Chapter 122
Evelyn looked up, meeting Julian's deep gaze.
His eyes were crystal clear, like untouched mountain springs.
She suddenly realized she'd never truly studied them before.
In past encounters, he'd always been the first to look away—as if deliberately avoiding something.
Now she noticed his sharp features, the noble bearing in his brow that rivaled Alexander's.
"Don't feel obligated, Julian." Evelyn broke the silence first. "Last night was my oversight. I didn't mean to trouble you."
She extended the ring toward him. "If you hadn't saved me that year, I would've frozen to death. How could I repay that debt by burdening you further?"
Julian didn't take it.
His voice was low but firm. "I love you, Evelyn."
The words dropped like a stone into her calm heart.
"When Mrs. Wilson framed you, part of me wished it were true." He stepped closer. "If you'd been carrying my child, I'd never have let you return to Alexander."
Evelyn froze.
She'd never imagined his kindness stemmed from such feelings.
"I'm sorry, Julian. I truly didn't know—" Her voice trembled.
"Then what did you think it was?" His smile was bitter.
"I thought... just friendship." She answered honestly.
Julian grasped her hand, pressing the ring into her palm.
Evelyn recoiled as if burned.
The ring hit the floor with a crystalline chime.
"I'm not ready for a new relationship." She met his gaze squarely. "I appreciate your feelings, but—"
"It's fine." Julian bent to retrieve the ring. "I can wait."
The diamond glittered coldly under the lights.
He'd prepared this ring for five years.
"Don't wait." Evelyn's tone was calm. "I can't have children. I'm not marriage material."
"We have Sophie." He'd anticipated this. "If you want more, we can adopt."
The words did stir something in her.
But clarity returned swiftly.
If she could raise Sophie alone, a man wasn't a necessity.
———
At the hospital, Evelyn encountered Madeline Kingsley.
"Do you resent me, dear?" The old woman's eyes were uneasy.
"No." Evelyn smiled. "I was never worthy of Alexander."
Madeline exhaled. "I'll find you a good match."
Evelyn nearly laughed aloud.
To elite families, a barren woman was damaged goods.
But arguing was pointless.
———
Alexander never appeared that night.
Near dawn, Eleanor arrived looking strained.
[Alex is hospitalized] she texted.
Evelyn's chest tightened. [What happened?]
[Stomach issues] Eleanor replied, brow furrowed.
She omitted the morning rumors—Alexander spotted leaving a hotel with Isabella.
That must never reach Evelyn.
Evelyn kept vigil over Patriarch Kingsley all night.
At dawn, she resolved to return to Horizon Media.
"Go ahead." The old man patted her hand. "If the Yearwoods trouble you, I'll buy Horizon for you to play with."
"Then you'll be honorary chairman." She winked.
Yet upon arrival, a transfer order awaited.
From Entertainment to Financial Department—a lateral move.
"Direct order from Mr. Yearwood." Martha frowned. "Melissa Lee's determined to break you."
Evelyn smiled faintly. "Perfect timing. I was heading there eventually."
That was the empire her parents had built for Horizon.
———
"Father, you know Melissa's targeting Evelyn!" Julian stormed into the CEO's office.
William Yearwood didn't look up. "To marry into our family, she must prove her worth."
"Worth?" Julian scoffed. "Without the Sinclairs, Horizon would be nothing!"
"Enough!" William slammed his desk. "They withdrew their shares! Today's Horizon is my creation!"
Julian stared at his father's contorted face, struck by its unfamiliarity.
"Don't interfere with her work." He turned to leave. "Unless you want to lose spectacularly."
William erupted in fury.
But Julian was already gone.
None of them realized—Evelyn's displayed skills were merely the tip of the iceberg.
———
Financial Department assigned Evelyn a special position—paired with four-months-pregnant Penelope Pope.
"Penelope's maternity leave starts soon." Melissa smiled thinly. "Choose one of these assignments."
Evelyn scanned the files.
The second task read: Exclusive Interview—Alexander Kingsley.