Chapter 63

The minute passed in a heartbeat.

Victoria's sobs jolted Evelyn awake. Alexander's icy gaze bore into her as his fingers hovered over his phone, dialing those three damning digits. He was calling the police!

"Stop!"

Evelyn's frayed nerves finally snapped.

She stumbled forward, her face ghostly pale. "Alexander, I swear I didn't take your son! No matter how much I despise Victoria, I would never—"

"So you'd only be satisfied if Victoria suffers the same agony, is that it?" Alexander cut her off. His eyes were twin blades, carving into Evelyn's heart without mercy.

"Evelyn, a snake never sheds its venom. Women like you could die a thousand deaths and still not atone for what you've done!"

His words struck like bullets, each one finding its mark in her trembling chest.

"Don't even think about escaping this time," Alexander spat, pressing the call button.

The police came anyway.

Summer's last gasp gave way to autumn's approach when lightning split the sky, thunder shaking the earth.

Evelyn flinched violently, her face draining of color.

Memories flooded back—the brutal beatings, the night they induced labor. Her heart shattered as she collapsed at Alexander's feet.

"Please believe me, Alexander! I didn't do this!" Her voice cracked with desperation.

Strong as she was, Evelyn was still just a woman.

She clutched at his trousers, tears streaming. "I swear on my life!" The raw plea tore from her throat. She remembered begging like this before, only to be kicked aside.

This time, hesitation flickered in his eyes.

Just as hope sparked, Victoria's timely wail shattered it. "Alexander, is Ethan gone forever?"

Any hesitation vanished. Evelyn found herself in handcuffs again.

In the interrogation room, her denials fell on deaf ears. History repeated itself cruelly.

Evelyn's spirit broke.

Fate loved torturing her. Loving the wrong man had cost her everything.

When all seemed lost, they released her.

Alexander's car waited outside the station. Rain poured in sheets as Evelyn ran toward it.

Before she could speak, the window rolled down. Her phone struck her face. Alexander yanked her close by the collar. "Did you conspire with this man to kidnap my son? The evidence doesn't lie, Evelyn!"