Chapter 282

Nathan instantly understood.

"Young Madam," he answered respectfully.

Alexander Kingsley's next words confirmed his suspicion. "What did she say?"

"Young Madam mentioned you're ill and might need leave today. She said she'd take care of you." Nathan repeated mechanically.

A cold chuckle came through the phone, the hoarse voice sending chills down Nathan's spine.

"That last part—did you make it up?"

Nathan hesitated. "...Not entirely."

"Her exact words." Alexander's tone darkened.

Nathan dared not conceal the truth any longer. "Young Madam said she'd call a doctor."

Alexander ignored this. "Proceed as scheduled. I'll be there shortly."

"But..." Nathan was stunned.

Earlier, he'd clearly heard how severely ill Alexander sounded.

Yet now...

"Problem?" Alexander countered.

"No. I'll make arrangements immediately." Nathan responded swiftly.

Alexander forced himself up, each step feeling like walking on cotton, yet he stubbornly dressed properly.

Evelyn Sinclair had truly meant only to summon a doctor—nothing more.

Those cutting words from Madeline Kingsley, though unpleasant to hear, held undeniable truth.

Her insignificant job would always take precedence over him. Even if he died before her eyes, she'd probably just calmly contact the funeral home.

"Alex! Where are you going?" Madeline blocked the mansion's entrance. "Your father already went to the office. Can't you just rest at home? Look at your pallor—are you trying to kill yourself?"

Patriarch Kingsley and Eleanor Kingsley hurried over at the commotion.

Eleanor's temper flared at her son's ashen face, barely swallowing the words "Go ahead and drop dead for all I care."

The Patriarch mediated, "He knows his limits. He won't push himself beyond them."

Madeline wiped her tears. "Must we wait for disaster to strike before regretting? I can't control him, and those who can won't!"

"Alex," Eleanor spoke first, "let your father handle things. You need rest."

"He can't." Alexander's voice was gravelly.

Though both men held equal authority within Kingsley Group, their responsibilities were clearly divided and non-interfering.

"Move." Alexander tried to step around Madeline but found himself firmly blocked.

She stood her ground. "You're just upset Evelyn prioritized work over you, aren't you? I'll summon her back immediately!"

"Mother—" Eleanor began.

"Quiet!" Madeline snapped. "Don't think I don't know what you're scheming? Would you be happy if something happened to him?"

"That's not—" Eleanor found herself tongue-tied.

Madeline reached for Alexander's arm, intending only to emphasize her point. To her shock, the slight tug sent him staggering several steps until he braced against the wall.

"Alex!" Eleanor gasped, rushing downstairs. "Stay home and rest!"

After all, he was still her son. She couldn't truly watch him self-destruct.

Alexander frowned irritably. "I know what I'm doing."

He'd taken medicine, received IV fluids. Work would distract him from spiraling thoughts.

"I'll have Evelyn return," Eleanor grasped his wrist. "If she comes back, you'll stay, yes?"

Alexander didn't want to admit it, but the offer was too tempting.

"She won't come," he said coldly.

"If I summon her, she wouldn't dare refuse!" Eleanor declared confidently.

Alexander studied his mother, verifying her sincerity.

"Fine. Evelyn will be here shortly. No more talk of the office." Madeline reached for him again.

Alexander shook her off but ceased insisting on leaving.

......

"Boss, Roman went to the Lakeside District," Wendy reported furtively. "I overheard him mention heading to the Lotus Conference Hotel..."

"What!" Xavier Stapleton shot up from his seat. "Say that again!"

Startled, Wendy repeated herself.

"When did he leave?" Xavier's face darkened. "Why only tell me now?"

"Just now. You can still catch up..." Wendy volunteered.

"Stay put!" Xavier was already rushing out.

......

"Evelyn, the car's rented. Can you see my location?" Roman spoke through the phone while driving.

"Got it. I'll be right there." Evelyn glanced at the chauffeur. She'd wanted to drive herself, but Mr. Kingsley had insisted on assigning a professional.

Evelyn focused on the moving GPS dot, taking a deep breath.

She didn't know how Roman had tracked down that interviewee, but this time, they'd expose the mastermind.

What puzzled her most was Alexander's attitude.

Someone had impersonated him to spread rumors, yet he remained indifferent—even pleased.

He... wanted their relationship publicized.

Why not let others do the work for him?

Once exposed, another obstacle to her departure would emerge.

And this method violated no terms of their agreement.