Chapter 144

"Let go!"

Evelyn Sinclair wrenched free from Alexander Kingsley's grip, recoiling to the far end of the sofa as if escaping contagion.

Her lips curled into a sardonic smile. "What's this act about, Mr. Kingsley? Some grand romantic gesture?"

Alexander's expression darkened.

"Seven years," Evelyn whispered, her fingers trembling. "What was I to you? A plaything you could summon and dismiss at will? Or just a target for your paranoia?"

"Evelyn—"

"Don't!" Her voice cracked like shattered glass. "What's the point now? Should I grovel with gratitude for your scraps of attention?"

His gaze turned stormy.

In two strides, he caged her against the sofa's armrest. "You know exactly how I—"

"Urgh—"

Evelyn clapped a hand over her mouth, her face draining of color.

She shoved Alexander away and stumbled toward the bathroom.

He stood frozen.

The sound of violent retching echoed through the suite.

When Alexander finally followed, he found Evelyn slumped on the marble floor, her bangs plastered to her forehead with cold sweat.

"What's wrong?" He knelt beside her, rubbing circles on her back.

She shook her head weakly.

"Hospital. Now." He scooped her up effortlessly.

"No need..." She struggled feebly. "Just...food poisoning..."

Alexander stilled.

His eyes narrowed at her pallid face. "The medicine you bought last week—for food poisoning?"

Evelyn's pulse jumped.

"Mm." She turned away. "Work stress..."

He deposited her on the lounge bed, fingertips grazing her clammy cheek.

"You were saying something earlier," he said abruptly.

Her lashes fluttered.

"Nothing important." She shut her eyes. "I should leave."

Alexander pinned her shoulders. "Finish your sentence."

The air turned glacial.

Evelyn opened her eyes to meet his unyielding stare.

"I—"

Another wave of nausea hit.

She curled into herself, her blouse soaking through.

Alexander brought her water, supporting her as she sipped.

"I'm calling the doctor." He reached for his phone.

"No!" Her fingers closed around his wrist. "Just...need rest..."

His gaze dropped to her slender hand—once so quick to embrace him, now only pushing him away.

"I'll take you home," he conceded.

Horizon Media Headquarters.

Melissa Lee watched Evelyn's hurried exit on the security feed, crimson lips twisting.

"The fish took the bait," she purred into her phone. "Time to reel it in."

A chuckle crackled through the receiver. "How did Kingsley react?"

"Explosive." Melissa twirled a fountain pen. "Even better than we hoped."

"Excellent." A pause. "Clean up your tracks."

"Obviously." She ended the call, eyes glinting. "This time, that bitch stays down for good."

Dawn light filtered through the curtains when Evelyn's phone screamed to life.

"Disaster!" Martha Nash's voice shook. "Kingsley Group's under international short attack—massive losses!"

Evelyn bolted upright.

"The whole industry's buzzing..." Martha lowered her voice. "They're saying you leaked Kingsley's trading positions."

The phone clattered to the floor.

Ice flooded Evelyn's veins.

The nightmare from seven years ago was repeating.