Chapter 227

Evelyn Sinclair opened her inbox to find dozens of unread emails neatly lined up. Offers from major media outlets worldwide flooded in. She skimmed through a few—all essentially the same.

"Does Winston Strauss's exclusive reprint rights belong to you?" The first email got straight to the point.

She arched a brow and clicked the second. The wording was more diplomatic, but the core demand remained focused on Winston.

The third came from a renowned financial outlet. The HR rep cautiously probed at the end: "We noticed your prior connection with Mr. Alexander Kingsley..."

Evelyn dialed the sender directly.

"Why is everyone asking about Winston?" she cut to the chase. "Securing an interview with Alexander is just as difficult."

A light chuckle came through the line. "Ms. Sinclair, Alexander Kingsley carries far greater risks. You of all people should know that."

The voice paused, turning cautious. "We've assessed your situation. Frankly, your ties to Alexander... work against you."

Evelyn hung up and deleted every email.

Inside the elevator at Horizon Media, employees fell silent the moment Evelyn stepped in. The whispers erupted behind her as soon as the doors closed.

"Melissa Lee hired hitmen..."

"Lost the baby too..."

"How dare she show her face here?"

Evelyn's reflection stared back from the Financial Department's glass doors. When she entered, the bustling office instantly quieted.

"Chief!" Her assistant was the first to rush over. "You're back!"

The others snapped out of their daze, crowding around with coffee, chairs, and discreetly wiped tears.

Julian Ashford's office door opened.

"Come in," he said softly, his gaze dropping to her flat stomach.

Evelyn followed, shutting the door behind her.

"Why return?" His question mirrored the emails.

"To repay the debt of gratitude." Her answer was impeccably neutral.

Julian suddenly grabbed her wrist. "The baby—"

"Winston's interview footage needs editing ASAP." She withdrew her hand, deftly changing the subject.

"Are you divorcing Alexander?" Julian pressed. "With the baby gone, is there any point keeping the agreement?"

Evelyn met his gaze. "One year. Black and white."

"Show me the contract." He stepped closer. "I'll get lawyers to—"

"Julian." Her voice sliced through. "This is personal."

The office plunged into silence. Julian's ragged breaths filled the space, his turbulent emotions barely contained.

"You can't let him go." The words seemed ripped from his teeth.

Evelyn smiled faintly. "You're overstepping."

Julian recoiled as if struck. He staggered back, knocking over a stack of files. Scattered papers mirrored the shattered decorum between them.

"Sorry..." He scrubbed a hand over his face. "I've been..."

"If my presence troubles you," Evelyn said calmly, "I can resign."

"No!" His head snapped up. "I just... don't want you repeating past mistakes."

Seeing his red-rimmed eyes, Evelyn softened. "I know my limits."

Julian exhaled heavily, as if drained. Leaning on the desk, he forced a smile. "The Financial Department is yours again. Winston's release is under your full control."

"Thank you."

As Evelyn turned to leave, she collided with a suited middle-aged man in the hallway. His stare held sheer terror.

She ignored it, returning to her team arranging afternoon tea. Colleagues raised their cups in unison.

"Welcome back, Chief!"

Amid the cheers, no one noticed the panicked man barging into William Yearwood's office.

"William!" His voice trembled. "I saw a ghost... That girl..."