Chapter 120

Alexander Kingsley had shown Evelyn Sinclair with his actions that some boundaries, once crossed, could never be undone.

So what if it was wrong?

She was his now. There would be no escape for her.

......

At dawn, Evelyn slipped out of the hotel, her body aching.

She glanced back at Alexander, still asleep, his brow furrowed even in slumber.

Bending down, she gathered the torn remnants of her evening gown from the floor and changed into the casual clothes Eleanor Kingsley had given her the night before.

The click of the door handle echoed sharply in the silent room.

"Evelyn..."

Alexander's sleep-muffled voice froze her in place.

They were over.

Last night had been a mistake.

Whether he remembered or not, she would pretend it never happened.

Thankfully, he merely turned over and drifted back into sleep.

Evelyn fled into the elevator as if demons chased her.

......

Isabella Winslow stood trembling before the hotel room door, keycard clutched in her fingers.

She had rushed to the bar after William West's midnight message, only to find it empty.

Tracking Alexander down had led her here—to where Evelyn had been.

"After years of patience, don't ruin everything now," William's words replayed in her mind. "Follow my plan. There's still a chance."

The lock beeped as the card activated it.

The room was icy. Isabella shivered.

In the dim morning light, she saw the sharp profile of the man in bed.

Her pulse hammered wildly.

Fingers shaking, she began unbuttoning her blouse—then hesitated.

"What are you doing?"

His voice turned her blood to ice.

Alexander was awake.

Isabella stood paralyzed, nails digging into her palms.

Why was she always one step too late?

"You...you were exhausted last night," she forced a coy smile, cheeks flushing. "I didn't have the heart to wake you..."

Alexander's frown deepened.

He remembered Evelyn.

Fragmented memories filled with her.

"Who sent you?" His tone could cut steel.

"It was Evelyn..." Isabella fumbled for the keycard. "She said you were drunk—asked me to check on you..."

His expression darkened dangerously.

"Get out."

Isabella bit her lip. "Alexander, we've already—"

"Mrs. Wilson works for you, doesn't she?" His冷笑 was glacial. "Shall I pull the Royal Gardens surveillance footage?"

She paled.

"I—"

"Three seconds. Disappear."

......

In the hallway, Isabella blocked Alexander's path.

"You can't do this to me!" Her voice rose hysterically. "Last night you—"

"Proof?" His gaze was contemptuous. "I recall nothing."

Her eyes widened in disbelief.

"Seven years ago, without me, Kingsley Group would've collapsed!" She screamed. "I saved your life!"

Alexander stopped. His stare grew arctic.

"Did I ask you to?"

The words stabbed like knives.

"Then why her?" Isabella shrilled. "Why does Evelyn get everything?"

Suddenly, Alexander smiled. It never reached his eyes.

"Because I love her." Each syllable was a blade. "What does owing you have to do with it? I thought you despised trading favors, Miss Winslow."

Isabella staggered back as Alexander strode away.

So he knew.

Every cruel word she'd thrown at Evelyn. Every servant she'd bribed.

......

Alexander went straight to the hospital.

The moment he opened the ward door, his gaze locked onto the slender figure curled on the cot.

Those hazy memories sharpened.

He was certain now—it had been her last night.

But as he took his first step toward her...