Chapter 215

Eleanor Kingsley massaged her temples.

This was the third complaint call from the matriarch this week.

"Mother, Alex has a stable career with good income," Eleanor explained patiently. "And Sophie's medical expenses—"

"Since when can't the Kingsleys afford medical bills?" The old woman interrupted sharply. "What does a girl need a career for? Look at yourself—haven't you lived comfortably?"

Eleanor's fingers stilled.

Through the window, the meticulously trimmed rose garden suddenly resembled gilded cages for songbirds.

"Mother," she said softly, "how do you know I enjoy this life?"

Silence stretched for several seconds.

"So I'm the villain now!" The matriarch slammed down the phone.

......

"Mrs. Laurel, am I wrong?" Madeline Kingsley studied her wrinkled reflection in the vanity mirror.

The maid hurried closer. "How could you be wrong, madam? It's dangerous for the young mistress to roam about in her condition."

She lowered her voice. "I heard she's meeting that foreign journalist alone tomorrow—"

"What?" The matriarch whirled around. "This is unacceptable!"

A triumphant gleam flashed in Mrs. Laurel's eyes. "Indeed. If word gets out—"

The old woman clenched her sandalwood comb.

The teeth dug into her palm, yet she felt no pain.

......

Evelyn Sinclair checked her watch.

Twenty minutes early, she waited in the hotel lobby.

Winston Strauss had a packed schedule—she needed every available slot to complete the interview.

"Young Mistress."

A stern, aged voice rang behind her.

Evelyn turned to find Madeline Kingsley advancing with a dozen unfamiliar bodyguards.

"Grandmother." She forced a smile. "What brings you here?"

The matriarch seized her wrist. "You're coming home!"

Evelyn winced at the sharp pain. "I'm working."

"Working?" The old woman sneered. "Consorting with disreputable men?"

A forceful yank sent Evelyn stumbling forward.

"Madam!" Mrs. Laurel feigned concern while giving a surreptitious push.

As Evelyn teetered on the edge of falling—

"Release her."

An arctic voice cut through the lobby from the entrance.