Chapter 117

Crimson flooded Julian Ashford's vision.

He finally understood—despair wasn't gray. It was blinding scarlet.

Like fireworks at life's final moment.

"The D&C surgery wasn't just for miscarriage." The doctor's words stabbed his heart. "Internal bleeding from abdominal trauma required uterine evacuation."

Julian's breath turned ragged.

That winter's truth surfaced—their "romantic getaway" had been a fight for survival.

Only the freezing temperatures had saved Evelyn Sinclair, slowing blood loss during those two endless hours.

"Injured?" Isabella Winslow feigned shock. "How does one get hurt on vacation?"

Her theatrics mirrored her mother's. Julian's knuckles whitened.

"Want the truth?" He advanced, eyes dark. "Why we left the country? What really happened?"

Isabella retreated, smile stiffening. "Not my concern."

"While Evelyn was risking her life for the Kingsleys, you and Alexander were—"

"Julian!"

Evelyn's voice halted him. A faint smile touched her lips. "Truth needs no defense."

"I believe you." Alexander Kingsley's gaze locked onto her. "But tell me—what happened seven years ago? Was that scar from then?"

He remembered the pale mark on her abdomen, faded when he'd seen it.

Two years too late.

"Answer me." His voice cracked.

Seven years.

Those photos had haunted his safe.

Alexander never dared ask, fearing the answer.

Evelyn met his stare. "The scar is from then. Julian and I were innocent. No pregnancy. No abortion."

Her lashes lowered. "But I can't conceive."

Alexander seized her arms. "What were you doing?"

"You said you believed me." Her voice trembled. "Why demand explanations?"

"Alex!" Eleanor Kingsley pulled at him tearfully. "You're hurting her!"

"Just the truth." His grip tightened. "Is that so hard?"

He finally released her.

"Silence now," he hissed, "means silence forever."

Evelyn said nothing.

Her phone screen dimmed beside her skirt—a final image of Sophie held hostage by William West in a locked room.

A blatant threat.

William had come for vengeance.

When Julian nearly revealed everything, she'd almost broken.

Seven years of anguish begged to be spoken.

But she couldn't.

Sophie was all she had left.

"Then... forever it is." She swallowed tears.

"Evelyn!" Alexander roared.

Eleanor clung to him as Julian suddenly pulled Evelyn close.

Before everyone, he clasped her hand.

"Alexander, seven years is enough!" Julian's voice shook. "You never deserved her."

"You want proof of our guilt? Here."

A diamond ring slid onto Evelyn's finger.

"My fiancée now. The Kingsleys mean nothing to her."

Alexander lunged.

Chaos erupted.

Until Madeline Kingsley's shriek pierced the noise: "Charles! What's wrong? Wake up—!"