Chapter 165

Alexander Kingsley dropped to one knee. Evelyn Sinclair's fingers trembled slightly.

Thirteen years of memories flashed through her mind like a kaleidoscope.

The cold profile of the boy she first met. His slender fingers guiding hers as he taught her calligraphy. His retreating back when he turned away from her.

The image froze on two red lines of a pregnancy test.

"A baby needs a father..."

She crushed the thought before it could take root.

The diamond ring in Alexander's hand gleamed cold under the moonlight. She recognized the design instantly—identical to the engagement ring Isabella Winslow had flaunted last birthday.

"Alexander," her voice was shards of ice, "I will never marry."

Headlights pierced the darkness—the Sullivan family car approaching.

"What if I find the Butterfly Brooch?" Alexander called after her.

Evelyn paused mid-step.

"Don't you understand?" Tears glistened as she turned. "The brooch was never the problem."

The night wind lifted the hem of her coat.

"Can you swear you won't revert to your old ways after marriage? With legal bonds and a child, I'd have no escape."

Alexander seized her wrist.

"I'll transfer all my Kingsley Group shares to you."

"I don't want your money!" She wrenched free. "I want respect! Did my feelings ever cross your mind?"

Their elongated shadows stretched across the pavement.

Alexander's throat moved. "I'll change."

"How?" She pointed at the ring. "By recycling your ex-fiancée's engagement ring design?"

His face darkened. "This isn't—"

"Enough." Evelyn cut him off. "You always presume to know best."

As she turned, Alexander suddenly embraced her from behind.

"Don't go..."

Evelyn went rigid.

"Alexander," her voice shook, "this only makes me despise you more."

"Then despise me." His arms tightened. "I'd rather you hate me than lose you."

A distant car horn blared.

Evelyn pried his fingers open one by one. "I'm going home."

At 3 AM, the doorbell shattered the silence.

Julian Ashford knelt on her doorstep, reeking of alcohol.

"Marry me..." His forehead pressed against her knees. "Let me take you away from here..."

The acrid scent of liquor mixed with night dew assaulted her senses.

Evelyn stared at the senior who'd protected her since childhood, seeing a stranger for the first time.