Chapter 16

Evelyn Sinclair was about to step out when Alexander Kingsley already had his phone to his ear.

"Ethan, get up here now." His voice was glacial. "And call the police. We have a thief in Royal Gardens."

Mrs. Wilson's face drained of color at his words.

She dropped to her knees with a thud. "Lord Alex, I would never—"

"Save your excuses for the officers." Alexander cut her off. "Judging by your expertise, this isn't your first time."

Ethan Miller arrived breathless. "Lord Alex, the police are en route..."

Alexander's gaze darkened. "Thoroughly investigate her. And check if there are other sticky fingers in this house. The Kingsleys pay for loyalty, not theft."

Security immediately hauled the trembling housekeeper away.

Only then did Alexander turn to Evelyn, his tone indifferent. "Satisfied?"

Evelyn blinked before letting out a cold laugh.

"Lord Alex cleaning house has nothing to do with me." Her lips curled in mockery. "As long as you're pleased. An outsider like me isn't worth your concern."

Ethan gasped audibly.

This... this couldn't be the same Evelyn who used to hang on Lord Alex's every word?

Alexander's brow furrowed. "Have you lost your mind? Who are you putting on this act for?"

He suddenly grabbed Evelyn's wrist.

Something felt different. This wasn't her usual tantrum.

She'd changed.

Changed enough that even his habitual indifference couldn't ignore it.

But he couldn't be bothered to care.

Yanking her forward, her shoulder collided painfully with his chest. "Enough. It's late."

Normally, she'd understand the unspoken command.

This time, Evelyn wrenched free, her eyes glacial. "Unless Lord Alex is deaf, you heard every vile word Mrs. Wilson said."

The shower had stopped long ago.

Alexander had heard every insult.

His punishment wasn't for her sake—just petty theft.

This belated justice meant nothing.

"What more do you want?" Alexander advanced, eyes flashing dangerously. "Would killing a servant over a necklace satisfy you?"

Wasn't calling the police enough? A full investigation insufficient?

How vicious could she be?

"Evelyn, don't test my patience."

For the first time, Evelyn saw the chasm between them.

She'd actually dreamed of marrying this man?

How laughable.

"Lord Alex," she murmured, her voice feather-light, "I'm not your plaything."

It was over.

By his own decree.

Alexander's frown deepened. "Can't handle servant gossip? I thought journalism taught you thicker skin. After thirteen years of groveling, now you want dignity?"

......

Evelyn simply watched him.

Her expression indescribably complex.

How had she endured him?

The cruelty. The barbs. For thirteen years?

When he called her pathetic, she couldn't even argue.

Because he was right.

She'd been pathetic to her core.

"You're absolutely right." Her sudden smile was razor-sharp. "Pity it took me this long to see it."

For once, Alexander studied her for two full seconds.

"Enough," he said, uncharacteristically placating. "Mrs. Wilson's been dealt with. No one will speak out of turn again."

"You punished her for theft, not for humiliating me," Evelyn countered.

"Silence!" Alexander's temper flared. "How long will you harp on this nonsense?"

His concession wasn't license for her demands.

He despised her greed, yet she insisted on provoking him.

But what infuriated him more was her rejecting his rare mercy.

Evelyn's smile turned lethal. "So to Lord Alex, this is trivial."

Ignoring his thunderous expression, she continued, "Then don't trouble yourself over trifles. You may ignore it, but I can't."

Her calm demeanor made Alexander's jaw clench.

He seized her wrist again, voice dropping dangerously low. "Was the maid wrong? Aren't you just my—"

He broke off abruptly.

Someone was still present.

"Why are you still here?" His murderous glare sent Ethan trembling.

"Lord Alex... Madam Kingsley arrived with Miss Isabella and Mr. Julian. They're downstairs..."

Alexander's expression darkened. "Why wasn't I informed?"

Ethan stammered, "Madam forbade me. I only knew when you summoned me..."

Alexander released Evelyn and strode toward the stairs, pausing halfway to fix her with a warning glare.

"Watch your tongue. Understood?"

As he rounded the staircase, Eleanor Kingsley's gentle voice floated up.

"Violence is unacceptable. I'll make certain she apologizes properly."

Hearing footsteps, she turned sharply. "Look what you've done! Have you no—"