Chapter 263

"Evelyn Sinclair, this is for you." The corporate lawyer barged in and slammed a document on her desk. "Alexander Kingsley is suing you for fabricating evidence of your hotel stay together, causing reputational damage to him and Kingsley Group."

The office fell dead silent.

New hires exchanged uneasy glances. Roman Young clenched his fists.

Evelyn picked up the document, fingertips tracing the embossed law firm seal.

"What do you suggest I do?" She leveled the lawyer with an unflinching stare. "Enlighten me."

The lawyer took an involuntary step back under her gaze.

"Issue a public apology," he said stiffly. "We'll negotiate to keep this out of court. Alexander's legal team—"

"Didn't they lose to me last time?" Evelyn interrupted mildly.

The lawyer's face darkened.

"This is different!" he spat after a pause. "Apologize or resign! Horizon won't tolerate your arrogance!"

"Why should I apologize?" Evelyn's laugh was icy. "HR knows I was interviewing that day. The company booked that hotel. Now you want me to take the fall? Are you blind?"

"Suit yourself!" The lawyer stormed out. "Resign or face termination!"

The legal notice lay abandoned on the desk.

Evelyn snapped a photo and texted Alexander: 【Your doing?】

No response.

Just like always, the man remained conspicuously absent since yesterday's incident.

The silence shattered when Iris Cooper called. "Evelyn, we've decided to disband the fan club. But we'll always support you."

After hanging up, Evelyn noticed a new hire hovering before her.

"Ms. Sinclair..." The girl twisted her fingers. "I'd like to transfer departments..."

Evelyn remembered this intern's passionate interview speech about pursuing truth.

"Submit the paperwork." She approved the request with a click.

The girl scurried away like a pardoned criminal.

The office atmosphere grew heavier. Two more staff left before lunch.

"Ungrateful snakes!" Roman threw his chopsticks down. "Don't even think about coming back!"

A male colleague shrank in his seat. "It's just probation...if leadership changes..."

"You leaving too?" Roman narrowed his eyes.

"N-no!" The man waved his hands. "Something's fishy about this..."

Evelyn reentered with Xavier Stapleton trailing behind.

"Evelyn, only I can protect you now." Xavier smirked at the half-empty office. "Look around—everyone's abandoning you."

The male colleague across from Roman paled.

"Your poaching skills are impressive." Evelyn's smile didn't reach her eyes. "Saves me the trouble of weeding out weak links."

Xavier pressed on. "Your department's getting dissolved. Certain people—" he glanced pointedly at Roman, "—will be out on the street."

Roman shot to his feet.

"Easy." Evelyn restrained him and turned to Xavier. "Is rumor-mongering your specialty?"

Xavier stepped closer, undeterred. "The whole company's talking. Legal's already discussing your termination. Fired by Horizon, sued by Alexander Kingsley—your career—"

"And?"

"Let me protect you!" Xavier flashed a predatory grin. "I'm your only way out."