Chapter 113

"Sophie!" Evelyn Sinclair caught her collapsing sister.

The lively young girl who had been bouncing around moments ago now lay limp in her arms like a broken marionette.

Alexander Kingsley strode forward, gathering Sophie securely in his strong arms. "Call the doctor."

"But your grandmother—"

News of Madeline Kingsley's sudden illness had just arrived. As the heir, Alexander should rush to her side immediately.

"Grandmother has enough attendants." Alexander carried Sophie swiftly toward the elevator. "She needs medical attention first. Call an ambulance if necessary."

Evelyn hesitated only a moment before following.

Sophie's eyes fluttered open before the doctor arrived.

She blinked in confusion like a lost fawn. "Sister? What happened?"

Alexander settled her on the lounge sofa. Evelyn checked her forehead—no fever.

"Probably exhaustion." After years of hospitalization, the bustling banquet had drained Sophie's energy.

The arriving doctor confirmed this. All vitals indicated a brief fainting spell with no serious concerns.

"Go check on your grandmother. I'll stay with Sophie." Evelyn couldn't leave, but she wouldn't keep Alexander either.

His dark eyes held hers for several silent seconds before nodding. "Call me immediately if anything changes."

The unopened ring box still weighed heavily in his suit pocket.

"Sister...did I cause trouble?" Sophie asked timidly after Alexander left.

"Of course not." Evelyn smoothed her hair.

Sophie had unwittingly done her a favor. Had Alexander actually proposed, how would she have responded?

Yet Madeline Kingsley's "sudden illness" proved equally timely. That exaggerated shriek had unmistakably belonged to Isabella Winslow.

Naturally, she wouldn't sit idle while Alexander proposed.

Or was it even a proposal?

Evelyn leaned back beside Sophie, closing her eyes. An unopened box could contain anything—perhaps her missing butterfly brooch?

Had he found it? Was this his way of returning it? Why else use a holographic butterfly as delivery?

"The butterflies tonight were beautiful," Sophie murmured. "Lord Alex treats you so well."

Evelyn chuckled. "This counts as 'treating me well'?"

Children saw the world simply. Alexander's past neglect was easily erased by one grand gesture. How cheaply men could atone.

Her phone buzzed—Eleanor Kingsley calling.

"Evelyn, I heard about Sophie? Is she alright?"

"She's fine now. How's Grandmother?"

"Grandmother..." Eleanor hesitated strangely. "Could you come to the banquet hall?"

"Now?"

"Yes. If inconvenient, take Sophie to the hospital first—" Her tone turned odd.

"Should I bring Sophie along?"

"No!" Eleanor blurted. "Her health comes first. Get her to the hospital."

Understanding dawned. Eleanor's summons was actually a warning to leave.

"I should check on Grandmother. It would be improper not to." Evelyn politely declined the veiled advice.

Madeline had treated her like a granddaughter all these years. Avoiding her now would invite criticism.

As for potential schemes...

She feared nothing anymore.

"Sophie, I'm going to see Madeline Kingsley. Will you be alright alone?" Evelyn instructed firmly, "Don't open the door for anyone but me. Call immediately if needed—just redial the first number."

"Got it." Sophie nodded obediently. "Not even for Lord Alex."

Hardship had forged wisdom in this innocent child.

After settling her sister, Evelyn headed to the banquet hall.

Oppressive tension greeted her upon entry.

Madeline reclined on a chaise, complexion normal but expression conflicted. Patriarch Kingsley gripped her hand, eyes wary and confused. The Kingsley parents flanked them while Alexander stood behind, face icy.

Unexpectedly, both the Ashford and Winslow families were present.

Julian Ashford gave her a subtle nod, his parents appearing bewildered. The Winslows barely concealed their smugness, shooting her venomous looks.

At the room's center stood a trembling figure—Mrs. Wilson.

The former Royal Gardens housekeeper Alexander had dismissed now appeared at the birthday gala.

"Now that everyone's here," Madeline said heavily, "speak."

"Wait." Alexander's voice cut like frost. "Family matters require privacy."

"No!" The usually meek Mrs. Wilson defied him. "Young Master Ashford is involved."

Madeline overruled, "No outsiders remain. Proceed."

Earlier, during Madeline's fainting spell, Isabella and her mother had caused a scene, disrupting Alexander's near-proposal.

Mrs. Wilson had been secretly admitted earlier by Madeline herself. Weeping over her unjust dismissal, she'd claimed knowledge affecting the Kingsley legacy—and implicating the Ashfords.

"Madame, I served the Kingsleys faithfully for eight years..." Mrs. Wilson sobbed dramatically.

"By stealing from us?" Alexander scoffed.

The Royal Gardens theft case had been resolved. Her presence here reeked of conspiracy.

"Lord Alex, I admit to greed, but that's separate from Miss Sinclair's misdeeds!" Mrs. Wilson suddenly straightened. "Who in this household lacks selfish motives? You punished me only because I exposed her secret—"

"What secret?" Madeline demanded.

Mrs. Wilson turned to Evelyn, vindictive triumph flashing in her eyes.

"Miss Sinclair's illicit affair with Young Master Ashford led to..."