Chapter 168: Dwayne Imprisoned

Chapter 168: Dwayne Imprisoned

"I can't return your feelings." Sophia's voice was soft. "We've always been good friends, and you've always been someone very important to me. I trust you and rely on you, but my feelings for you are probably different from your feelings for me."

She paused, speaking earnestly, "I don't think this will change, but I don't want our relationship to crack because of it."

Noah's lips curved into a slightly bitter smile. "You haven't changed since we were kids. When you reject someone, you never leave any room for doubt, yet you still make it impossible to refuse your requests. That's so you."

"But actually, I was already mentally prepared," he continued. "I've dropped hints so many times before, and you rejected them all. Why would this time be any different?"

"I just couldn't let it go without trying. People have to be brave for themselves at least once, right?"

Sophia looked at him and slowly broke into a smile. "Thank you for telling me."

Noah shook his head, the tension gradually fading from his face, his tone becoming lighter. "I should be the one thanking you. I'm already happy that you were willing to listen and that you're not distancing yourself from me."

"We'll still be friends, right?"

"Of course." Sophia smiled. "Whenever you have time, you're always welcome to come see me and Emily."

Noah nodded and took a sip of coffee, silently swallowing the bitterness in his heart. If Thalia hadn't spent the past few days talking to him non-stop, constantly hinting that he should be brave and go after what he wanted before Alexander beat him to it, he probably still wouldn't have been able to express his feelings.

"It really does feel better to say it out loud." He let out a breath, then suddenly said, "Sophia, you've always kept a place in your heart for Alexander, haven't you?"

Sophia frowned slightly, about to object, but Noah continued, "I can tell. You really are different with him."

"I'm not in a position to judge what's between you two. But I can feel how much he cares about you. Before, I wasn't worried he'd take you away from me, but now that he's putting all his attention on you, naturally I feel threatened." Noah's expression was somewhere between a smile and not, his tone carrying some reluctance. "After all, you love him so much."

Sophia said nothing.

"Anyway, let's not talk about that." Noah cleared his throat lightly. "Thalia's been in Silvermoon City lately. She hasn't been causing you any trouble, has she?"

"No, Emily actually quite likes her now." Sophia replied. "She even took Emily ice skating the other afternoon. She really doesn't take me seriously anymore."

Noah smiled softly. As they chatted, they gradually found their way back to their familiar way of being together, becoming much more relaxed and comfortable.

They didn't leave the coffee shop until nearly dinnertime.

Sophia pushed the door open and walked out. Sunlight bathed the entire street in warm gold, and the wind came from the sea, gentle and carrying a hint of salt.

Her mood suddenly felt lighter. Perhaps she could listen more to the voice deep in her heart, let go of the chains she'd put on herself, and properly face her relationship with Alexander. Say what bothered her, talk it through clearly.

The next day, Alexander received a call from Rufus and had to return to Emerald Harbor. He specifically asked Sophia for time off.

Sophia didn't ask about the details. Though somewhat worried, she didn't show it, just gave him three days off and told him to make up Emily's missed lessons when he got back.

1 PM, Emerald Harbor.

Alexander arrived at the place where Dwayne was being held.

Rufus was waiting at the door. Seeing Alexander approach, he stepped aside and said quietly, "Mr. Kensington, last night he asked to see you on his own. Said he had something to say."

Alexander nodded without speaking and walked inside.

The light in the dark room was dim, the temperature much lower than outside, with a damp atmosphere mixed with some indescribable smell.

The black box had already been opened. Dwayne's body was covered in pitted scars, not a single intact spot even on his face. These past days had been truly miserable for him, worse than death. Sometimes he even hoped he'd just be poisoned to death and be done with it, but every time, someone would give him the antidote, keeping him conscious to experience that sharp, bone-piercing pain, torturing him over and over.

He was already exhausted, riddled with wounds. He sat slumped in a chair nearby, back hunched, hands resting on his knees. He'd lost several more pounds since coming here, his hair was a mess, and his arms and thighs bore bite marks and holes of different colors.

Hearing footsteps, Dwayne shakily lifted his head, his lips moving.

Alexander stood before him, looking down coldly. "What do you have to say?"

"I know I have no right to apologize." The muscles in Dwayne's face twitched, his voice much older. "After I did that back then, I regretted it, but I didn't take responsibility, didn't choose to tell the truth. I let things get worse. I'm guilty."

"I'm a sinner. I've wronged that person, wronged their family. However you want to deal with me is fine, I can accept it all. I'm willing to apologize, willing to go to prison, willing to do anything!"

Dwayne's eyes were bloodshot, his voice hoarse, almost choking as he roared it out.

But Alexander's expression remained calm, only coldly cutting him apart with his gaze. After a few seconds of silence, he spoke, "Fine, then I'll grant your wish."

Hearing this, Dwayne closed his eyes and let out a long, tired, turbid breath.

That evening, Dwayne was brought to a small conference room. Two documents lay on the table.

One was case materials—a complete reconstruction of Daryl's death case from years ago. Alexander had hired several lawyers and spent two months reorganizing the evidence chain, witness testimonies, and liability determinations. Every page was printed clearly.

All pointing directly at Dwayne. As long as Alexander was willing, sending Dwayne to prison would be a matter of minutes.

"I'll hand you over to the police and go through legal procedures," Alexander said coldly. "What's owed to the Winters family, I'll return to them bit by bit, and I'll make the truth public."

Dwayne's face darkened. He seemed unwilling to see this outcome, but under the oppressive force Alexander brought, he couldn't utter a single word of objection.

"Of course, if Sophia wants blood for blood, I won't hesitate to hand you over to her. But just letting you die like this would be too easy." Facing Dwayne, Alexander felt nothing inside, his tone ice-cold. "Tomorrow I'll have the media report this. I hope you can reform in prison and spend your twilight years peacefully."

Dwayne suddenly felt his stomach cramping and spasming. Alexander was a real demon!