Was It You Who Did It

Sean Hayes felt the strength in Alexander Hayes's grip, but he refused to back down. "Your Highness, forgive me, but I belong to Princess Consort now and have sworn to serve her for life. Since these are her orders, not even you—or the Emperor himself—could make me disobey! I would fight to the death!"

Sean knew he was no match for Alexander, but he gritted his teeth and braced himself.

Alexander looked at Sean, who seemed ready to heroically sacrifice himself, and suddenly burst out laughing. "Well done, truly well done. Princess Consort didn't save you and Peony for nothing. You've got guts, Sean! Hahaha!"

Alexander's sudden laughter left Sean completely confused. He had no idea what Alexander was up to.

Alexander glanced at Sophie White on the ground, then turned to Sean. "I'm not here today to take her away. I just have a few questions for her."

"Questions?" Sean scratched his head.

Alexander nodded, "That's right, just questions. You can relax now, Sean. Step aside."

Sean thought it over. His Highness was always true to his word and wouldn't pull any dirty tricks. Even if he wanted to take Sophie White away, he'd do it openly, knocking Sean out first if necessary.

Sean stepped aside, and Alexander unlocked the cell door and walked in.

When Sophie White saw Alexander enter, she was so overwhelmed that she crawled toward him with all her remaining strength.

Alexander Hayes crouched down and looked at Sophie White's face.

Sophie White whispered, "Alex, get rid of that watchdog Sean Hayes and take me away."

Alexander turned to glance at Sean Hayes, then pointed at the chair Sean had just been sitting in. "Sit down."

Sean Hayes let out a confused sound, not understanding what was happening.

Alexander repeated, "Sean, sit down. Stay right there and listen carefully. When you leave this cell, report every word of my conversation with Sophie White to Princess Consort. I have nothing to hide from her, and I don't want any misunderstandings. So listen closely and don't miss a word."

Sean was totally stunned, but he quickly sat down on the chair, watching the two inside the cell.

Sophie White looked up at Alexander, her face full of disbelief. "Alex, aren't you going to save me?"

Alexander shook his head. "Princess Consort's wishes are my wishes. I won't repeat myself."

"But... but what about our history? Alex, have you forgotten the days we spent together in the border camp?" Sophie White cried out, her voice hoarse. "How can you let me die for another woman!?"

Alexander shook his head. "Everything you're suffering now is your own doing. I'm not here to listen to this. There's something I've been pondering for a long time, and I never found the answer. In three days, you'll die. So I've come to ask you myself."

"You..." The last glimmer of hope in Sophie White's eyes faded away.

She had been hoping that Sean Hayes was judging her behind Alexander's back, and that once Alexander found out, he'd scold Sean and rescue her himself.

But Sophie White guessed the beginning, not the ending.

Alexander did indeed come in person, but not to save her—just to ask a question.

Sophie White lowered her head in defeat. "What do you want to ask...?"