Chapter 143

Evelyn Sinclair received a call from Kingsley Group's liaison, who introduced herself as Alexander Kingsley's new secretary.

But when the call connected, she recognized Nathan Carter's familiar voice.

"Miss Sinclair, we've arranged a full-day itinerary for you. In addition to Lord Alex's exclusive interview, we've prepared a corporate tour. If you're interested, we could also arrange a special feature on Kingsley Group."

The offer was tempting.

A corporate feature required teamwork—detailed interview outlines needed preparation and Kingsley Group's approval.

This time, no one in her team hesitated.

Evelyn selected three colleagues to assist with preparations.

Before departure, Evan Wells approached her with flushed cheeks. "Sis, can I join? I want to make up for my last mistake."

"Fine." Evelyn agreed without hesitation. An extra pair of hands wouldn't hurt.

Once preparations were complete, Evan made another request. "Sis, can I go with you to Kingsley Group? I'm from a small town and have never seen a big corporation before."

It was true—Evan wasn't a Kingsbury local.

Evelyn studied him for a silent second.

Her piercing gaze made Evan's heart skip a beat.

"Alright." She finally nodded.

The interview team consisted of five members. Evelyn brought the photographer and Evan to Kingsley Group, leaving two others on standby at Horizon Media.

By protocol, Evan shouldn't have qualified for the trip.

But Evelyn's exception was met with no objections.

Privately, colleagues sympathized with Evan.

The kid was right—Evelyn clearly had feelings for him!

Why else would she agree to take him to Kingsley Group so easily?

Poor guy, sacrificing so much for work... He was only a junior in college!

......

Kingsley Group rolled out the red carpet for Evelyn's visit.

Nathan personally guided the tour, detailing the corporate structure.

At noon, he arranged lunch at the employee cafeteria.

Just as they sat down, Nathan received a call.

After listening with a grim expression, he turned to Evelyn. "Miss Sinclair, the afternoon interview may need rescheduling. Lord Alex has an urgent meeting."

"So no interview today?" Evelyn asked.

Last-minute changes were typical for Alexander.

Nathan hesitated. "Actually... he's available now, but it would interrupt your lunch."

Evelyn: "......"

If not for the hopeful looks from her photographer and Evan, she would've refused outright.

"Can I bring my photographer?" she asked.

Nathan smiled apologetically. "No."

Alexander's condition for a solo interview had been clear from the start.

"What about—"

"Don't worry, we'll arrange a dedicated host for them." Nathan had everything prepared.

Evelyn entered Alexander's office.

This long-unseen space.

The expansive room remained unchanged, save for one addition—a dining table by the floor-to-ceiling windows.

Fresh roses and silverware adorned its surface.

Nathan withdrew, leaving Evelyn alone.

She stood silently for a full minute before the lounge door finally opened.

Alexander appeared in the doorway, watching her quietly.

Memories of that night still unsettled Evelyn.

Before she could speak, Alexander approached. "Sorry to keep you waiting."

He pulled out a chair but remained standing.

"Sit," he said.

Only then did Evelyn realize—he'd done it for her.

A first in thirteen years.

The gesture only made her uncomfortable.

The moment she sat, Alexander signaled for the meal to be served.

The server pushing the cart was unfamiliar.

"Royal Gardens has new staff. All backgrounds vetted," Alexander explained.

His gaze lingered on her, words left unspoken.

She could return anytime...

No one would disrespect her again.

Evelyn froze at the sight of the dishes.

None matched their usual fare.

Alexander served her himself, avoiding eye contact. "New chef. Try it."

"Thank you," Evelyn said mechanically.

During department gatherings these past two months, she'd sampled many new dishes.

Now, nearly every plate contained something she'd recently ordered...

Truthfully, some were just experimental tastes she didn't particularly enjoy.

At Royal Gardens, her preferences had always mirrored Alexander's.

She'd never dared have her own opinions.

The first bite surprised her—the same dishes tasted remarkably better here.

Alexander had been studying her reaction.

Seeing no displeasure, he relaxed slightly.

"Well?" he asked.

"The chef's skilled," Evelyn admitted honestly.

To her astonishment, Alexander smiled.

"I thought so too." His entire demeanor softened. "If you like it, I can have lunch delivered to you daily."

"No need." Evelyn declined instantly.

Alexander's expression darkened, but he didn't insist.

"When does the interview start?" Evelyn steered the conversation back on track. "I heard your afternoon is packed."

"Quite busy." Alexander accepted his own excuse. "But we have ample time. I just... haven't had lunch with you in ages."

Evelyn paused, searching her memories.

"Right, our last lunch was the New Year's family banquet."

Alexander stiffened.

New Year's...

Had they really not shared a single lunch in six months?

Thinking back, it was true.

He usually worked through lunch, occasionally attending business meals.

Their only shared meals had been mandatory Kingsley family gatherings.

And he'd either returned late or not at all.

Without Evelyn mentioning it, he'd never realized how little he'd valued...

Valued the Evelyn who waited for him at Royal Gardens.

He remembered returning late to find her always in the living room.

Or rushing downstairs at the sound of his car.

That Evelyn had starlight in her eyes.

She'd ask if he was hungry, list what the kitchen had prepared.

On rare nights when he nodded, she'd happily prepare everything.

That version of Evelyn now felt like someone from another lifetime.

Yet only two months had passed.

"Mr. Kingsley, do you need to rest?" Evelyn interrupted his thoughts.

"No, I rested earlier." He'd taken his nap early just to spend more time with her.

"So you do remember," he said suddenly.

His habits. Their past. She remembered everything.

Then why had she left so decisively?

Evelyn pretended not to hear.

She emptied her bag onto the coffee table—

Pen, notebook, phone, lipstick, tissues, mirror, recorder, camera, cardholder.

"Need to inspect these?"

"Unnecessary." Alexander's voice lowered. "What haven't you seen of mine?"

After five years sharing a bed, they had no secrets.

Today's interview was merely an excuse to see her.

Eleanor Kingsley had warned him to stay away from Evelyn.

But if Evelyn came to him, that was different.

"No formal write-up today. Let's just talk," Evelyn said, knowing this was just procedure.

She flipped through her notes for a topic. "What's keeping you busy this afternoon?"

"Bulk futures trading in South America."

"Agriculture?" Evelyn's interest piqued.

To her surprise, Alexander actually explained: "This year we're partnering with their largest trading firm. We'll control ninety percent of the global—"

Enough to manipulate market prices.

"You're telling me your position?" Evelyn tensed. "No! I can't hear this!"

Such trade secrets were dangerous knowledge.

Alexander didn't need to prove his trust this way.

Somehow, they'd drifted close enough for him to embrace her.

"You can know everything." His gaze deepened. "Including my truest thoughts."

Evelyn tried to retreat, but his arm encircled her waist.

"Alexander!"

She pushed him away forcefully. "Aunt Eleanor forbade this!"

"If you consent, she has no grounds to object." Alexander held firm. "After all I've done, don't you understand? In my heart... in my—"

The words stuck in his throat, but delaying further was impossible.

"My heart has always held you."

Locking eyes with her, he finally confessed.

Evelyn stared at him—surprised, stunned, but unmoved.

Others had told her this before, letting her delude herself with false hope.

This was the first time Alexander had said it himself.

"Evelyn," now that he'd started, the rest came easier, "you've always been in my heart. Can't you feel it?"

......