Chapter 107
Eleanor Kingsley stood frozen in place.
Patriarch Kingsley, however, beamed with delight.
"Good! Good! Good!" he exclaimed, nearly dropping his cane in excitement.
"That's my grandson!"
The gloom on his face vanished as he gave Alexander Kingsley an approving thumbs-up. "Hurry up and get married. I want to hold my great-grandchild next year!"
The old man was in such high spirits that he began humming a tune.
Eleanor looked stunned.
She pulled Alexander aside.
"You're really planning to propose?"
"Is that a problem?" Alexander countered, then frowned. "What did Evelyn say to Grandfather over the phone?"
Eleanor gave him a meaningful look. "Evelyn contacted me before releasing the surveillance footage. She asked me to keep it from him."
But the old man had found out anyway.
Just like at Royal Gardens, the Kingsley household had its share of loose-lipped staff.
"After learning the truth, Evelyn personally called to reassure him. But he was still worried and came here today to confront you!"
What surprised Eleanor most was Alexander's unexpected reaction.
Whenever the topic of marriage came up before, he would either remain silent or outright refuse.
"What if Evelyn rejects you?" Eleanor fretted.
Alexander's brow furrowed. "Why would she?"
Eleanor sighed. "...Have you even tried reconciling with her recently?"
Silence.
Eleanor immediately understood.
"She won't even consider getting back together, yet you expect her to agree to marriage?"
A stubborn glint flashed in Alexander's eyes. "She'll say yes."
"And if she doesn't?" Eleanor pressed.
"There is no 'if,'" Alexander stated firmly. Seeing his mother about to argue further, he coldly cut in, "Go keep Grandfather company. I have things to attend to."
With that, he turned and left.
But when he stepped outside, Nathan Carter delivered worse news.
"Miss Sinclair... has already left."
Julian Ashford had taken her away!
Alexander took a deep breath, forcing himself to stay calm.
It didn't matter. Soon enough.
At Grandfather's birthday banquet, he would propose to her publicly.
Marriage...
He remembered Evelyn's first birthday after arriving at the Kingsley household.
Eleanor had told her to make a wish.
With her eyes tightly shut, Evelyn had declared loudly, "When I grow up, I want to marry Alex!"
The family had either laughed or covered their smiles—except for Alexander, who had fled in embarrassment.
Evelyn had chased after him, tugging timidly at his sleeve. "Alex, don't you want to marry me?"
What had he said back then?
With a cold expression, he'd replied, "Don't you know wishes don't come true if you say them out loud?"
Evelyn's eyes had widened before she broke into a sweet smile. "Then I'll never say them aloud again."
She'd whispered, "I'll make my wishes secretly from now on."
......
"Nathan, contact the head designer at True Love," Alexander ordered. "I want an engagement ring she can't refuse—within two days."
Nathan hesitated.
Was Lord Alex about to make his grand move?
"Understood." He didn't dare say more, silently praying Miss Sinclair would change her mind.
......
"Are you going to the birthday banquet the day after tomorrow?" Julian asked Evelyn.
Before she could answer, he casually added, "The Kingsley household was your home for thirteen years... Would you like to visit?"
"Yes. Grandfather has always been kind to me," Evelyn nodded.
Julian's gaze lingered on her profile. "Be my date. I'm going alone—help me ward off unwanted attention?"
It was the best excuse he could come up with.
Ward off attention...
Given Evelyn's personality, she shouldn't refuse.
"I'm afraid not," she declined without hesitation.
"Grandfather doesn't know we've broken up. His heart isn't strong—it's better to keep it from him on such an important day."
Disappointment crashed over Julian like a wave.
He simply acknowledged her words and fell silent.
The diamond ring in his pocket suddenly felt heavy against his skin.
After speaking with William Yearwood, he'd made up his mind.
After all these years...
He didn't want to wait any longer.
Even if he waited until Evelyn regained her memories, would she still remember their past feelings?
Perhaps she'd already forgotten that innocence, remembering only his coldness.
Before, he'd respected her choice and promised to let go.
But now, Alexander was the one who didn't cherish her. Evelyn was the one who walked away.
Why should he keep his promise?
Besides, the reason he hadn't fought for her before was for Horizon Media's sake.
But how had Horizon treated Evelyn?
How had his father treated Evelyn?
The Sinclairs had helped the Kingsleys—but hadn't they done the same for the Ashfords?
Wasn't Horizon built on the foundation the Sinclairs laid?
Horizon wasn't worth it.
Not worth giving up the woman he loved.
"Alright," Julian finally spoke as they reached Evelyn's doorstep. "But after the banquet ends... will you leave with me?"
"Sure," Evelyn smiled. "Thank you, Julian."
With him escorting her home, she always felt safe.
The ring box in his pocket grew warm again.
Julian's mood lightened...
He'd confess after the banquet.
No matter the outcome, he wanted her to know how he felt.
As long as she didn't return to Alexander, he was confident he could win her heart...
......
Evelyn took out her keys, about to unlock her door.
A voice drifted from the end of the hallway.
"I heard Alexander Kingsley threw you away?"
A chill ran down Evelyn's spine, like a cold snake slithering up her back.
The voice was melodious yet sinister—like a flower at its peak just before decay, or the damp flicker of a serpent's tongue. Unforgettable.
"Tsk tsk..." The sound grew closer. "I told you he was unreliable, but you wouldn't listen... Evelyn, still so stubborn."
"Long time no see," Evelyn turned, her gaze icy as she faced the man now standing before her.
"...William West."