**Steps Along Forgotten Roads**
*By Sophia Reed*
**Chapter 125: Michael’s Imprisonment**
[Evelyn’s POV]
The way the Alpha King addressed Alexander was unsettling, to say the least. I couldn’t shake off the feeling of discomfort that settled in my chest. Yes, the King was older, but his condescending tone was wholly unnecessary. It reminded me far too much of the disdain I had often faced from Isabella and Samantha during my childhood. Their behavior had always been rooted in insecurity, and it seemed the Alpha King was no different.
Before the car accident had turned our lives upside down, he had perceived Alexander as a rival, a threat to his authority. It was painfully obvious that nothing had shifted in his perspective since then. Yet, to my surprise, Alexander remained unfazed by the King’s arrogance. He cast a quick glance my way, his eyes sharp and determined, a silent cue for me to present the video evidence we had uncovered.
“Your Majesty, your Honor,” I began, my voice steady despite the tension in the room. “I would like to present the evidence we found at the mechanic’s shop, related to the day the vehicle was deliberately tampered with.”
Both men nodded, encouraging me to proceed. I stepped forward with purpose, gripping the tablet tightly in my hands. The footage was clear, damning even, showcasing Michael’s explosive confrontation with the mechanic. I watched their faces as I played the video, capturing Michael’s rage as he hurled money at the man, his temper flaring like a wildfire.
The judge’s expression shifted from surprise to disbelief, while the Alpha King’s face twisted in a mixture of concern and anger. I turned the tablet towards the jury, repeating the footage for them, and I could see the shock ripple through the room. Many of the jurors exchanged glances, their mouths agape, struggling to process the evidence before them.
“Why would your stepbrother resort to such despicable acts?” the judge inquired, his brow furrowed with confusion. “What drives him to commit these crimes?”
I took a deep breath, gathering my thoughts. “Michael has always harbored resentment towards me. He believes I stole the Alpha title from him when our parents wed. If his mother, Caroline, hadn’t married my father, the title would have rightfully been his. But according to the traditions of our lineage, the title of Alpha is inherited directly from the father to his son.”
“So, you’re suggesting his actions stem from jealousy?” the judge pressed, trying to understand the depths of Michael’s motives.
“Exactly,” Alexander confirmed, his voice unwavering. “His initial intentions were far more sinister than anyone could imagine. Michael didn’t just want to injure me; he aimed to eliminate me completely, to pave his way as the new Alpha. His reckless actions have caused devastation beyond my own injuries.”
The judge nodded slowly, recalling the reports that had circulated after the accident. “I remember reading that you lost your driver that day.”
“Yes,” Alexander replied, his tone somber. “He was a good man, a loyal friend. But more importantly, there’s another victim in this tragic story. Evelyn, if you would.”
I approached the bench once more, clutching the small article that Oliver had unearthed about my brother’s involvement in the accident. As I spoke my brother’s name, “Edward Silverwood,” I could see both the judge and the Alpha King’s expressions turn grave as they connected the dots.
“My brother,” I confirmed, my voice barely above a whisper. “I was just as shocked to discover how intertwined our family tragedies were.”
“Edward Silverwood has been fighting for his life after being thrown from his motorcycle when the car struck him. He remains in a comatose state,” I continued, the weight of my words pressing down on me.
Tears threatened to spill, but I fought them back, determined to keep my composure. I didn’t want pity; I wanted to highlight Michael’s recklessness and the danger he posed to others.
“The accused will now address the council,” the judge announced, his voice firm.
My stomach twisted into knots as a side door swung open. Oliver emerged first, followed by Michael, who wore an expression of irritation, flanked by two armed guards. I refused to meet his fiery gaze, knowing he was likely directing his anger at Alexander and me. I could hear him let out a mocking laugh, his voice dripping with disdain.
“Oh, you’ve got to be kidding me! You’re still playing that ridiculous charade?” he sneered, his eyes narrowing.
“What charade?” Alexander replied, his tone laced with skepticism.

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