When They Beg I Rise (Lemira) novel Chapter 1095

Lemira observed Hale's sudden panic. Why was he so desperate to see Evelina?

Did he know something else?

Lucian spoke up coolly. "Seeing her won't change the facts. The paternity test speaks for itself."

Lemira noticed the visible shift in Hale's demeanor; his mind was clearly racing. Was he reconsidering his cooperation now that he knew his leverage through the baby was gone?

But the person who looked the most devastated was Amelia.

The introduction of these two damning pieces of evidence had fundamentally escalated the severity of her crimes.

During his closing arguments, Sebastian meticulously laid out the profound cruelty of Amelia's actions, heavily advocating for the maximum sentence—the death penalty.

At the words "death penalty," the last remaining color drained from Amelia's face. Had the bailiffs not been holding her arms, she would have collapsed onto the floor.

During the last hearing, she had convinced herself the worst-case scenario was life in prison. She had still planned on surviving. She never imagined they were ruthlessly pushing for an execution.

Panicking, she looked toward the gallery at her daughter. "Save me! Do something!"

Susanna's eyes filled with tears. "Mom, I'll figure something out!"

Sophia, however, remained glued to her chair, her expression glacial.

Susanna turned to her frantically. "Sophia, think of something!"

"You're the one who just swore to her you'd figure it out," Sophia snapped back. "Why are you looking at me? Do I look like a magic genie to you? You made the promise, you fix it."

Sophia was completely burned out. She had nothing left to sacrifice for this family.

Susanna glared at her, deeply offended. "Did Mom and Dad raise you for nothing? You were always the favorite! They gave you whatever you wanted!"

Sophia lunged sideways, her hands clamping fiercely around Susanna's neck. "If you care so much, why don't you go die in her place!"

Hale turned to Lucian, his voice tight with urgency. "Bring Evelina to me. I need to see her face-to-face and ask her myself."

Lucian frowned. "Once the sentencing is over, I'll arrange a meeting. Not before."

There was absolutely no way they were letting Hale find out about Evelina's death right now.

But Hale was growing increasingly agitated, repeatedly demanding to see his daughter.

It was technically true that Evelina was dead and couldn't collect the money.

But he planned to buy her a premium burial plot. That technically fulfilled his end of the bargain with Hale.

Hale still looked profoundly reluctant. Lemira narrowed her eyes at him. "Why are you in such a rush to see her? Is there something else you're hiding from us?"