing eyes burned into Evelyn.

"That woman pushed a pregnant lady!" someone shrieked.

Evelyn's protests drowned in the growing outrage. As she moved to check on Victoria, a brutal shove sent her crashing against the wrought-iron railing.

Agony exploded through her abdomen. Through tear-blurred vision, she watched Alexander sprint past without glancing her way, gathering his unconscious mistress with tender care.

The betrayal carved deeper than any physical wound.

'Alexander, how could you?'

'If loving you was my crime, then I deserve this punishment.'

Evelyn expected harsh words, perhaps another public humiliation. Not the cold click of handcuffs around her wrists.

"Evelyn Sinclair," the officer intoned. "You're under arrest for assault based on eyewitness testimony and video evidence."

The interrogation room smelled of stale coffee and despair. Security footage showed their confrontation - Victoria's pleading demeanor contrasting with Evelyn's stony expression. Then the damning moment when Victoria fell.

Two pregnant witnesses corroborated the story with rehearsed precision.

The trap had sprung perfectly.

As the cell door clanged shut, panic clawed at Evelyn's throat. The flickering fluorescent light revealed peeling paint and rusted bars.

A conviction meant prison. Meant her unborn child suffering for crimes they didn't commit.

She lunged for the bars, voice raw. "I was framed! Let me see my husband! Please, I need to speak with Alexander!"

The echoes of her pleas faded into institutional indifference. Somewhere beyond these walls, Victoria was being cradled in Alexander's arms while Evelyn's world crumbled.