Evelyn was a wreck. Tears streamed down her face as she awkwardly crawled back to the door. She was drained, barely able to keep pounding on it with her bleeding nails, leaving behind a series of bloody handprints. She didn''t feel the pain anymore. She was too busy, Meanwhile, Dahlia silently stood outside with her arms crossed, letting Evelyn think she was Charles. As she listened to Evelyn''s desperate cries, a smirk spread across her lips. She didn''t need to see Evelyn to know how miserable she was her voice said it all. This was way more satisfying for Dahlia than just tossing Evelyn in jail.


    instinctively begging Charles, who''s standing on the other side. "Charles, please let me out. I''m begging you..." Her voice was heavy with bitterness.


    Now that Rosa was back and always shielding Evelyn, it was a problem. If Evelyn got locked up, Dahlia''s ns might''ve fallen apart before she even got started, because Rosa would''vee to her rescue. Keeping Evelyn here was the ultimate punishment. "Evelyn, what makes you think you canpete with me? Enjoy your stay," Dahlia thought as she sneered and walked away, knowing Charles was upstairs.


    Inside, Evelyn heard the footsteps fade away. Her hand, which was pounding on the door, went still. Thest bit of hope she held onto vanished with Charles'' absence. Her hand slid downwards, leaving a long bloodstain, as she copsed to the floor. "Charles really went all out for Dahlia and her daughter," she thought bitterly.


    Upstairs, Charles was wide awake


    on the balcony. He leaned against the railing and stared into the endless night, his expression cold as he pulled out a cigarette. He lit it, the me casting sharp shadows on his face. His eyes, half-closed against the light, were unreadable. A gust of wind blew, snuffing out the me. Frustrated, Charles tossed the


    lighter and cigarette pack aside just


    as his phone buzzed.


    It was Aiden. Charles answered immediately. "Mr. Jenkins, the guy''s been taken to the station, and he''s confessed. He didn''t mention Ms. Evelyn, so she''s in the clear."


    "Got it," Charles replied curtly before


    hanging up. Aiden continued


    handling the aftermath. Charles was known for his principles and hated shady tactics. In business, he was all about getting things done quickly and cleanly. He wielded immense power in the Capital and was capable of changing fortunes with a mere gesture. This was the first time he''d ever bent his own rules to protect Evelyn.


    Back in her room, Dahlia thought about Evelyn being trapped in the basement. Last time, she''d managed to get Evelyn into a detention center, but Charles'' soft heart got in the way, and Aiden quickly tried to get her out. If Charles heard Evelyn''s pleas, he might waver. She couldn''t risk it.


    Dahlia nced at Sandy, who was sleeping soundly after taking her meds. Evelyn was locked up, and Charles was practically giving Dahlia a golden opportunity. She couldn''t let it slip away. Sandy was asleep, and Charles wouldn''t just walk into her room, but Dahlia still locked the door just to be safe. Then she went over to Sandy, undressed her, and carried her into the bathroom.