Chapter 19

Alexander arrived eventually, though not because Evelyn had requested his presence.

His purpose was far more sinister - to unleash his fury upon her.

The interrogation room's dim lighting barely illuminated the space, yet it revealed every trace of malice twisting Alexander's handsome features.

"I didn't push Victoria," Evelyn insisted, her voice steady despite her trembling hands. "She staged that fall. Alexander, you must believe me!"

His response came swift as a viper's strike. Ice-cold fingers closed around her nape, yanking her forward until their faces nearly touched.

Those fathomless dark eyes burned with contempt. "Eyewitnesses. Video evidence. And still you dare lie to my face?"

"It's the truth! Victoria set me up! I never touched her!" Evelyn's composure shattered, desperation leaking into every word.

Alexander's grip tightened painfully. "You expect me to believe Victoria would risk her unborn child to frame you? Pathetic."

"The baby isn't even—"

"Enough!"

The roar cut through Evelyn's explanation like a blade. Alexander shoved her away violently.

Handcuffed wrists prevented Evelyn from breaking her fall. She crashed onto the concrete, white-hot pain exploding through her abdomen. Gritting her teeth, she lifted her sweat-drenched face.

"Alexander, I'm telling the truth!"

He loomed over her, a dark silhouette against the flickering fluorescent lights. "Save your lies for the courtroom. If anything happens to Victoria or that child, I'll make sure you rot in prison forever."

His polished leather shoes turned away without hesitation.

"Alexander!" Evelyn crawled after him, her plea raw with pain. "My stomach... I need help!"

The slamming iron door answered her.

That night, the cramps worsened. When Evelyn told the guards about her pregnancy, they exchanged knowing smirks. Later, cellmates descended upon her like vultures.

Evelyn curled into a protective ball as blows rained down.

The ringleader fisted Evelyn's matted hair, yanking her head back. "Mr. Blackwood sends his regards," she sneered. "Nobody messes with his woman."

Evelyn's blood turned to ice. This was Alexander's idea of "special treatment."

Morning brought no reprieve. The officer rolled his eyes at Evelyn's bruises. "Delusional much? Nothing happened here."

In that moment, Evelyn understood - in Willowbrook, Alexander's word was law.

Tears blurred her vision as memories surfaced. 'You promised to always protect me, Alexander.'

Miraculously, release came two days later. The plaintiff had mysteriously dropped charges, though reserved the right to reopen the case.

Outside, drizzle painted the world gray.

Evelyn limped forward, only to freeze at the familiar silver Bentley.

Nathaniel emerged, umbrella in hand. "I came for you."

Evelyn shrank back. Two days in filth had left her unfit for his pristine leather seats.

"Get in," Nathaniel insisted, holding the door. "Let me take you home."

The rain intensified during the drive to Maplewood Avenue. As Evelyn moved to exit, Nathaniel's quiet question stopped her: "Does he hurt you?"

Evelyn turned her face away. "Alexander treats me wonderfully. Thank you, Nate."

She fled into the downpour, rain mingling with tears on her cheeks. The mansion door swung open before she reached it.

Alexander stood framed in the doorway, his expression unreadable.