Chapter 113
Even in confinement, she enjoyed privileges that allowed her to do whatever she pleased. She had access to a smart TV, a smartphone to contact anyone she wished, and other luxuries uncommon in a typical prison setting. The only liberty she lacked was the ability to move about freely.
Staying in this place would help her meticulously plan her next move against Ariana, who had betrayed her and tried to improve her public image at her expense.
As she paced around her plush cell, the iron door creaked open, causing her to stop and look towards it. She silently wished they were coming to inform her of a visitor, hoping it was Alexander. Just one night in the cell made her long for him and their child even more.
When the door opened, Alexander stepped in. Overjoyed, she rushed to him, wrapping her arms around him and even jumping into his embrace like a child.
Alexander’s heart warmed at her joy. On his way there, he had worried that she might be sad or overwhelmed by being locked up, and he had already decided that if she showed any signs of distress, he would get her out immediately.
"I missed you, Alexander," she murmured, resting her head on his chest while holding him close.
"I missed you too, more than you can imagine," Alexander replied, smiling as he wrapped his arms around her and lifted her chin to give her a kiss.
She returned his kiss, and after a while, they both pulled away.
"How’s Viola?"
"She’s been asking to hear your voice. The rest of us have been coming up with stories to tell her instead of letting her know you’re here."
She sighed, feeling distressed. "Since I have a phone here, I can call her from time to time."
"Yes, you should call her now."
"You're right, I should," she agreed, about to let go of him to make the call, but Alexander pulled her back into a tight embrace.
Surprised by his action, she smiled. "Didn’t you say I should call her now?"
"Let’s just stay like this for a bit longer, and then you can call her later," he replied, closing his eyes as he held her tightly, inhaling her scent. He had made sure she had her preferred shampoo and skincare products, not wanting her to use anything provided by the prison.
They spent quality time together, even making love. Alexander didn’t want to leave her, but eventually, his visiting time was over, and he had to go.
Later that day, she called Viola and spoke with her. Viola was thrilled to hear her mother's voice, and they talked for an hour before ending the call. After speaking with her mother, Viola was in high spirits, especially when reassured that they would speak every day.
To keep Viola unaware of the situation, Alexander had restricted her access to the internet and gadgets, telling her she needed to focus on her studies.
At the Blake residence, Caleb was busy writing when Blake’s right-hand man, Victor, entered the office after being granted permission.
"Sir," he greeted with a bow.
Caleb looked up. "Why are you here? I don’t recall sending for you," he asked with his deep, authoritative voice.
"You didn’t, but I came to ask what your plan is regarding the current situation."
Knowing what Victor meant, Caleb replied immediately, "Nothing."
Victor looked at him in surprise, knowing how much Caleb loved his daughter. He hadn’t expected this response. "Are you planning to leave her in jail?"
"And what makes you think that?"
"You just said you’d do nothing."
Caleb paused his writing and looked at Victor again. "That’s because she asked me not to intervene. Do you think I’m happy she’s in there?" Caleb frowned.
"I’m sorry for speaking out of turn."
"You didn’t speak out of turn, Victor. I know you’re worried, too. She grew up right before your eyes."
Victor nodded, saying nothing more.
"You may go if that’s all."
Victor bowed his head and left the study, hoping that Lilly knew what she was doing. She had asked not just her father but also her husband to stay out of it. What was she planning?
Three weeks later, it was finally the day of the first court hearing concerning the demolition of the orphanages and the foundation associated with the Blake family, which had been torn down with Lilly's approval. All of Lilly's family members, including her husband, were present at the court, waiting for the trial to begin. The police vehicle carrying Lilly had yet to arrive.
A reporter stood outside the courtroom, broadcasting live.
Ariana entered the courtroom dressed entirely in white, from her gown to her shoes. Her arrival drew the attention of everyone in the room.
Sarah clenched her fists at the sight of Ariana. "What is she doing here?"
Anthony placed his hand over hers to calm her. "Promise me you won’t cause a scene when the hearing is over."
Sarah frowned at him. "No promises."
"Please," he pleaded.
"Let go of me," she said, pulling her hand away and crossing her arms.
Anthony looked at her, then sighed in frustration.
Alexander ignored Ariana entirely. Sitting near him were Richard and Ethan.
Ariana sat directly across from him so he could see her, but he never once glanced in her direction.
If it were up to him, he would have had her removed from the courtroom, but the presence of numerous reporters made him hold back. Causing a scene wouldn’t make Lilly happy.
Lilly was brought into the courtroom without handcuffs. Alexander had made sure she wouldn't be shackled and arranged for her to wear an expensive suit instead of a prison uniform. She entered the room looking well-dressed, even wearing heels.
Seeing this, Ariana clenched her fists tightly. She had expected to see Lilly in a prison uniform, disheveled and handcuffed, but instead, Lilly was glammed up, wearing a suit more expensive than Ariana’s outfit.
Ariana glanced at Alexander and saw him smiling at Lilly, even saying something to her from across the room. This enraged Ariana.
He still trusted and loved Lilly deeply.
But after today's hearing, Ariana was certain that trust would be shattered.
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