Chapter 108

William West.

That name first entered Evelyn Sinclair's world through Julian Ashford's warning.

"If you see this man, walk away immediately." The teenage Julian's gaze was razor-sharp. "The West family murdered your parents."

Evelyn's fingertips turned ice-cold.

"They killed my parents... and still won't stop?"

"Because," Julian's voice darkened, "your father took William West's father's life too."

It had been a mutual destruction.

William's mother fled with him, but fate caught up with them regardless.

"He'll come for revenge." Julian gripped her trembling shoulders. "Evelyn, either stay under the Kingsleys' protection forever, or become strong enough that no one can touch you."

Evelyn once tentatively mentioned the name to Alexander Kingsley.

"Who told you that? Has he contacted you?" Alexander's reaction was violently intense.

The next day, she found herself shadowed by round-the-clock bodyguards.

From that moment, Evelyn faced an impossible choice—remain the Kingsleys' caged songbird, or grow claws of her own...

Fate never gave her the chance to decide.

......

"Long time no see, Evie." William West looked down at her, lips curving in a dangerous smile. "Even more captivating than before."

His voice dripped poisoned honey. His delicate features bordered on ethereal, pale skin carrying a sickly pallor like some creature bred in darkness.

At their first meeting, he'd called her "Evie"—a deceptively sweet nickname laced with venom.

This was a true serpent, his dazzling beauty the deadliest warning.

"I hear you've been thriving lately." His smile never wavered.

William always smiled.

That careless amusement dancing in his eyes almost looked genuine.

But Evelyn knew—he smiled most beautifully when killing.

"I always said the Kingsleys would waste your talents. With your skills, restoring the Sinclairs' former glory would be child's play."

"I always said."

Those four words turned Evelyn's stomach.

The pretentious affectation reeked of nauseating arrogance.

Only his striking looks saved the act from being laughable.

"Business?" Evelyn's key remained motionless in the lock.

"Extending an olive branch." William cut to the chase. "Heard you're back in the game... Come to Orange Media. The editor-in-chief position is yours."

Just as expected.

Julian's intel was never wrong—Orange Media did belong to William.

"Pass." Wasting words on him was intolerable.

She turned the key, entered, and slammed the door in one fluid motion.

William's sigh carried through the wood: "What a... pity."

......

Alexander returned to Royal Gardens.

Since Evelyn left, the mansion had become a mausoleum.

His rare visit today was to plan renovations.

The engagement required wedding preparations, during which Evelyn would surely stay with the Kingsleys—close to the elders and convenient for meetings...

Though the Kingsleys owned numerous properties in Kingsbury, Alexander favored Royal Gardens above all.

Every detail here pleased him.

More importantly, Evelyn had once confessed she loved this place.

He remembered accidentally overhearing her discuss nursery designs with the staff.

Since they'd be living here long-term after marriage, Alexander decided on a full remodel.

Six months would suffice—enough time for the wedding, pregnancy, and ensuring the new rooms were formaldehyde-free.

He intended to ask the housekeeper about Evelyn's preferred nursery location and other layout preferences.

Having spent years at Royal Gardens, the staff knew her habits better than he did.

Approaching the servants' quarters, raucous laughter assaulted his ears.

"Mrs. Wilson, Evelyn's definitely not coming back, right?"

"Of course not! If she were, she'd have returned by now. Lord Alex has clearly washed his hands of her."

"Thank goodness! I was afraid she'd retaliate against us."

"For what? She was just some charity case Lord Alex tolerated out of pity. Did she actually think she was mistress here?"

"But Madam Kingsley adores her... What if she punishes us for those things we said—"

"Punish us? That orphan should be grateful Lord Alex let her sleep in his bed! No handouts? Then scram like a good girl!"

"Ugh, her delusions were the worst! Everyone saw how little Lord Alex cared. Still dreaming of marriage—pathetic!"

"Oh! Remember when she asked which room would make a good nursery? I gave some random answer, and the idiot actually measured it with a tape! Mortifying!"

"Brainless twit! We humored her with pretty lies, and she ate it up."

"That's why taunting her during the breakup was so satisfying!"

"Finally showed her her place!"

"Best part? When I followed her upstairs to insult her, Lord Alex suddenly appeared. Guess who he took her side against?" Mrs. Wilson's tone oozed smugness.

"What'd you say to her?"

"Just warned her everything at Royal Gardens belongs to the Kingsleys. Told her not to steal anything on her way out—"

"Serves her right!"

The other servants crowed in agreement.

"Eating the Kingsleys' food, living in their house—actually thought she was family!"

"Should've made her leave naked!"

"Lord Alex would obviously side with Mrs. Wilson. She's been with the family for decades. What's that nobody compared to—"

"I'd pay to see her kicked-puppy face if we told her again!"

Their jeering continued unchecked—until an arctic voice shattered the noise:

"Repeat every word. Exactly as you said them."

All laughter.

Died instantly.

The servants froze, blood turning to ice in their veins.