Chapter 188

The Kingsley mansion's staircase gleamed coldly under the lights.

Smoke-gray marble reflected Isabella Winslow's distorted silhouette as she lay crumpled at the landing like a broken-winged butterfly. A crimson stain spread beneath her, soaking the pale fabric of her dress.

"Isabella!" Madeline Kingsley stumbled forward, her skeletal fingers trembling against the young woman's bloodless face. "Call an ambulance! Now!"

Isabella weakly lifted a hand, pointing up the staircase. "Grandmother... It was Evelyn... She pushed me..."

At the top of the stairs, Evelyn Sinclair gripped the banister until her knuckles whitened. Her initial shock hardened into icy composure as she watched the chaos below.

Madeline charged up the steps, her palm raised to strike.

Evelyn didn't flinch. Her unblinking gaze held a silent ultimatum—this slap would sever their last remaining ties.

The air froze.

Madeline's hand hovered midair, trembling slightly.

"Aaaah—" Isabella's bloodcurdling scream shattered the stalemate. "My stomach... It hurts..."

The older woman whirled back toward her fallen granddaughter, abandoning Evelyn without a second glance.

Chaos engulfed the mansion. The family physician administered painkillers before staff loaded Isabella onto a gurney. Only when the commotion faded did Evelyn unclench her grip from the railing. Her palms were slick with sweat, her abdomen throbbing with dull pain.

She'd sensed the trap the moment she entered. Refused every offered drink and snack. When Isabella appeared, every nerve had gone on high alert.

The actress had lunged first. Evelyn had caught her wrist instinctively. During the tumble, Evelyn grabbed the banister while Isabella rolled down the steps.

"Miss Sinclair." The butler materialized behind her. "The police are here. You'll need to answer some questions."

Evelyn steadied her breathing. "On what grounds?"

"Assaulting the Kingsley heiress seems sufficient." His smile didn't reach his eyes. "Pray the judge shows mercy. Prison might be your safest option after crossing this family."

"Indeed, the truth must come out." Evelyn rose gracefully. "Isabella attempted murder. I acted in self-defense. The security footage will confirm it."

The butler's smirk deepened. "Oh, the cameras captured everything. But you shoved a woman carrying the Kingsley heir."

Evelyn remained silent. As officers led her away, she turned back. "Your secret dealings with old Mr. Eaton won't stay hidden forever."

The butler's face drained of color.

Alexander Kingsley slept deeply in Evelyn's bed.

The disciplined billionaire never indulged in daytime naps. Even during their relationship, he'd maintained rigid self-control. But the lingering scent on the pillows had disarmed him completely.

The phone's shrill ring shattered the peace.

"Lord Alex, Young Madam Isabella fell down the stairs at the Eaton residence..." The voice oozed false concern. "She's en route to Provincial Hospital. The perpetrator—"

"Which ward?" Alexander vaulted upright.

"Emergency—"

He crushed the phone mid-sentence. The elevator took too long—he took the stairs three at a time. Motion-activated lights flickered to life, illuminating his thunderous expression.