Chapter 2: The Truth Beneath the Smile
Evelyn was rushed to the hospital within minutes.
Broken ribs.
A fractured wrist.
Internal bruising.
But alive.
Alexander stayed beside her bed the entire time, holding her hand like letting go might rewrite reality.
“I told you not to come,” she whispered weakly.
He shook his head. “You don’t get to tell me that.”
Even now, even injured, she smiled faintly.
“You were always stubborn.”
“And you were always right,” he said quietly.
A pause.
Then Evelyn’s eyes shifted.
“Not about her.”
Alexander didn’t answer.
Because he already knew.
Outside the room, chaos was building.
Victoria Lane had been taken to a holding suite inside the mansion.
Not arrested yet.
Not released.
Just… contained.
Waiting.
When Alexander finally walked in, she stood near the window as if she still owned the light.
“I didn’t push her,” Victoria said immediately. “You know me. You know I wouldn’t—”
He placed the tablet on the table.
The paused footage stared back at her.
Silence.
Then cracks.
“I was trying to steady her,” she said quickly. “She was going to fall—”
“You pushed my mother down a staircase,” Alexander interrupted.
His voice was quiet.
Almost tired.
Victoria stepped forward. “She’s trying to control you. She always has. You think that woman doesn’t manipulate you?”
That was the wrong word.
Manipulate.
Alexander’s jaw tightened slightly.
“You don’t get to speak about her.”
Victoria’s voice broke now, losing its elegance. “After everything I gave you—”
“You gave me lies,” he said.
Then he turned away.
And pressed a single button on the table.
The guard outside entered instantly.
“Yes, sir.”
Alexander didn’t look back at her.
“Remove her from my house.”
Victoria froze. “Alexander—don’t do this.”
He finally turned his head slightly.
And what she saw in his eyes made her step back without realizing it.
Not anger.
May you like
Decision.
“Whatever happens next,” he said, “you brought onto yourself.”
