Chapter 327

Victoria's smile froze at Evelyn's words. Her face went completely rigid.

What?

Had she heard correctly? What was Vivian saying?

She had only been putting on an act—playing the loving, righteous role in front of Alexander and Old Master Blackwood. She never intended to actually take the blame for Margaret!

This was just a performance!

Margaret and Eleanor were equally stunned. They hadn't expected Vivian to be this ruthless.

Seeing Victoria's shocked expression, Evelyn turned to Alexander with a leisurely smile. "Alexander, in that case, you can accompany me to the police station now."

Alexander glanced at Victoria, still kneeling on the floor, his expression complicated. Then he nodded. "Alright. I'll go with you."

Evelyn's smile widened as she slipped her hand into the crook of his arm. Her arrogant, beautiful gaze swept over Victoria, still kneeling at her feet.

"Kidnapping for ransom, attempted murder… Those charges should land someone in prison for years, don’t you think? Miss Lancaster, you’ve never been to jail before, have you? Well, now’s your chance to experience the darkness inside. I’ve heard newcomers often get… special treatment. How terrifying."

Victoria paled.

Alexander immediately thought of Evelyn.

She had endured endless suffering in that cold, dark place.

The scars on her body still haunted him—vivid, painful reminders of what she had survived.

"Vivian Prescott."

Before Evelyn and Alexander could take more than a few steps, Eleanor’s voice rang out behind them.

Evelyn slowed, her heart clenching involuntarily.

Eleanor approached, her usually graceful face twisted with resentment.

Evelyn met her gaze calmly. "Yes, Mrs. Kingsley?"

"I’m begging you." Eleanor’s voice was soft but laced with bitter reluctance. "Miss Prescott, the Kingsleys will compensate you for everything. Just… drop this matter."

Evelyn laughed. "Are you begging me too, Mrs. Kingsley? Is she worth it?"

"She’s my only daughter. Of course she’s worth it!"

Only.

Precious daughter.

Evelyn stared into those eyes—so familiar, so much like her own.

So this is what I look like when I’m desperate.

Yet the woman before her didn’t seem to notice the resemblance at all.

When Evelyn remained silent, Eleanor seemed to reach a decision. "If an apology isn’t enough… then I’ll kneel too. Just leave my daughter alone."

She started to lower herself.

Evelyn’s expression darkened. "It won’t change anything." Her cold gaze shifted to Margaret. "She should be the one kneeling."

Margaret stiffened, then caught Victoria’s pointed look. Swallowing her pride, she rushed forward and dropped to her knees. "Miss Prescott, it was my fault! All of it! Please, forgive me! I swear I’ll never do it again!"

Her performance was exaggerated, her apology anything but sincere.

"Enough." Evelyn’s voice was icy. "I don’t want to look at any of you right now."

Margaret scrambled up, pulling Victoria with her. "Victoria, Mrs. Kingsley—let’s go."

Victoria resisted. "Alexander, can we talk?"

Alexander’s response was indifferent. "Go ahead."

"Alone?"