Chapter 252

Evelyn Sinclair rose quietly after only a brief rest.

Her movements were silent, but the moment her feet touched the floor, she heard rustling behind her.

Alexander Kingsley's hand slid across the sheets, catching only a trace of lingering warmth.

"Already?" His voice was thick with sleep.

Evelyn didn't answer, adjusting her clothes by the dim window light.

She knew better than anyone—every time Alexander forced himself on her, whatever fragile bond remained between them eroded further.

Fabric shifted in the darkness as Alexander pushed himself up.

"Turn on the light," he ordered.

Evelyn ignored him. "Go back to sleep," she said flatly.

An invisible wall stood between them.

Alexander didn't reach for the switch. He didn't want her seeing his bandaged hand—or the distance in her eyes.

"You—"

The sound of the door opening cut him off.

Evelyn paused in the doorway.

Alexander tilted his head up. "Stay away from other men. This... won't happen again."

He needed to prove something, but this was the only way he knew how.

Evelyn inhaled the crisp predawn air.

"Lord Alex, you never change."

"Don't call me that," he gritted out. "Talk properly."

"Don't worry." Moonlight caught the faint curve of her lips. "I'll honor our agreement."

Dark currents churned in Alexander's eyes.

"Remember your words," he said, voice dangerously low.

If she dared cross the line, he'd make her pay.

Roman Young's project proposal had been stolen outright by Xavier Stapleton.

Leveraging his status as a shareholder's son, Xavier pushed the project through without discussion.

Boarding the plane, Evelyn checked her seat number with icy detachment.

Xavier flashed her a smirk. "Let me help with your luggage, Evelyn."

He grabbed for her suitcase but missed.

"Oops!" Feigning a stumble, he lunged for Evelyn with groping hands.

A figure suddenly blocked his path.

Roman slammed Xavier to the floor.

"Sorry!" He kept his head down. "I need to switch seats with Evelyn. I get airsick..."

"You?" Xavier snarled through clenched teeth.

"I agree." Evelyn gave Roman a silent thank-you.

Xavier's face darkened. He pulled out his phone and texted Hugo Lee: [Is Evelyn still in contact with the Crown Prince?]

[No signs of it. Why?]

Xavier glanced at Roman shrinking into his seat. [Can we get rid of him soon?]

After a long pause, Hugo replied: [Handle it yourself during this trip...]

"Evelyn, help me out?" Wendy West batted her lashes.

Evelyn twirled a pen. "Sorry, I'm busy."

For three days, she'd refused all extra tasks.

Wendy's smile stiffened. "We're colleagues..."