Chapter 40

Evelyn remained confined in the detention cell. After two agonizing days, she finally faced Alexander again.

The interrogation room looked identical to before. But Evelyn appeared more broken than ever. In stark contrast, the man before her radiated even darker fury than their last encounter.

He moved like a wrathful deity descending upon earth. The moment the door clicked shut, Alexander seized Evelyn's collar, his glacial stare piercing through her like shards of ice.

"Evelyn Sinclair," he hissed, his breath hot against her bruised face. "How difficult is it to simply disappear? Must you insist on courting death at every turn?"

"Alexander, I swear I didn't push her!" Evelyn's voice cracked with desperation. "Victoria deliberately grabbed my arm and then let go! Check the security footage from that boutique! You'll see the truth!"

Alexander's lips twisted into a cruel smile. He tapped his phone screen and shoved it in her face. "The truth is right here. The footage clearly shows you shoving Victoria."

Evelyn's blood ran cold. The angle did make it appear as though she'd pushed Victoria. Her stomach churned as she realized how perfectly the trap had been set.

"Victoria lost the baby," Alexander spat, his voice trembling with barely contained rage. "Are you satisfied now?"

The words hit Evelyn like a physical blow. She instinctively clutched her own stomach, a wave of nausea washing over her.

"Alexander, please," she begged, tears streaming down her face. "I didn't push her - not this time, not last time. These are all her schemes! She's framing me!"

A dark chuckle escaped Alexander's lips. "Even now, with my child dead because of you, you dare accuse Victoria?" His fingers tightened around her throat. "You're truly the most vile, despicable creature I've ever encountered."

Every word dripped with venom. Evelyn could practically taste his hatred.

"Not content with harming Victoria, you even stooped to plagiarism to swindle money." Alexander released her with a shove. "Enjoy your last sunset, Evelyn. By tomorrow, you'll be begging for death."

As he turned to leave, Evelyn lunged forward, grabbing his ankle. "Alexander, I'm carrying your child too!" she sobbed.

"Then may that bastard in your womb keep my dead child company in hell," he snarled, kicking her hand away.

Evelyn collapsed onto the concrete floor, her body wracked with sobs. The December chill seeped through her thin clothes, but nothing compared to the ice spreading through her veins from Alexander's words.

Tears blurred her vision as she curled into a fetal position. People spoke of happiness being like autumn leaves - some gathered more, some less. But Evelyn had never even been allowed to touch a single leaf.

The verdict came swiftly.

Plagiarism. Assault resulting in miscarriage. Multiple charges stacked against her with no legal representation.

Three years in prison. The judge's gavel fell with finality, sealing Evelyn's fate.