Chapter 167

Alexander's fingers tapped rhythmically against the car window frame.

"Pull over." His voice was rough like sandpaper.

Ethan signaled the driver immediately. "Lord Alex?"

"Stop following them."

He couldn't bear seeing Evelyn standing beside Julian again.

That ridiculous suspicion haunted him—that Evelyn rejected him because she loved Julian.

Alexander's fingers clenched involuntarily.

If only Julian would disappear...

He crushed the thought instantly.

Even without Julian, she wouldn't return.

"Back to the office." He closed his eyes, temples throbbing.

Ethan glanced worriedly at the rearview mirror. "Lord Alex, you look pale—"

"Silence."

When the car stopped at Kingsley Tower, Alexander nearly collapsed.

Ethan rushed to steady him. "You're burning up! Should I—"

"Get me fever reducers." Alexander shook him off. "No more comments."

He detested anyone implying he was playing the victim.

......

The Horizon Media receptionist's eyes widened.

Evelyn entered alongside Julian, who even held the elevator door for her.

"Rumor says they're living together..."

"No wonder Director Yearwood's been so grim lately."

A shattering cup echoed from William Yearwood's office.

"Have you lost your mind?" He jabbed a finger at Julian. "Do you hear what people are saying?"

Julian adjusted his cufflinks indifferently. "She's pregnant. With my child."

"You—!" William trembled with rage. "Your mother cried until dawn!"

"Then you should understand," Julian's icy gaze lifted, "what I'll do if you touch her again."

He left his fuming father behind.

Julian knew Evelyn was hiding something.

Since she chose silence, this child would be his.

No matter what, he'd protect her.

......

[Cousin-in-law!] Evan's DM popped up.

Evelyn frowned: [Don't call me that.]

[My cousin admitted it!] Evan quickly retracted the message, replacing it with a smirk emoji.

Evelyn didn't respond.

Her hand rested on her still-flat stomach, thoughts drifting.

"Evelyn," Penelope approached, "I've sent you the work documents."

Evelyn opened the file, immediately pointing out errors.

Penelope leaned closer, then suddenly covered her nose. "Did you change perfumes?"

"No?" Evelyn looked puzzled.

"It's so fragrant..." Evan inhaled deeply. "Like gardenias."

Evelyn's chest tightened abruptly.

This scent... something was wrong.

......

Mr. Kingsley pushed open the CEO's office door.

"Dinner at home tonight." He noted his son's pallor. "Your mother's eyes are swollen from crying."

Alexander didn't look up. "Working late."

"If you ruin your health, how will you win Evelyn back?"

The pen scratched across documents.

Alexander sneered. "What's that to her?"

"Fine," Mr. Kingsley surrendered, "at least visit your grandmother."

That evening, the Kingsley mansion blazed with lights.

Alexander froze upon entry.

A strange girl sat on the sofa, her demure smile eerily familiar.

"This is the Young heiress," Madeline introduced brightly. "You met as children."

The girl peeked up shyly. "Brother Alex..."

Alexander's expression turned glacial.

Had they really found a doppelgänger resembling Evelyn?

"Grandmother." He gritted his teeth, pulling Madeline aside. "Explain this."

"Just meeting potential matches..." she prattled.

"Impossible." Alexander cut her off. "I—"

He suddenly whispered something inaudible.

"What?!" Madeline shrieked. "Say that again!"

In the dining room, Miss Young dropped her soup spoon in terror.