Chapter 136

Alexander Kingsley's finger hovered over his phone screen.

A transfer notification sat silently in the chat window, the amount precise down to the last cent.

The faint smile on his lips froze instantly.

"What's this?" His dark eyes lifted.

"Repayment." Evelyn Sinclair tucked her phone back into her bag. "As agreed."

Her soft voice cut like a dull blade, slowly severing the last thread between them.

Alexander flipped his phone facedown on the table.

"You handled the Tonggowan case well," he said abruptly.

Evelyn blinked. "Thanks to Kingsley Group's intervention."

"You would've succeeded without us." His gaze lingered on her face. "That report was professional."

She almost doubted her ears.

Was Alexander complimenting her?

This was more shocking than Tonggowan's stock crash.

"Consider joining Kingsley Group." His tone softened. "The analyst position suits you."

In the past, those words would've thrilled her.

Now, they only tasted bitter.

"I love my current job." She met his eyes squarely. "Finance isn't my calling."

Alexander tapped the table with his knuckles.

"I could mentor you."

"No need." Evelyn smiled faintly. "One lesson at Royal Gardens was enough."

The words "Big Brother Alex" slipped unexpectedly from her lips.

His pupils contracted sharply.

"If I could do it over—" His Adam's apple bobbed. "It wouldn't happen again."

She shook her head. "I can't afford to gamble anymore."

Her clear eyes held no trace of their former tenderness.

As she turned to leave, Alexander suddenly spoke: "I'll overlook the Julian situation."

Evelyn whirled around.

"What did you say?"

"Come back." He stood. "Let's start fresh."

She nearly laughed aloud.

"What about Isabella Winslow?"

The air turned glacial.

"Leave the past behind." His voice roughened. "Quit Horizon Media. I'll fund your own company."

Her fingertips trembled slightly.

"So..." She forced the words out. "You admit it?"

"Drop the lawsuit. Come home." He stepped closer. "Last chance."

Evelyn suddenly laughed.

"Alexander Kingsley." She enunciated each syllable. "You disgust me."

"Evelyn!" He seized her wrist. "You're choosing Julian?"

"I choose freedom." She wrenched away. "Let go!"

"Prove it." His knuckles whitened. "Leave Horizon."

She lifted her chin.

"Who do you think you are?"