Tracie’s expression hardened. "That means he’s going after her."


    "That’s a good thing," Xavier responded. "Xander will see her and learn the truth himself."


    Tracie ced a hand on her chin, deep in thought. Fiona was still in the middle of filing for divorce from her abusive husband, a man who had beaten her so severely she had ended up in the hospital. Tracie still remembered how terrified and apologetic Fiona had been while recounting her story.


    But could she handle facing Xander?


    Tracie didn’t know much about Xander beyond his reputation, but if he couldn’t handle the truth, Fiona could be in danger.


    "I need to warn Fiona so she can be prepared," Tracie said, excusing herself to make a phone call.


    Anastasia and Xavier exchanged a nce. Although learning about Maxwell’s betrayal was painful, at least now, Xander was on the path to uncovering the truth.


    Xander stepped out of the car with Samantha beside him, his crutches clicking against the pavement as they made their way toward the hotel entrance.


    People stared.


    Not because of who he was—because they didn’t know. They stared because they thought they were seeing Xavier walking around with crutches.


    "You need to put on your mask," Samantha whispered, noticing people reaching for their phones. "Your face will be all over the inte in minutes, and Xavier will know you’re in Radiantia."


    "Let him," Xander replied tly.


    Xavier had already managed to track him down in Regalith and shoot him in the leg. If another bullet wasing his way, so be it. Right now, his mind was so clouded with everything else that he could barely muster the energy to care.


    Even after all these years, the world didn’t know he existed or had forgotten he ever existed.


    A heavy feeling settled in his chest, but he shoved it down as they entered the hotel, checked in, and made their way to their room. Although they hadn’t ced an official title to their rtionship, they didn’t mind spending the night in the same hotel room.


    As soon as they were inside, Samantha turned to him. "About what you told your father earlier... was that what Xavier told you?"


    Xander nodded after a pause. "He said Mr. Wace was the one who killed Arabe."


    "Do you believe him?" Samantha asked cautiously.


    Xander exhaled sharply. "There’s a chance. My father conveniently forgets that he kicked me out two decades ago because I refused to break up with her." A bitter scoff left his lips. His fists clenched as his teeth gnashed together.


    Ever since Xavier’s usation, he hadn’t been able to think about anything else.


    "He kicked me out of the house because he didn’t want me with a middle-ss girl," he added through gritted teeth.


    Samantha hesitated. "Do you think that’s enough reason for him to kill her?"


    Silence stretched between them.


    Then, atst, Xander spoke. "I’ve never heard him talk about killing anyone before." His jaw tightened. "But now that I think about it... yeah. It’s possible. When I kidnapped Anastasia, he encouraged me to torture her before killing her. He waspletely willing to have me murder her in cold blood." His voice dropped to a chilling whisper. "So yes, he is capable of it."


    Samantha settled beside him, cing a hand on his shoulder.


    She knew what was truly tormenting him.


    Regret.


    If Xavier was right, then Xander had spent all these years hating the wrong person. Targeting the wrong enemy. Hell would break lose if that was the truth and there was a chance that Mr Wace might not live to see the next day.


    She spoke softly. "If you feel uneasy about this, maybe you should meet with Xavier. Ask him how he found out—"


    "Maxwell already told me about Fiona," Xander interrupted. His voice was strained, like the words were choking him. "She’s the one who told Xavier. She saw everything the night Arabe died."


    Samantha’s breath caught in her throat. Samantha was silent for a while, registering his words. As much as she didn’t want to, they needed to know the truth.


    For a moment, neither of them spoke. Even though the truth wasn’t revealed yet, Samantha was starting to feel regret. After everything she’d done to Anastasia—just for them to find out that she’d been innocent all the time.


    Samantha also seemed to forget that she has other girls who were innocent and didn’t need to be sold off like objects.


    Then, with quiet finality, she said, "Then we need to meet with her."