Chapter 228

William Yearwood frowned deeply.

Hugo Lee's face turned deathly pale.

"Are you possessed?" William set down his documents. "Any updates on Melissa's situation?"

Hugo had come to discuss his daughter's predicament.

But now, all he could see was that hauntingly familiar face.

"Worse than possession." He collapsed into a chair. "I just saw a young woman who looks exactly like Yurou!"

William immediately understood.

"You must mean Evelyn Sinclair."

"What?" Hugo shot to his feet. "That's Evelyn? She's a Sinclair... from that family..."

William averted his gaze. "Yes."

Hugo slammed his fist on the desk.

"Why wasn't I told this sooner?"

He paced furiously. "Weren't we told she had mental issues? That she wasn't a threat?"

"Calm down, Hugo." William tried to placate him. "She does have problems."

"Problems?" Hugo sneered. "She seemed perfectly lucid when she sent Melissa to prison!"

William said meaningfully, "She is Yurou and Qiuhao's daughter after all."

Lowering his voice, he added, "Fortunately, she doesn't remember the past. If she ever recalls..."

Hugo's expression darkened. "She couldn't possibly know anything. She was just a child back then."

"Who knows what her parents might have told her." William sighed. "Hugo, you're in grave danger."

Silence filled the office.

Hugo ground his teeth. "William, you've ruined me! If I'd known earlier, I could've prepared..."

William defended, "I was thinking of Julian. Who knew that girl would cause so much trouble?"

"And now?" Hugo mocked. "Just like her mother—delicate on the outside, ruthless underneath!"

Melissa remained in detention, with the Strauss family refusing to back down. A conviction would ruin his daughter's life.

The image of his weeping wife fueled Hugo's rage.

"Tell me you're not seriously considering letting her into the Ashford family?"

"Don't be absurd!" William waved dismissively. "It's just Julian being stubborn. Their father-son relationship is strained."

Hugo narrowed his eyes. "We're in this together. How do you plan to deal with this little pest?"

"Acting now would be too obvious." William cautioned. "Everyone knows her history with Melissa."

"And you have no grievances?" Hugo scoffed. "She's stealing your son away."

"Julian is manageable." William shrugged. "But you—taking action now is too risky."

Hugo understood William's game. With Melissa's scandal, the Ashfords wanted out of the alliance. Evelyn made a convenient scapegoat.

But he couldn't swallow this injustice.

"I hear Evelyn is quite sought after. How do you plan to keep her?" Hugo suddenly asked.

William caught his meaning. "Any suggestions?"

Julian's promotion request still sat on his desk. He knew Hugo wouldn't let their enemy rise—especially not a Sinclair.

......

All of Horizon Media awaited news of Evelyn's promotion.

When the transfer order arrived—

Evelyn was reassigned to the video subsidiary to establish a new financial team.

Everyone exchanged uneasy glances.

The video division was Hugo's territory. This wasn't a promotion—it was throwing a lamb to the wolves.

Evan Wells scaled back the celebration, inviting only Evelyn's closest colleagues.

"Why stay at Horizon?" Martha Nash asked bluntly.

Evelyn smiled. "Horizon gave me a job when I needed it most. I can't forget that kindness."

"But you've given them far more in return!" Evan protested angrily.

If Evelyn left, he intended to resign too.

Evelyn reassured, "I only did my job. Horizon provided the platform."

The mood remained somber.

No one dared ask about her relationship status. They only knew about her miscarriage and the mystery surrounding Alexander Kingsley.

"Why not start your own company?" Iris Cooper slurred after too many drinks. "We'd all follow you!"

Evelyn laughed. "And live on air?"

"We could get investors! Like Kings—"

Evelyn quickly covered her mouth.

"Kings what?" Everyone perked up.

"She said 'like kings of old.'" Evelyn joked. "Thank you, but I'm not considering entrepreneurship yet."

As the gathering ended, a drunken Iris leaned on Evelyn's shoulder.

Nathan Carter suddenly appeared. "Madam, Lord Alex is waiting for you up ahead."

"Madam?" Iris blinked blearily. "Oh! You're that—"

"I need to take my colleague home," Evelyn interrupted.

Nathan smiled. "Just give me the address. I'll ensure she gets there safely."

Evelyn hesitated.

"Don't worry, Madam. She's your friend," Nathan assured.

Evelyn finally relented. "Video call me when you arrive."

She approached the black sedan at the corner. Opening the door, she caught a faint whiff of alcohol.

Why was everyone drinking tonight?