Chapter 216

"Mr. Strauss." Evelyn Sinclair seized the moment while Madeline Kingsley was stunned, swiftly pulling her wrist back and subtly stepping closer to Winston Strauss.

She lowered her voice. "This is Madam Kingsley."

The elderly woman had been shaken by Winston's sharp reprimand and momentarily dazzled by his godlike beauty.

Now, she snapped back to reality, fury blazing in her eyes.

"Absolutely not!" Her voice rose sharply. "Evelyn, you're coming with me right now! What will people think if they see you with him? The Kingsley name will be tarnished!"

"Grandmother, this is work," Evelyn explained patiently. "I'm just conducting an interview with Mr. Strauss."

She never expected the most stubborn obstacle wouldn't be Alexander, but his grandmother.

"What kind of work is so urgent?" The old lady clutched her chest dramatically. "Have you no regard for gossip? Think of the family! Think of Alexander!"

She could already envision the whispers, the pointing fingers—the Kingsley reputation crumbling to dust.

"Grandmother, this interview is crucial," Evelyn said firmly. "Even Alexander has no objections."

"Of course he doesn't!" Madeline spat bitterly. "Just like last time—he said nothing then either, even helped you hide it from us—"

Winston smoothly intervened. "Madam, if you're concerned, you're welcome to supervise the entire interview."

This domineering woman was Alexander Kingsley's grandmother.

Discomfort twisted in Winston's gut.

If he were forced into a marriage of convenience, would his wife endure similar torment?

"No!" Madeline declared. "Evelyn is moving to the villa today. No more work!"

"Grandmother," Evelyn softened her tone. "This is a company assignment. Breaching the contract means penalties. I'll go to the villa, but let me finish the interview on the way, please?"

Seeing Evelyn yield, the old woman hesitated.

Mrs. Laurel stepped forward. "Madam, since the young mistress has agreed to go, why bother with—"

"Mrs. Laurel!" Evelyn's voice turned icy. "Are you stirring trouble?"

The maid recoiled. "Young mistress, I would never—"

"Daring to spread rumors right before me?" Evelyn smirked. "Perhaps Alexander should investigate you."

Beads of sweat formed on Mrs. Laurel's forehead.

"Enough," Madeline interjected. "Mrs. Laurel has served me for decades. Don't overthink it, Evelyn."

"The interview can happen during the trip," she added, shooting Winston a warning glare. "With me watching, you won't dare misbehave."

Winston remained silent.

Only respect for the Kingsley matriarch kept his temper in check.

Madeline initially wanted to ride together, but Mrs. Laurel stopped her. "Madam, your belongings are in the other car."

"Have the guards record everything," the maid whispered. "The driver is ours too."

The old woman nodded magnanimously. "Evelyn, I'll trust you this once."

"Apologies for the delay," Evelyn said regretfully.

"It's fine," Winston reassured. "Lance can cover for me."

They entered the vehicle.

Madeline and Mrs. Laurel followed closely behind.

"A few hours will suffice." Evelyn composed herself.

The driver and bodyguards were unfamiliar faces.

The old lady had gone to great lengths to isolate her in that remote mountain villa—a place Evelyn had never visited.

To Madeline, only the unborn child mattered.

Thirteen years of familial bonds, discarded without hesitation.

Evelyn opened her interview notes, a glint of steel in her eyes.

It was time... to teach the old woman a lesson.

......

The road out of the city was gridlocked.

Madeline fidgeted anxiously, demanding constant updates from the guards.

"I should've ridden with them!"

"How much longer?"

Mrs. Laurel soothed, "Soon, soon. The traffic will clear past the city limits..."

Finally, as they left the urban sprawl, the car accelerated.

Madeline relaxed slightly, already planning Evelyn's secluded prenatal care at the villa.

Then—

"CRASH!"

A truck swerved without warning, slamming into Evelyn's car with brutal force.

Both vehicles spun out—one flipping onto the roadside, the other crumpled in the middle of the road.

Madeline's car screeched to a halt.

Chaos erupted on the highway.

Amid Mrs. Laurel's screams, the old woman turned deathly pale.

"Evelyn!" She finally found her voice, trembling. "Evelyn's still in there! My great-grandchild—!"