The War God Alpha's Arranged Bride (Evelyn and Alexander) novel Chapter 189

**Steps Along Forgotten Roads**
**By Sophia Reed**
**Chapter 189: The Verdicts**

[Evelyn’s POV]

Words could scarcely capture the overwhelming relief that washed over me when the judge ordered that both Fiona and Isabella be detained while the jury deliberated on their final verdict. A wave of gratitude surged within me, though it was quickly overshadowed by the tumult of emotions swirling in my mind.

Alexander had drawn me back to our table, gently guiding me down into one of the vacant chairs. Perhaps it was for the best; my thoughts were a chaotic storm, making concentration nearly impossible. I felt his presence leaning closer, his voice a soft murmur meant only for me.

“It’s going to be alright,” he reassured, his tone steady and calm.

Yet deep down, I was convinced that Fiona was destined for conviction—that much was clear. But Isabella? The uncertainty gnawed at me. I could acknowledge that our actions today had strayed far from the norms of courtroom decorum. Instead of focusing solely on my case, we had thrust a new wave of damning evidence into the open, shaking the very foundation of the proceedings.

“What if they don’t convict Isabella today too?” I whispered, my voice barely above a breath.

“They will,” Alexander replied with a confidence that I desperately wanted to believe.

But the tightness in my chest was a relentless reminder of my anxiety. My greatest fear was that this unexpected revelation would compel the jury to postpone their decision, dragging us back into this nightmare at a later date. The mere thought of Isabella walking out of this courtroom with even a moment’s reprieve felt unbearable.

“Isabella practically confessed just now,” Alexander pointed out, his eyes narrowing slightly as he considered the implications.

He had a valid point. I never would have imagined Isabella would openly reveal her motives regarding the Hemlock in front of everyone. Perhaps, in the twisted labyrinth of her mind, she thought that honesty might sway the jury’s opinion in her favor.

This entire ordeal felt like a drawn-out nightmare, each moment stretching into infinity. All I longed for was closure, a chance to escape the trauma that had haunted me for far too long, and to finally stop worrying about threats to my loved ones.

My nerves were frayed, teetering on the edge of a precipice.

Amidst the swirling uncertainty, my gaze wandered to the Alpha King, Gregory. To my surprise, he had remained silent throughout the majority of the hearing, his expression a mask of guarded contemplation.

Alexander must have sensed my distraction, leaning in closer to share his insight.

“He’s calculating,” he remarked, his voice low and thoughtful.

My brows knitted together in confusion. “What do you mean?”

“Gregory is likely trying to assess the fallout within his inner circle, especially now that we’re effectively removing two individuals who were close to Caroline. Plus, I imagine he’s also considering the kind of public statement he’ll need to make once this whole ordeal wraps up.”

That perspective made the pieces click into place in my mind.

If everything unfolded favorably, Alexander would have played a pivotal role in imprisoning three dangerous individuals while the King merely stood by, doing little to salvage his reputation. I knew Alexander well enough to anticipate that he wouldn’t let an opportunity to undermine Gregory slip by.

Suddenly, the side door creaked open, and the jury began to file back into the room. My heart raced, a jolt of anxiety surging through me as all my repressed fears came rushing back. Everyone rose to their feet as the guards escorted Isabella and Fiona back into the courtroom.

They were positioned before the judge, who surveyed the room with an air of authority.

“In regards to Ms. Fiona Rizza’s case, has the jury reached its verdict?”

“We have, Your Honor. We find Ms. Fiona Rizza guilty on the grounds of attempted murder and unlawful medical practices, as well as possession of a deadly weapon.”

From my vantage point, I caught a glimpse of the vicious sneer that twisted Fiona’s lips. If it weren’t for the handcuffs binding her wrists and the guards flanking her, I had no doubt she would have lunged at either Alexander or me in a fit of rage.

The judge nodded solemnly. “Fiona Rizza, you have been found guilty on multiple charges. I hereby sentence you to life imprisonment with no chance of parole for the first twenty years,” he declared firmly. “Do you have anything to say for yourself?”

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