Chapter 124

The glass door of the finance department swung open. Penelope Pope entered with a coffee cup, stopping at Melissa Lee's desk.

"Manager, do you really think Evelyn Sinclair can land Alexander Kingsley's exclusive interview?"

Melissa continued painting her nails, smirking. "What do you think?"

She blew lightly on her freshly polished nails. "But that's irrelevant."

She'd set an elaborate trap from the start.

Nigel Norton, CEO of Tonggowan Manufacturing, was notorious for harassing female subordinates.

With Evelyn's looks, sending her there was like throwing a lamb to wolves.

The cherry on top? Nigel's famously jealous wife specialized in humiliating mistresses.

Melissa had already tipped off Mrs. Norton anonymously.

Even if Evelyn escaped Nigel's advances, she wouldn't avoid his wife's wrath.

As for Alexander Kingsley...

Horizon Media's finance department never secured interview rights to begin with.

The longstanding feud between Kingsley Group and Horizon ensured Alexander would never grant them an audience.

Penelope's "stomachache" delaying the interview? A complete fabrication.

By the time Evelyn escaped Tonggowan, Kingsley Group's doors would be firmly shut.

The failed interview would be her failure alone.

Melissa wasn't worried about being exposed.

With the Yearwood family backing her, even if Evelyn complained to William Yearwood himself, the cover story would hold.

Someone at Evelyn's level could never verify facts with Kingsley Group's executives.

"But...what if the Crown Prince helps her again?" Penelope still shuddered remembering the last incident.

"Even better." Melissa's eyes flashed with jealousy. "You'll get credit for the interview. Your byline."

"After what happened with Vincent Sullivan—"

"Victoria Henn was an idiot." Melissa cut her off. "This time, we'll make Evelyn agree herself."

She rotated her wrist, the nail polish glinting coldly under the lights.

Madam Yearwood's instructions were clear—transferring Evelyn here was meant to break her.

Ideally, she'd accumulate enough failures to resign in shame.

The Yearwoods wouldn't resort to crude methods.

They wanted Evelyn to admit defeat voluntarily.

Melissa was certain Evelyn would fail both interviews.

Just handling the Nortons would be nightmare enough.

Yet the next morning, Evelyn's completed assignment appeared in Melissa's inbox:

[Manager, Alexander Kingsley's exclusive interview is attached.]

Melissa nearly crushed her mouse.

Julian Ashford had intervened again!

She summoned Evelyn, face thunderous. "This was Penelope's interview. Forward it to her directly."

Let her complain if she dared.

See if Alexander Kingsley would defend her.

Evelyn simply nodded meekly. "Understood, Manager."

That submissive demeanor triggered unpleasant memories, souring Melissa's entire day.

Penelope became the department celebrity for "exclusively interviewing" Alexander Kingsley.

"Penelope, you're amazing! Even getting his daily routine!"

"He discussed management philosophy with you? He must admire you!"

"Let me touch your belly for good luck!"

The praise grew so lavish even Penelope started believing it.

When colleagues asked for details, she recited fabricated answers effortlessly.

"Perhaps it's my observational skills—I noticed his office's signature scent immediately..."

The article did mention Alexander's preferred aromatherapy brand.

This convincing detail made both Melissa and Penelope certain the interview was real.

While Penelope basked in glory, Evelyn faced mounting harassment.

Nigel Norton's calls came incessantly:

"Miss Sinclair, interviewing me tomorrow?"

"I'm at the XX Hotel. Come directly?"

"Your place works too!"

After repeated rejections, Nigel called Melissa directly: "Is Horizon playing games? I'll sue!"

Melissa feigned concern. "We'll dispatch a reporter immediately."

"I only want Evelyn Sinclair! Lawyer's letter coming tomorrow if she's a no-show!"

Hanging up, Melissa summoned Evelyn. "This is your assignment. Neglecting duties so soon looks bad."

Clearly, Nigel hadn't succeeded last time.

Now she'd see Evelyn wriggle out of this.

Once compromised with an interview subject, Evelyn would be tainted goods.

Then let's see if the Crown Prince still wanted her.

......

Nathan Carter hurried into Alexander Kingsley's office.

"Lord Alex, you need to see this."

Alexander looked up from overdue paperwork delayed by his hospitalization.

"Horizon just published your 'exclusive interview.'" Nathan handed over a tablet. "I don't recall granting one."

Alexander's gaze went straight to the byline...