"I''m just saying that if we actually kill someone, none of us is walking away from that without some serious consequences."


    The moment those words were spoken, everyone went dead quiet and exchanged nervous looks around. It finally hit them how bad things really were, even Madison hesitated.


    After a long pause, she released me, gritting her teeth and hissing, "You''re lucky this time. But if I catch you again, you''re as good as dead!"


    She shot me onest nasty look before slinking off with herckeys. The cell door mmed shut with a loud ng.


    I dropped to the cold, hard floor, tears streaming down my face. How much more did I have to go through before I could finally see the light of day?


    I hoped Zachary could hang on a little longer. I''d be back with him soon... And I hoped Ethan wouldn''t lose faith in me, that he''d believe I''d make it back to him...


    I had no clue how much time had passed. Out of nowhere, a guard yanked the cell door open with a loud ng. "Evelyn Wiley, someone''s here to see you."


    I forced myself to sit up, ncing up to see a man in uniform nodding at me.


    Could it be Ethan? But he should still be overseas, tied up with thepany. Unsure but still hoping, I trailed behind the guard down the hallway to the visiting room.


    To my surprise, a man I''d never seen before was sitting behind the ss. He wore a well-tailored suit and gold-rimmed sses, his expression stern.


    "Good day, Ms. Wiley," he said, his voice calm and steady. "I''m Henry Locke, thewyer Mr. Grayson hired."


    I froze.


    Awyer? Why would Ethan need awyer? Could it be... about my case?


    "M-Mr. Locke, hello," I stammered, my heart racing.


    "There''s no need to be nervous," Henry said with a small smile. "I''m here to share some good news." "G-Good news?" I asked in disbelief.


    Henry''s face grew serious. "Thetest evidence shows that your imprisonment was the result of a deliberate setup by Vivian. We''ve got solid proof that she forged evidence against you, enough to overturn your conviction. So, Ms. Wiley,


    no


    congrattions. You''ll be free soon."


    Oh my goodness! I could hardly believe my ears! Tears streamed down my face. My voice shook as I asked, "Really? I can finally... go home?"


    "Absolutely." Henry nodded. "Pack your things. You''ll be out of here by tomorrow morning."


    A rush of happiness flooded through me. I almost broke down in tears


    from the sheer joy. It finally felt like things were turning around, and I was getting my freedom back!


    I could finally be with Zachary again. I could finally be there for Ethan without him worrying about me anymore.


    That night, I couldn''t get a wink of sleep. My mind was buzzing with excitement and all the things toe once I was free.


    The next day came in bright and warm.


    Guards led me and the other


    inmates into the exercise yard. People were spread out all


    wire.


    over-some chatting, some working out, and others just staring at the blue sky beyond the barbed


    Suddenly, a voice I both knew and hated reached my ears.


    ???


    "Didn''t get enough of a lesson yesterday, Evelyn? How bold of you to show up again today." Madison


    sneered, approaching me with a gang of female inmates.


    My face hardened. I couldn''t believe this bitch was still refusing to let it go!


    "You might want to think twice before starting anything," I said coldly. "Otherwise..."


    My mind wandered as I spoke. I was about to get out of this hellhole, so why bother getting tangled up with her again?


    Besides, Madison had the guards in her corner. Who knew what dirty tricks she''d pull if I fought back now?


    "Otherwise, what? You''re only putting on a tough act because you''re about to get out, aren''t you?" Madison scoffed, shooting me a look full of contempt.