Chapter 170

Alexander Kingsley shoved Julian Ashford aside.

He seized Evelyn Sinclair's wrist, pulling her close.

"Evelyn, Isabella and I are innocent," he said darkly. "But she dared threaten me with this child. Tonight, I'll expose her lies."

"What if it's yours?" Madeline Kingsley's voice trembled. "Would you kill your own flesh and blood? And if it's not, what right do you have to interfere?"

"Then why is she carrying someone else's child?" Alexander sneered. "If it's mine, I decide its fate. If not, I'll uncover her scheme."

Madeline's eyes burned with desperation. "Can't we wait until the baby is born?"

"Wait?" His gaze turned glacial. "That would be true cruelty."

Cruelty to Evelyn.

Why should she endure Isabella's manipulations?

"You caused this!" Madeline accused. "Now Isabella bears the consequences alone?"

"Then I'll end this mistake," Alexander stated coldly.

Isabella cowered behind Madeline, sobbing. "Alex, I know you hate me... I'll disappear with the baby. I won't disturb you and Evelyn—"

"No!" Madeline clutched her arm. "A Kingsley heir must be recognized!"

Alexander smirked. "Then let's settle this now."

At his signal, security separated them, silencing Isabella.

Suddenly, Madeline turned and dropped to her knees before Evelyn.

"Evelyn, spare our family!"

Shocked, Evelyn reached for her. "Grandmother—"

Madeline gripped her painfully. "The Kingsleys need this child... Alex's only bloodline..."

"Please stand." Evelyn winced as nails dug into her skin.

Alexander hauled Madeline up from behind.

Julian swiftly shielded Evelyn, guiding her away.

Madeline wailed, "Evelyn, I'll approve your marriage! Just let the baby live... Let it call you Mother!"

"I refuse this child!" Alexander roared. "This isn't Evelyn's doing!"

He forcibly restrained Madeline.

She clawed at his collar. "You're doing this for her, aren't you?"

Julian escorted Evelyn to safety.

He'd brought her for a prenatal checkup, never expecting this chaos.

Commotion erupted down the hall.

"Isabella!"

"Release my daughter!"

The Winslows had arrived.

"Mom! Dad! Help me—" Isabella shrieked.

She silently thanked William West for his advice.

Chaos engulfed the corridor.

Julian seized the moment to spirit Evelyn away.

That night, he stood vigil at her apartment.

Alexander came pounding at the door, then attempted to pick the lock.

Learning Julian was inside, his rage exploded.

The altercation drew police intervention.

Evelyn had no choice but to open up.

The Kingsleys arrived en masse.

Eleanor Kingsley shielded her. "Let's discuss this calmly."

Alexander stormed in, scanning the rooms. His tension eased slightly—no signs of male occupation.

"Evelyn, speak with me privately," Madeline begged.

"No!" Alexander cut in. "Grandmother, stop wasting effort."

Madeline glared. "Must I say it publicly?"

"Go ahead." He smirked. "Let's see who truly harms the Kingsleys."

"You—" Madeline shook with fury.

Evelyn inhaled deeply. "Grandmother, come inside."

Alexander blocked her path. "We need to talk first."

"Fine." Eleanor warned him with a look. "Don't intimidate her."

The door remained open.

Under Julian's watchful gaze, Evelyn led Alexander into the bedroom.

She struck first. "Alexander, do you truly believe you control everything in love?"