Chapter 44

Alice had only met Julian once.

They were all powerful men from elite circles. But to them, Alice was nothing more than a joke—a pitiful amusement to pass the time. When her fever broke and she regained consciousness, she realized she was still trapped with no way out.

At first, she had planned to return to Alexander’s home and confess everything. How she had been framed by the Sullivan family while in prison, forced to sleep with a dying man. How she had ended up pregnant, only for that man to die before she could even face him.

But when she saw Victoria in Alexander’s arms this morning, the words died in her throat.

She knew about their relationship. There was no point in speaking now.

It would only hasten her own demise.

A cold voice cut through the silence. "Open your eyes if you're awake. I have questions for you."

Alice exhaled slowly before forcing her eyes open. Alexander’s gaze was like ice—sharp, merciless, and filled with disgust.

Lately, his attitude toward her had softened.

He had lent her $50,000 without hesitation.

He had rescued her from kidnappers and carried her home.

He had even tended to her wounds himself.

But now, she saw the same look he had given her the day she was released from prison.

Everything had reverted to how it was before.

Not that it mattered.

Alice smirked, meeting his glare with equal coldness. "Mr. Knight, let’s talk."

Alexander stiffened, caught off guard by her tone.

She slowly pushed herself up on the hospital bed, her expression unreadable. "You’re right. I had an agenda from the start. I sought out your mother deliberately. I wanted to marry you—to secure a life of wealth and status. I knew you’d never accept me, so I got pregnant first. I was waiting for the right moment to reveal it. Once the news broke, my plan would be complete."

"You—!" His fist clenched, knuckles cracking audibly. Then, his hand shot out, gripping her throat. "You really have a death wish."

Alice smiled, almost relieved. "Then kill me, Mr. Knight."

Alexander froze.

"If you won’t, then let go." Her voice was eerily calm. "I know my life means nothing to you. You could crush me like an insect."

"But I’m still useful to your mother, aren’t I?"

"If you strangle me now, she might not survive tomorrow. And she’d die in agony, wouldn’t she?" Alice’s eyes burned with defiance.

Alexander gritted his teeth. "Is this the truth?"

"Yes."

"Victoria told me about your past. She wasn’t lying?"

Alice swallowed the lump in her throat, forcing back tears. "She’s your fiancée. You already believe her, don’t you?"

"Who was the man?" Alexander demanded.

"What man?" For a moment, she didn’t understand.

His gaze dropped to her stomach. "Whose child is this?"