Chapter 323

"It's too late for regrets. Everyone must pay for their mistakes." Ruby stood up, unable to bear looking at her any longer. "Ruby, Ruby... please, I'm begging you. Ask Michael not to hold me accountable. Just let me go!" Nora clutched the iron bars, her voice raw with desperation. "He hates you even more than I do." Ruby threw the words over her shoulder before turning away. Nora knew it all too well. Michael probably wished she were dead. She had stolen Ruby's identity, basking in the luxuries he provided, his care, his affection—every tender word and gesture. Those had been the happiest days of Nora’s life. A woman as ordinary as her would never have crossed paths with a man like Michael if not for that twisted opportunity. "Ruby, if you were in my shoes—if Michael showed up offering unconditional compensation—could you really have refused? Don’t pretend you wouldn’t have been tempted by everything he had to offer!" Nora shouted, her voice cracking. Ruby paused mid-step, genuinely co