Chapter 39

The gender-neutral baby clothes in Evelyn's hands would suit her unborn child perfectly, regardless of whether it was a boy or girl.

She was just about to make the purchase when she turned and locked eyes with Victoria across the boutique.

Standing alone by the cashier, Victoria wore that familiar venomous smirk. Evelyn attempted to walk past her, but Victoria blocked her path.

"Evie darling, shopping while the police hunt for you?" Victoria's sickly sweet voice dripped with mock concern. "That plagiarism lawsuit from Minora must be weighing heavily. Intellectual property theft carries such serious penalties these days."

Evelyn's brow furrowed in confusion. Minora was the company that had commissioned her original ring designs. There was no possible way this could be plagiarism.

"Stop spreading lies, Victoria. You're destroying my professional reputation with these baseless accusations."

"Oh Evie," Victoria sighed dramatically, "we both know this isn't your first time stealing what isn't yours."

Evelyn refused to engage further. She'd learned the hard way that every interaction with Victoria was a potential trap. But as she turned to leave, Victoria grabbed her wrist with surprising strength.

"Please don't hurt my baby!" Victoria suddenly wailed, her voice carrying through the entire store. "Take your anger out on me, but spare my innocent child!"

The scene unfolded with sickening familiarity. Before Evelyn could react, Victoria violently yanked her hand forward while throwing herself backward onto the floor.

A piercing scream echoed through the boutique. The sickening thud of Victoria's body hitting the ground was followed by gasps from horrified shoppers.

Right on cue, Alexander appeared in the doorway. His gaze immediately locked onto Victoria writhing in pain, the growing pool of blood beneath her.

"You monster!" Victoria shrieked, tears streaming down her face. "First you steal Alexander, now you try to murder my baby! I'm your own sister!"

Alexander's face twisted with fury as he gathered Victoria into his arms. "Evelyn, if my child dies, I'll make sure you never see the light of day again."

A bone-chilling dread crept up Evelyn's spine as Alexander rushed out with Victoria. She barely had time to process what happened before two officers blocked her exit.

The nightmare was repeating itself. Memories of her last arrest - the beatings that nearly cost her unborn child's life - flooded back. She couldn't go through that again. Not when she was so close to meeting her baby.

"I didn't push her! It was a setup!" Evelyn's voice cracked with desperation.

But the condemning stares from every direction told her no one believed her. The click of handcuffs sealed her fate as officers led her to the waiting squad car.