Chapter 27
The negotiation request from Kingsley Group came unexpectedly.
Horizon Media's executives held an emergency overnight meeting, ultimately deciding to settle out of court. No one wanted a public legal battle over such trivial matters.
When Nathan Carter entered the conference room with his elite legal team, Horizon's attorneys braced for tough negotiations. But no one anticipated the opening move—a demand that would overturn the entire negotiation table.
Evelyn Sinclair lowered her eyes with a faint smile.
This familiar tactic... Wasn't it Alexander Kingsley's specialty to first present impossible terms, then offer a "merciful" alternative?
"Horizon Entertainment fabricated the romantic relationship between Mr. Kingsley and Ms. Winslow, severely damaging their reputations," Nathan adjusted his gold-rimmed glasses, his gaze piercing Evelyn. "However, Mr. Kingsley is magnanimous enough to offer Horizon a dignified solution—"
He flipped open a folder, his tone turning icy.
"If journalist Evelyn Sinclair publicly admits to fabricating the story, submits a handwritten apology letter, records a video confession, and vows to permanently leave the media industry, this matter will end here."
The conference room fell deathly silent.
Horizon's lead attorney snapped his laptop shut. "Are you suggesting we either sacrifice a journalist or have the entire Horizon Media apologize?"
Nathan ignored him, staring at Evelyn. "Ms. Sinclair, you should understand Mr. Kingsley is currently recuperating in the hospital. If you resign today and personally apologize to him there..."
He paused deliberately. "We'll withdraw the lawsuit immediately."
The legal team exchanged uneasy glances. These humiliating terms placed Horizon Media and a single journalist on equal footing as bargaining chips.
And the absurdity—
Since when did Isabella Winslow, a public figure, have privacy? Weren't celebrities profiting from selling their personal lives?
"I'll resign," Evelyn suddenly spoke.
Meeting Nathan's gaze, her lips curved into an almost imperceptible smile. "But I won't apologize. Tell Alexander Kingsley to file the lawsuit quickly. On trial day... he should dress presentably."
Nathan's pupils contracted.
This version of Evelyn was unsettlingly unfamiliar. He quickly composed himself, straightening his suit as he stood. "I hope you won't regret today's decision, Ms. Sinclair."
The Kingsley Group representatives left as abruptly as they'd arrived.
Only stunned silence remained in the conference room.
This negotiation had been bizarre from start to finish—they'd merely been background props in a larger game.
At the end of the hallway, Julian Ashford leaned against a window, cigarette in hand.
"You don't have to leave," he stubbed out the cigarette. "The coming days might be difficult..."
His voice trailed off.
Studying Evelyn's profile, his Adam's apple bobbed before he finally murmured, "Just remember—don't beg him again."
Evelyn nodded and turned toward the office.
Behind her, words almost too quiet to hear: "...I'll take you away from Kingsbury."
Evelyn, let's run away together...
The office atmosphere was palpably different.
"Evelyn!" Martha Nash rushed over, waving her phone. "Ryan Holt's team specifically requested you for his exclusive interview!"
The rising superstar held three major luxury endorsements, with interview requests booked through next year. Media outlets had been fighting for his "first feature"—yet this golden opportunity had fallen into Evelyn's lap.
"Every cloud has a silver lining!" Martha shoved a box of chocolates at her. "If not for Alexander Kingsley's drama, our team would never get this chance!"
Colleagues' expressions turned complex.
Those who'd genuinely congratulated her during the Isabella Winslow interview now watched with envy and calculation.
"Do your research. The magazine will arrange the photoshoot," Martha whispered. "You're professionally trained—your skills should still be sharp, right?"
At quitting time, Simon York intercepted her furtively. "Junior, about today's Kingsley Group..."