Chapter 383

Evelyn's heart skipped a beat when Victoria claimed to possess additional evidence.

"Your Honor, don't believe her lies!" Victoria's shrill voice cut through the courtroom. "She's setting me up! I'm completely innocent!"

Her manicured finger trembled as she pointed accusingly at Evelyn. The desperation in her eyes was palpable.

"Defendant Lancaster, control yourself." The judge's gavel struck with finality. "Another outburst and I'll hold you in contempt."

Victoria's mouth snapped shut like a trapdoor. But her restless fingers betrayed her nerves. What damning proof did Evelyn have now?

The courtroom doors creaked open. Two officers escorted Richard Montgomery and Margaret Dawson inside.

Victoria's blood ran cold. Her parents wouldn't... they couldn't...

"Your Honor," Margaret began, avoiding her daughter's gaze. "Our adopted daughter Victoria did conspire to commit these crimes. We discussed the plans in our home."

Richard's testimony followed like a hammer blow. "We tried to stop her, but she wouldn't listen. She claimed Vivian Prescott stole her man and needed to be taught a lesson. Victoria hired thugs to kidnap the child, then decided to eliminate Vivian in a fit of rage."

Victoria's world tilted. "You're lying!" she screamed, nails digging into the wooden railing. "How could you betray me like this?"

Her parents remained stone-faced. "The truth must come out, Victoria," Richard said quietly. "An innocent woman shouldn't suffer for your crimes."

The gavel fell again. "Twelve years imprisonment."

Victoria collapsed against the defense table. "This is a miscarriage of justice! I'll appeal! I swear I'll—"

The marshals were already leading her away. Twelve years? Her mind reeled. By then, Evelyn would have consolidated everything—Alexander, Blackwood Enterprises, society's respect.

Evelyn watched the scene unfold with cold satisfaction.

Twelve years is just the beginning, Victoria. You'll pay for Grandpa Henry and little Amelia too.

As the courtroom emptied, only Alexander remained seated, his broad shoulders hunched in thought.

Evelyn approached. "Regretting your ex-fiancée's fate? Think I was too harsh?"

"She earned every minute of that sentence," Alexander murmured.

"Then why the long face?"

A bitter smile twisted his lips. "If she's guilty, then I'm equally culpable."

Evelyn studied his profile. "Because you failed to control Victoria properly? Let her spiral to this point?"

Alexander finally met her gaze, his stormy eyes filled with unspoken remorse. "I neglected someone, yes. But it wasn't Victoria." He stood abruptly, grasping her hand. "Let's go."

Evelyn puzzled over his cryptic words as they exited. That mysterious woman in the grave again. Who was she really?

Meanwhile, William Montgomery slipped from the courthouse unnoticed, heading straight for the hospital. His footsteps echoed with purpose down the sterile corridors.