Chapter 118

The birthday banquet for Patriarch Kingsley took an unexpected turn.

The joyous celebration of his eightieth birthday was shattered by the wail of ambulance sirens.

After emergency treatment from the doctors, the elderly man was rushed to the hospital.

Guests exchanged uneasy glances, whispering as they made their exit.

No one had anticipated the party would end so abruptly—just as Alexander Kingsley was about to propose...

The news spread like wildfire.

By dawn, high society buzzed with gossip: The Kingsley heir had fallen for an unworthy woman, and his failed proposal had given the patriarch a heart attack.

The rumors grew increasingly outrageous.

Evelyn Sinclair's identity morphed from ordinary girl to every conceivable villainous role...

She didn't even get to accompany the patriarch to the hospital.

The moment the doctors arrived, she turned and ran toward Sophie's room.

The door was locked.

After persistent knocking, Sophie finally cracked it open timidly.

"Sister!" The trembling girl flung herself into Evelyn's arms.

The room stood empty.

"That brother opened the door himself," Sophie's voice quivered. "I tried to call for help, but he took my phone..."

Evelyn held her tight.

On the nightstand lay a single note:

[Did you like my gift?]

The handwriting cut like a blade.

William West.

After seven years, his schemes had grown more refined.

Evelyn's lips curled into a cold smile.

She knew William wouldn't harm Sophie—her only vulnerability. He'd only "protect" her too well.

"Let's get you back to the hospital."

On the way, Evelyn smirked bitterly.

So she wasn't the only one dreading Alexander's proposal.

Isabella Winslow, William West, Mrs. Wilson... even Madeline Kingsley.

They'd all been more desperate than her to stop the engagement.

At least it saved her some trouble.

"Sister," Sophie suddenly tugged her sleeve as they parted, "is this the ring from Brother Alex?"

Only then did Evelyn notice Julian Ashford's ring still on her finger. The chaos had made her forget entirely.

"No," she removed it, watching Sophie's hopeful expression dim. "Just borrowed."

...

Outside Patriarch Kingsley's hospital room.

Evelyn reached for the door just as it swung open violently.

Alexander stood before her.

He seized her wrist with bruising force, nearly pulling her off balance.

"What are you doing here?" His voice could freeze hell, his gaze utterly foreign.

Evelyn opened her mouth.

"Miss Sinclair," he cut her off, "Kingsley affairs are none of your concern."

Miss Sinclair.

The title sliced through thirteen years of ties to the Kingsley family like a guillotine.

The realization struck her—she'd always been an outsider.

"I'm sorry." She turned to leave.

Alexander's grip tightened.

"Grandfather asked for you the moment he woke," he forced her to meet his eyes. "Now you just walk away?"

Evelyn looked up at him.

"What do you want from me?" Her voice remained steady. "I can't stay, I can't leave."

Seven years of suppressed grievances surged forth.

So he'd believed her unfaithful all along.

William's carefully forged evidence had made him tolerate her for years.

"If you truly love Julian Ashford," Alexander ground out, "why come back to deceive me?"

"Alex!" Eleanor Kingsley appeared, yanking him away. "Have you lost your mind?"

She shielded Evelyn behind her.

"Take your tantrums to the gym!" The matriarch glared at her son, pulling Evelyn inside. "You stay out!"

The door slammed in Alexander's face.

On the bed, the weakened patriarch reached out.

"Evelyn..." He struggled with his oxygen mask.

Tears finally spilled down Evelyn's cheeks.

"Grandfather, I'm so sorry..."