Chapter 230

Night deepened, but Alexander Kingsley never returned.

Evelyn Sinclair leaned against the headboard, listening to the wind outside the window until she finally drifted into a fitful sleep near dawn.

When morning light filtered through the curtains, her first action was to push open the bedroom door.

The sofa bed lay perfectly smooth, without a single crease.

Her phone screen lit up, displaying Alexander's contact.

Her finger hovered over the call button, frozen in hesitation.

"Don't pity me..."

His low voice seemed to echo in her ears.

Evelyn finally closed the contacts list.

She dialed Iris Cooper's number instead, but it was still switched off.

Nathan Carter had promised to send Iris home last night, but there'd been no word since.

Ding—

The elevator's chime snapped her out of her thoughts.

Julian Ashford was leaning against the opposite doorframe. He straightened when he saw her.

"Reporting to Horizon Video today?" he asked.

Evelyn gave a slight nod.

"I'll drive you."

She instinctively wanted to refuse, but his resolute gaze gave her pause.

"Evelyn," Julian said softly, "I know my boundaries. Just to the company entrance, alright?"

The car moved steadily through morning traffic.

"Did you research the video company?" Julian asked, hands on the wheel.

"Hugo Lee is in charge," Evelyn replied, watching the scenery blur past. "Melissa Lee's father."

The air in the car seemed to freeze at the name.

"Not just him." Julian tapped the steering wheel. "Vincent Sullivan is there too. My father assigned him."

Evelyn turned to look at him.

"His son Xavier Stapleton also works there," Julian's voice darkened. "Be careful around that man."

The car slowed to a stop at a red light.

Julian turned to study her. "Contact me immediately if anything happens."

His gaze burned too intensely. Evelyn had to look away.

"I will," she murmured.

The car pulled up before Horizon Video's building.

"Evelyn." Julian stopped her again.

She bent to peer into the car.

"Stop carrying everything alone." His voice ached. "You've never been alone."

Evelyn froze for a second before turning toward the building.

The engine roared behind her like a stifled sigh.

The receptionist's eyes widened at the sight of her.

"Evelyn Sinclair?" She gave Evelyn a once-over. "Follow me."

Whispers trailed them through the office:

"New actress?"

"That aura is unreal..."

"Bet she's some big shot's daughter..."

The receptionist forced a smile. "Everyone's...enthusiastic..."

A stack of files suddenly slammed at Evelyn's feet.

"Is this the trash you call work?!" a shrill voice screeched. "Did we hire you to freeload?!"

Evelyn looked down at the scattered papers, then slowly raised her head.