Chapter 224 A Plea for Mercy
With a swift motion, she pressed her hand against the wall behind her, steadying herself as her back collided with the cold surface. She stood frozen, her head bowed in fear. The prospect of imprisonment stirred a unique terror within her, a fear that was distinct from the grief of losing her parents. In the abyss of the world, her limbs had never been shackled, yet now, she felt as if she were bound, unable to resist the impending doom. It seemed as though she was on the precipice of a chasm, teetering on the edge of a point of no return.
"I didn't touch her," she murmured, raising her eyes to meet his. She was acutely aware that he was unlikely to believe her. His faith was reserved for his childhood sweetheart. Alexander yearned to cradle her face in his hands, but instead, he gently traced his fingers along her neck and behind her ear. The audacity of the Montgomery family to harm his girl was unfathomable.
Despite the damning evidence of fingerprints and injuries marring her face, he found himself captivated by her wide, startled eyes. What had he said to instill such fear in her? Did she believe that she was vulnerable to abuse now that her in-laws were no longer present? Did she think that the Harrington family's hospitality was merely a guilt-induced facade? Did she truly think he didn't care for her?
"You silly girl, why would they send you to prison?" His voice was soft, a whisper in the wind, as he attempted to soothe her.
Victoria, however, was gripped by an even greater fear. Her legs wobbled beneath her, threatening to give way. Alexander instinctively wrapped his arms around her slender waist, but his mind was far from appreciating the softness of her form. Instead, he was consumed by the pitiful sight before him. He longed for the girl who once smiled so sweetly at him.
"No one can send the mistress of Harrington Company to prison," he reassured her, his voice laced with sincerity.
Victoria, however, was lost in her thoughts, her gaze fixed on him. His words seemed to echo in her mind, but their meaning eluded her. The Montgomery family would need evidence to act, wouldn't they? Had she, Mrs. Harrington, committed a crime? Broken the law? She shook her head, the motion repetitive and frantic. She hadn't.
"If you didn't do anything, why would they send you to prison?" Alexander questioned softly.
"Weren't you the one who wanted to send me?" she countered, her voice barely above a whisper, trembling with fear. The Montgomery family had desired her imprisonment, and he had agreed. His agreement had sealed her fate.
"Am I mad? Would I send my own wife to prison?" Alexander murmured, pressing his forehead against hers in a tender gesture.
"But... Isabella miscarried when she was with me," Victoria stated, her voice dull with resignation. She still remembered the horrifying sight of Isabella, kneeling on the ground, blood pooling around her. She had been terrified, having never witnessed such a scene before. She had always managed to steer clear of such intrigue, even within the company. But the moment Isabella had the accident, she felt as though she had made a grave mistake. And when Alexander had agreed to send her to prison, it felt like a death sentence. It wasn't an exaggeration; she felt as though she was being scared to death.
"Didn't you have staff by your side at that time? You didn't say anything," Alexander pointed out.
Victoria froze, unable to respond.
"Our hotel kitchens have surveillance cameras. From preparation to delivery to the customers' tables, every dish and e very pot of coffee, we can ensure their safety," he explained, his deep voice resonating with sincerity.
Victoria listened in silence, his words seeming surreal. Was he comforting her? Or was he defending her? She couldn't be sure. It felt as though she was in the midst of a hallucination. His cold, heartless demeanor in the operating room was still fresh in her memory. His recent kindness felt like a dream.
Feeling weak, she swayed on her feet. Alexander tightened his grip on her, "What's wrong?"
She didn't respond, too terrified to even stand. She didn't want to admit her cowardice, but she was drained of all strength. His words, coupled with the uncertainty of whether he would truly protect her, had sent her emotions spiraling out of control.
"Alright," Alexander murmured, understanding her fear. She was barely in her twenties, and until now, she had been sheltered from such horrors. Suddenly being embroiled in such a scandal had undoubtedly terrified her. He had no choice but to hold her close, gently stroking her back in an attempt to comfort her.
Tears streamed down Victoria's face as she pressed herself against his chest. She looked up at him, her eyes brimming with fear, and asked, "You... you won't let me go to jail, will you?"
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