The trial forced my return to the States. Sebastian arrived shortly after. With Harrison's security team monitoring my every move, Sebastian could only observe from afar.
Chloe appeared in court visibly pregnant, immediately adopting her victim persona. Her attorney repeatedly emphasized she carried Sebastian's child. The judge postponed the ruling for additional examination.
Outside the courthouse, Chloe approached me with a saccharine smile that never touched her eyes. "You simply refuse to surrender, don't you, Alayna?"
She scoffed. "You abandoned your identity. You should have remained hidden, living quietly in obscurity. Why resurface now and create chaos, capturing Sebastian's attention once more?"
Her gaze burned with pure malice. "He's been neglecting me and our unborn child to pursue you. What sort of dark sorcery have you cast upon him?"
I met her stare impassively. "I relinquished him to you. If you cannot maintain his interest, that reflects your inadequacy. Cease your desperate snarling."
Her artificial smile fractured, fury simmering beneath. "Don't inflate your importance. You believe he loves you? His concern rests solely with me and his heir. Can't you comprehend? The moment I face any crisis, he'll come rushing to my side–exactly as before."
I tensed. Before I could fully process her declaration, she seized my wrist and violently threw herself backward, targeting the staircase behind her.
Events unfolded rapidly. The security team and Sebastian surged forward. One guard intercepted her mere inches from the steps.
But Sebastian? He charged directly toward me, utterly disregarding her. His eyes wild with panic as he shouted, "Alayna! Are you unharmed?"
–
Chloe repeated her classic performance – yet for the first time, Sebastian prioritized me over her. Had this occurred in the past, I might have felt touched, even emotionally stirred. Now? I found it utterly pathetic.
Chloe's features contorted with incredulity. "Sebastian, have you lost your mind?! I'm the injured party here! And you're concerned about her?!"
I simply gestured toward the surveillance cameras. "Certain you wish to proceed? Accuse me once more and I'll gladly include 'premeditated assault' in my charges."
For the first time, she stood speechless, her face distorted by rage.
Sebastian advanced toward her. She instantly resumed her helpless damsel performance. "Sebastian... finally, you acknowledge me. I've missed you desperately..."
Then–crack. His palm struck her cheek. Brutally.
Chloe stood frozen, utterly stunned.
Sebastian's voice turned arctic. "So this is how you've been fabricating evidence against Alayna all along?"
She trembled, shaking her head frantically. "No... Sebastian, it wasn't me! This is all Alayna's doing! She's consumed by jealousy–she orchestrated this!"
Sebastian maintained complete impassivity as he interrupted coldly, "You do comprehend these premises feature comprehensive security surveillance? Certain you wish to maintain this fabrication?"
Her protests died instantly. Her lips moved soundlessly.
He sneered. "You genuinely believed you could manipulate me? That you possessed such cleverness?"
At his signal, the security team seized her and began escorting her away.
Before departing, Sebastian turned back to me. "Alayna, I vow to make her answer for every injustice she's inflicted upon you."