Chapter 354

The interrogation room was freezing.

For three relentless days, Alexander had been grilled under the blinding fluorescent lights. His body ached, his mind frayed—but he refused to break.

Every time his resolve wavered, he thought of Elara. And the daughter he could never claim.

He would endure hell itself for them.

The door creaked open.

Aaron Ashbourne strolled in, his posture loose, his expression unreadable. The air around him crackled with danger—this wasn’t the polished heir of the Ashbourne fortune. This was a predator.

"Still holding up?" Aaron yawned, dragging a steel chair across the floor. The screech of metal made Alexander’s teeth grind. "Get him coffee. The night’s just starting."

"Yes, Captain Ashbourne."

Alexander smirked bitterly. "Don’t you get tired of this routine?"

Aaron leaned back, flashing a sharp grin. "Not at all. I’ve got stamina."

"I’ve told you everything. Ask me a thousand times—my answers won’t change."

Aaron’s fingers drummed the table. Then, without warning, he slid a photograph forward.

Alexander’s breath hitched.

The platinum lily necklace glinted in the photo. His pulse spiked, his fingers twitching against the cuffs.

"Recognize it?" Aaron’s voice was deceptively light.

"No."

Aaron laughed. "You kept it wrapped in silk. Locked in a jewelry box. And now you’re telling me you don’t know it?" His smile vanished. "Try again."

"You searched my house?" Alexander’s voice was raw.

"You’re a suspect. Did you think I wouldn’t?" Aaron tilted his head. "This belonged to Elara. Funny how you’ve held onto it all these years. Almost like you were obsessed."

Alexander’s jaw clenched. "I stole it. That’s all."

Aaron’s eyes darkened. "Your old coworkers disagree. They said you followed Elara like a shadow. That you’d do anything for her." He leaned in. "Including murder."

Sweat dripped down Alexander’s temple. "They’re lying."

"Your apartment’s full of Elara’s photos. Not a single one of Myra. No shows, no movies, nothing." Aaron’s voice dropped to a whisper. "You never loved Myra. This was always about Elara."

Alexander’s lips curled. "So what if it was? I killed for her. I’d do it again."

Aaron’s fist slammed the table.

But then—he smiled. Cold. Calculated.

"Let’s talk off the record." He flicked off the recorder. "You think you’re protecting Elara? If the press finds out you two had a special relationship, how long before they turn on her? The Abernathys already hate her. Frederic will think she ordered the hit."

Alexander’s blood ran cold.

"You wouldn’t."

Aaron’s grin was vicious. "Try me."

The Abernathy Mansion

Elara’s hands shook as she clutched Frederic’s sleeve. "That necklace was stolen! I lost it years ago—he must’ve taken it!"

Evadne arched a brow. "Strange. He kept it like a treasure."

Elara’s voice pitched higher. "How would I know what a thief thinks?"

Evadne stepped closer. "Your coworkers say you and Alexander were close. That he’d do anything for you." Her smile was lethal. "Including murder."

Elara’s face drained of color. "You have no proof!"

Frederic’s grip tightened on her arm. "Enough."

Evadne ignored him. "Insult Myra again," she murmured, "and I’ll ruin you."

The room fell silent.

Elara’s lips trembled.

Evadne pocketed the necklace. "No need to rush. The truth always comes out."

As she turned to leave, Mrs. Fairhaven called after her. "Next time, handle your family drama privately."

Evadne didn’t look back. "Or what? You’ll clutch your pearls harder?"

The door shut behind her.

Thaddeus’s knuckles whitened.

He wanted to follow.

But he didn’t.