Lahat ng Kabanata ng Ten Ways To Kill Alpha PENKING : Kabanata 61 - Kabanata 70

Rivera became the shadow over everything.Every week, Penking had to report. Every week, he came back more tense.“He’s pushing,” Penking said after the third meeting. “Asking about people I used to know. Suggesting I’m still involved in my old business.”“Are you?”“No. But he doesn’t believe me.”“Then prove it.”“How? By cutting off everyone from my past? That includes you, Amelia. You were part of that world.”“Then we document everything. Every conversation. Every movement. Build a record that shows you’re clean.”“That’s exhausting.”“So is prison.”He couldn’t argue with that.They started documenting. Kept detailed records. Made sure everything was above board.But Rivera kept pushing.Week five, he showed up at the penthouse unannounced.“Surprise inspection,” he said. Cold smile. “Parole conditions allow it.”He walked through their home. Opened drawers. Checked closets. Looked through Penking’s things.Ellie cried the whole time. Scared by the stranger invading their space.

Amelia didn’t sleep that night.She lay beside Penking and listened to him breathe. Watched the way moonlight cut across his face.This man. Who’d destroyed her family. Who’d given her Ellie. Who’d chosen prison over putting her in danger.Had he killed Elena deliberately?She didn’t want to believe it.But she’d believed so many lies before. What was one more?Morning came grey and cold.Penking kissed her forehead before leaving for work. “You okay? You seem off.”“Just tired. Wedding planning stress.”“We can postpone. If it’s too much.”“No. I want to do it. I’m just. Adjusting.”He studied her face. “You’re lying.”Her heart hammered. “What?”“You’re doing the thing. Biting your lip. Won’t meet my eyes.” He touched her chin. Made her look at him. “What’s wrong?”She almost told him. Almost confessed everything.But fear won.“Nothing. I promise. Just tired.”He didn’t believe her. She could see it in his eyes.But he let it go. “Okay. I’ll see you tonight.”He left.She stood in

The plan was simple. Amelia would call Devon. Tell him she’d read the documents. That she was leaving Penking. That she needed help disappearing with Ellie. He’d come. Thinking he’d won. And they’d have proof. Recorded confession. Evidence of his conspiracy with Adrian. Enough to put him away for years. Or at least enough to get a restraining order and peace. She made the call the next morning. Devon answered on the first ring. “Amelia. I wasn’t expecting to hear from you.” “I read the documents. About Elena.” “And?” His voice was careful. Controlled. “And I can’t marry him. Can’t stay with someone who murdered his wife in cold blood. Who framed my father. Who’s been lying to me for years.” “I’m sorry you had to find out that way.” “I’m not. I needed to know the truth. But now I need help.” She forced her voice to shake. “I want to leave. Take Ellie. Start over somewhere he can’t find us. Can you help me?” Silence. Then Devon said slowly, “You want my help leaving Kael.”

Three months after the wedding, normalcy became routine.Penking went to work. Came home dirty. Played with Ellie. Made dinner with Amelia.They argued sometimes. About money. About parenting. About whose turn it was to do dishes.Normal couple arguments.Nothing life threatening. Nothing destructive.Just. Life.Amelia started writing. A blog about survival. About rebuilding after trauma. About choosing love when logic said run.It got popular. People connected. Shared their stories.She found purpose in it.Penking noticed. “You’re good at this. Helping people.”“I’m just sharing what worked for us.”“That’s valuable. More than you know.”She looked at him across the dinner table. “Are you happy?”“What?”“Are you happy? With this life? With the job and the routine and the boring normalcy?”He thought about it. “Yeah. I am. Are you?”“I think so. It’s different. Quieter. But good different.”“No regrets?”“A few. But not about you. Not about us.”“Good.” He reached across the table.

The court date arrived cold and wet.Rain hammered the courthouse windows as they waited outside the courtroom. Marcus reviewed documents. Penking paced. Amelia sat with her hands on her stomach, feeling the baby kick.Seven months pregnant now. Showing. Tired. But present.Because Devon needed to see what he’d tried to destroy.The bailiff called them in.Devon was already seated. His lawyer beside him. He didn’t look at Amelia. Just stared straight ahead.The judge entered. Everyone stood.“Be seated. We’re here regarding case number 47-B. Harassment charges filed by Amelia and Kael Penking against Devon Pekan.” The judge looked at Marcus. “Counselor. Present your case.”Marcus stood. “Your Honor. Mr. Pekan has engaged in a sustained campaign of harassment against my clients. Including but not limited to: conspiracy to commit fraud, filing false CPS reports, and repeated unwanted contact after being told to cease.”He submitted evidence. The recording from Adrian’s apartment. The CP