Chapter 172

Evelyn hesitated as she took the document.

Alexander's voice was low and resolute. "A one-year marriage contract. You can terminate it anytime if you're dissatisfied with me. When that happens, you may choose any asset from Kingsley Group or the Kingsley family to take with you."

She froze in place.

"You absolute fool!" Eleanor sprang from the couch, snatching the papers and tearing them to shreds. "Since when is marriage a game? How dare you measure feelings with a contract! What on earth is wrong with you?"

Alexander ignored her, his intense gaze fixed on Evelyn. "The law will guarantee your rights."

"The law?" A bitter smile touched Evelyn's lips.

To the powerful, the law was merely shackles for the weak. This contract might very well become her prison.

"Don't listen to him, Evelyn." Eleanor swayed unsteadily as she stood.

Evelyn quickly steadied her, guilt flooding her heart. The refined Eleanor had stayed up all night on the couch just to keep her company.

"I'll drive you to work." Alexander picked up his coat.

His car waited downstairs, the driver nowhere in sight.

"You haven't slept all night. I'll drive." Eleanor snatched the keys.

Evelyn found herself forced to sit beside Alexander in the backseat.

"Consider the contract," he said abruptly as they neared Horizon Media. "I'll handle Grandmother. As for everything else... I promise you answers."

His eyes burned with determination. One year would be enough to win her back.

Evelyn exited the car in silence, walking into the building without a backward glance.

......

The sickening perfume scent drifted over again.

Evelyn pressed her fingers to her temples as nausea rose. She stood to get some air.

"Ah—!" Penelope suddenly let out a piercing scream. "My stomach... Help me!"

The office erupted into chaos.

"Penelope!"

"Call an ambulance!"

"Oh God, she's bleeding!"

Penelope curled on the floor, a pool of crimson spreading beneath her.