Chapter 132

The Kingsley Group and Horizon Media had been entangled in a bitter feud for two decades.

The Kingsleys and the Yearwoods were once close family friends.

Years ago, the Kingsleys had helped Horizon Media soar to success, only to withdraw their investment and distance themselves for undisclosed reasons.

Later, Alexander Kingsley struck a devastating blow against Horizon, nearly toppling the century-old company.

Now, Horizon's feelings toward the Kingsley Group were indescribably complex.

There was gratitude—old favors best left unmentioned.

And there was hatred—blood debts impossible to repay.

Alexander's sudden visit put Horizon on high alert.

No one knew his true intentions.

Was this a casual inspection, or had he come to claim his prize?

Horizon Media had long been the juicy cut of meat he eyed for his plate.

Alexander arrived with only Nathan Carter and Ethan Miller in tow—an unusually small entourage for him.

His security team followed at a discreet distance.

William Yearwood personally greeted him, making sure Julian Ashford was kept away.

Their last violent confrontation at the birthday banquet had sent the old patriarch to the hospital.

Who knew if this demon had come to pick another fight today?

William even ordered Melissa Lee to let Evelyn Sinclair leave early.

That girl was nothing but bad luck.

The only survivor of the wiped-out Sinclair family.

Her cursed existence had killed her own parents.

To William, she was a walking omen of doom.

Her time with the Kingsleys had thrown them into chaos.

Her arrival at Horizon nearly destroyed the company.

If not for lingering fear of the Sinclairs' influence, he would have...

...

But Julian defied his father's orders.

While the entire company trembled, the crown prince strutted boldly into Alexander's presence.

Fortunately, Alexander ignored him completely—the young master wasn't his target today.

Nathan produced a newspaper clipping. "Lord Alex has reviewed Horizon's exclusive interview with him."

William's stomach tightened as he forced a smile. "What does Lord Alex think? Any feedback?"

The article had been published days ago. Alexander's delayed reaction was ominous.

Alexander remained silent.

Nathan spoke for him. "Could we meet the journalist who wrote this? Lord Alex has some questions."

The byline belonged to Penelope Pope.

When summoned, she panicked.

"I—I never interviewed Alexander Kingsley! Send Evelyn instead!" she begged Melissa.

"No! He knows her. Your name's on it—you go," Melissa shoved her forward. "You're pregnant. He won't dare harm you."

Clutching her barely visible baby bump for courage, Penelope entered the meeting room.

William was exchanging pleasantries with Nathan.

"Truly remarkable reporting," Nathan praised. "Lord Alex rarely grants interviews, and even rarer finds articles worthy of his attention..."

Penelope exhaled in relief.

She smiled as she approached. "Mr. Yearwood."

William made introductions. "This is journalist Penelope Pope, the article's author. Lord Alex, you should—"

Penelope's heart pounded.

This was her first close encounter with the legendary Kingsley heir.

Perhaps this meeting could revive her stagnant career.

Maybe she wouldn't be sidelined after maternity leave.

Alexander looked up.

His glacial gaze scraped across her face like a blade.

"Who are you?"

The air froze.

Penelope stood dumbstruck before stammering, "I—I'm Penelope Pope..."

"You wrote this?" Alexander flung the article at her.

Penelope's soul nearly left her body.

That look plunged her into an icy abyss—prey caught in a predator's sights.

"It—it has my byline..."

"A byline means you wrote it?" His voice turned arctic.

Being personally questioned by the Kingsley heir should have been an honor.

Now she only wished to vanish.

William's sharp eyes narrowed at Penelope, sensing trouble.

Nathan confirmed his suspicion. "Lord Alex hasn't granted any interviews recently. Yet this article contains startlingly accurate details."

He smiled coldly. "Because every word is true."

Writing factual insider information without an interview?

William's back prickled with cold sweat.

This was a hundred times worse than Evelyn's gossip piece!

It was handing the executioner his blade!

"Lord Alex has been occupied until now. The article reveals numerous private matters, especially that photograph—he has no memory of it."

Nathan's gaze turned piercing. "Ms. Pope, where did you obtain this information? The Kingsley Group will trace the leak and pursue legal action."

Penelope turned ghostly pale.

Her four-month pregnancy showed slightly.

Instinctively, she cradled her belly.

William was trapped.

Pressing further might endanger the fetus.

But who could withstand Alexander's wrath?

He cursed Melissa inwardly.

How dare she take such liberties with an Alexander Kingsley interview!

He'd told her to deal with Evelyn, not provoke this demon!