Chapter 123

Evelyn Sinclair's fingers tapped lightly on the desk as her gaze shifted between the two documents Melissa Lee had handed her.

Both options were clearly carefully laid traps.

"I'm still new to the department and unfamiliar with the work. I'll defer to your and Penelope's arrangements," she said smoothly, pushing the decision back to them.

Melissa's lips curved slightly. "Then interview Nigel Norton. As for Alexander Kingsley..." She paused. "I heard he's suing you for defamation? I worry he might use this opportunity to make things difficult."

Melissa had already thoroughly investigated Evelyn's relationship with Alexander.

She had checked the surveillance footage from the hotel that day—there had been a third person in the room.

And the lawsuit Alexander filed against Evelyn? That was irrefutable proof.

As for those twenty truckloads of roses?

Please. If Evelyn had really climbed the Kingsley family tree, why would she still be putting up with this treatment at Horizon Media?

"Penelope," Melissa said, keeping the other woman back. "Taking maternity leave a month early? By the time you return, the editor-in-chief position might be..."

Penelope's face paled.

"Melissa, I—"

"There are ways," Melissa said meaningfully. "If you're bold enough."

Tonggowan Manufacturing was located in Kingsbury's industrial district.

Evelyn stood alone in front of the corporate building, her fingers absently tracing the edges of her recorder.

The photographer and assistant she should have been assigned had been reassigned by Penelope under the pretense of covering Alexander's interview.

The moment Nigel Norton's office door opened, his greasy gaze latched onto her.

"Reporter Sinclair, what an honor!" His beer belly led the way as he approached, his thick hand already reaching for her shoulder.

Evelyn sidestepped, slamming her recorder onto the table.

"Mr. Norton, let's begin."

Halfway through the interview, her phone buzzed.

Penelope's tearful voice came through. "Evelyn, I fell... The Alexander Kingsley interview—"

"I'm with Mr. Norton right now."

"Alexander Kingsley rarely grants exclusives!" Penelope's voice suddenly sharpened. "Nigel Norton can be rescheduled anytime!"

Evelyn glanced up.

Nigel was leering at her, his eyes lingering on her collar.

"Mr. Norton, my apologies—"

"Leaving already?" His expression darkened as he suddenly grabbed her wrist. "I canceled three meetings for this!"

Evelyn yanked her hand free.

The moment she rushed out of the office, the sharp click of heels echoed from the end of the hallway.

"That's her!"

A well-dressed woman at the front gestured, and four bodyguards immediately surrounded Evelyn.

The woman gripped Evelyn's chin, smirking. "His taste has improved this time."

A document was shoved against Evelyn's chest.

"Sign this. Admit your relationship with Nigel Norton, or else..." Her nails dug into Evelyn's skin. "I'll make sure this face of yours never sees daylight again."