Chapter 28

"It's fine." Evelyn Sinclair gave Simon York a faint smile. "The company will handle it."

The office fell silent. Remaining colleagues pretended to work while eavesdropping.

Only after Evelyn disappeared into the elevator did whispers erupt like tidal waves.

"Who does she think she is?"

"If I had the Crown Prince backing me, I'd act just as entitled! Interviewing whoever I want, scooping exclusives..."

Simon attempted mediation. "Ladies, that's a bit harsh, don't you think?"

"What? Can't handle the truth?"

"Lucky her, having Lord Alex's protection. Even daring to provoke Alexander Kingsley. We commoners should know our place—unless we want to disappear mysteriously."

"What kind of 'talent' exactly?" A female colleague snorted. "Bedroom talents?"

The office erupted in suggestive laughter.

Most of the entertainment department had left. Only the gossipmongers remained.

"This is infuriating!" The instigator slammed files onto her desk. "I worked three nights on Ryan Holt's interview! Researched for days! Then some parachuted social climber steals it!"

Her words ignited collective resentment.

"Anyone but her! A rookie who hasn't learned the ropes, relying on her looks to—"

"Enough. How far can such methods take her? Just wait—the Crown Prince will toss her aside eventually."

"Think she'll try seducing Alexander Kingsley next?"

"Alexander? He has Isabella Winslow. Why would he glance at her?"

"Don't be so sure. If she's shameless enough to spread her legs instead of working hard like us..."

"Let her try. We journalists know how to expose such gold diggers..."

———

Evelyn walked briskly down the street.

She'd scheduled apartment viewings and left work early.

Julian Ashford had unilaterally terminated her lease and forced his spare keys upon her.

She couldn't accept his charity but needed immediate housing.

For journalists, apartments were mere sleeping pods between overtime and assignments.

Julian's overprotectiveness frustrated her.

He refused to believe she could survive independently, fearing hardship might drive her back to Alexander.

He forgot—she was never a hothouse flower.

"Miss Sinclair." Ethan Miller materialized before her.

"Ethan?"

"Miss Sinclair, stop this." Ethan looked pained. "Lord Alex left the hospital today against medical advice just for you. What will it take for you to return?"

Evelyn couldn't fathom his logic.

Alexander had initiated the breakup. Yet somehow, she was at fault?

"Miss Sinclair, even if you feel nothing for Lord Alex, consider the Kingsleys' kindness."

Everyone knew how well the Kingsleys had treated her.

How could she be so ungrateful?

"The Kingsleys' kindness?" Evelyn laughed coldly.

Why did everyone—from Alexander to Ethan—act like she owed the Kingsleys some unpayable debt?

Yes, they'd provided for her.

But it was paid with two lives from the Sinclair family...

Given the choice, she'd trade all their care for her parents' survival.

"Step aside, Ethan. I have appointments."

Explaining to Alexander wasn't worth her breath—let alone his assistant.

She was done.

"Miss Sinclair!" Ethan nearly grabbed her arm. "Lord Alex is waiting in that car over—don't look! He forbade me from telling you..."

Nathan Carter handled the Horizon Media lawsuit.

Whatever Nathan said prompted Alexander to defy doctors and wait outside Horizon all afternoon.

His car had trailed Evelyn for blocks until Ethan intervened.

"Ethan, I'm on a tight schedule."

Evelyn checked her watch.

Alexander's motives didn't interest her.

"Miss Sinclair, just apologize. You don't need the money. Why torment Lord Alex at Horizon? His health can't take this strain."

Evelyn studied his anxious face and smiled. "You tell me not to look, yet demand I return?"

In his hesitation, she turned.

A black Maybach waited across the street, windows tinted. But she knew Alexander watched.

The irony...

For seven years at Royal Gardens, she'd rarely seen him.

Always busy—meetings, negotiations, business trips... or dates with Isabella.

If she wanted him, she'd wait endlessly at home or humiliate herself visiting Kingsley Group.

The executive office staff feigned respect while mocking her behind her back.

And Alexander? He'd freeze her out—leaving her invisible in his office.

She'd wait foolishly, staring hopelessly, treasuring any accidental glance.

Now they'd broken up.

Yet suddenly, he kept seeking her out...