Kneeling for a Second Chance Novel

---- Chapter 393 Although Alexander had not interacted much with Valeria, he believed she would not steal money as someone who had that bright, innocent look in her eyes. On the other hand, Gabriella was his daughter, a person who was born into privilege and raised with care. The idea of her stealing money was unthinkable to Alexander . He was sure there was some misunderstanding. Valeria smiled, a trace of irony flickering in her eyes. She dug her nails deeper into her palm, using the pain to anchor her in reality.

'Taking a seat on the couch, Valeria lowered her gaze and wondered if she was being too naive. After all, the man was Gabriella's father. He would never suspect his own daughter. Valeria believed Alexander was a man who could see right from wrong-someone who was cultured and composed. However, right and wrong meant nothing when it came to family. Alexander did not hate Valeria the way Gabriella hated her. Moreover, he did not think Valeria stole the money and framed Gabriella for it. That alone had earned him Valeria's respect.

When Valeria said nothing, Alexander cleared his throat, ---- which only made the silence even louder. "The incident back then must've affected you deeply, didn't it?" he asked gently. Maybe it was the illness, the dialysis, or the restricted diet - Alexander had gotten thinner, and his features had taken on an even softer look. Sighing, he said from an older person's point of view, "I believe you didn't steal the money, but I believe my daughter as well. Maybe someone else stole the money from your desk and made you misunderstand my daughter.

Both of you were victims." Valeria smiled with a touch of irony. "It's only natural for a father to believe his daughter. I'm only voicing my suspicions -I think Gabriella had someone drug me and sent me to your room. "Her goal is to ruin my reputation. Both our phones were taken, and we can't contact anyone outside this room. It's probably close to 11:00 am now, which means there's only one hour left till the ceremony begins." Alexander stared at Valeria as the lights in the room cast their glow over her slender figure.

She seemed to be enduring the effects of the drug in her system, yet her voice remained steady, though raspy. There was even a faint layer of sweat on her face. "Are you afraid?" asked Alexander, taking a seat on the other end of the couch. There was nothing else they could do other ---- than wait. "Twas quite afraid when I first woke up, but not anymore. There's nothing in this world that can break me. I'm no longer the teenager I used to be. As long as I keep moving forward, there'll be a path meant for me." More importantly , Valeria knew Alexander believed her.

She did not want to be concerned about others' ill intentions. "Then let's play a game of chess," suggested Alexander, bending over to reach for the chessboard under the coffee table. Valeria spotted the chessboard as well. They exchanged glances and smiled. Neither of them had expected that they would end up playing a game of chess at a moment like that. As Valeria concentrated on the game, she found herself feeling much better. The heat in her body had subsided.