Chapter 382

Evelyn rose from the bed and freshened up. Just as she was about to search for Alexander, faint sounds from the balcony caught her attention.

She turned to see the solitary figure standing there. Alexander's tall frame appeared unexpectedly fragile against the morning light. A cigarette dangled between his elegant fingers, its ember pulsing like a dying star.

Hearing her approach, he spun around. His lips curved into a tired smile. "You should be resting."

"I've had enough sleep," Evelyn replied softly. Noticing his unchanged clothes, she frowned. "You didn't sleep at all last night, did you?"

A shadow crossed his face as his dark eyes studied her features. "Sleep has been elusive these past three years."

Evelyn's breath hitched at his confession.

Alexander stubbed out his cigarette and closed the distance between them. The scent of tobacco clung to him like a second skin.

"Vivian," he murmured, "do you think apologies can truly undo past mistakes?"

The question made Evelyn recall last night's events. That nurse had clearly stirred painful memories. Perhaps he was finally seeing the truth about the woman he'd once condemned.

Evelyn reached up to cradle his face. "Alexander, what's troubling you?"

His cold fingers closed around hers. "Promise you won't leave me."

"Why would I?" She gave him a reassuring smile before withdrawing her hand. "You should rest. We have Victoria's hearing today."

The moment their contact broke, Alexander's expression darkened.

The courtroom buzzed with anticipation as the hearing commenced at ten sharp.

Victoria was led in wearing standard prison garb. Despite attempts at grooming, her haggard appearance bore little resemblance to the polished socialite she'd once been.

Spotting William in the gallery, Victoria's eyes immediately welled with tears. Her gaze darted about, searching for Eleanor's absent figure. When she found Alexander watching her, her sobs intensified.

Eleanor's hired attorney was proving formidable. The tide seemed to be turning in Victoria's favor when she seized her moment.

"Your Honor!" Victoria cried dramatically. "I've been framed!"

Her eyes locked onto Alexander. "See? I'm innocent! I would never—"

"Conscience?" A cold voice cut through the courtroom. "You lost that long ago."

All heads turned as Evelyn entered with commanding presence. Dressed in a tailored suit, her elegance overshadowed Victoria's disheveled state.

Victoria's nails dug into her palms as she glared at her rival.

Evelyn approached the stand with measured steps. "Your Honor, I'm Vivian Prescott, the victim in this case. I possess irrefutable evidence proving Victoria Lancaster's crimes against me and Ethan Blackwood."