Chapter 283

The phone's sudden ringtone startled Evelyn Sinclair from her thoughts as she stood by the floor-to-ceiling window.

Eleanor Kingsley's name flashed on the screen.

"Evelyn..." The voice on the other end wavered with hesitation. "Are you... busy today?"

Evelyn's instincts sharpened immediately. "What's wrong?"

"Alexander..." Eleanor's words trailed off. "He woke up and insisted on going to Kingsley Group. The doctors said leaving in his condition would be suicidal..."

Evelyn tightened her grip on the phone.

When she'd left that morning, Alexander Kingsley had been delirious with fever.

Now he wanted to work?

"Is he insane?" The words burst from her lips. "Will Kingsley Group collapse without him for one day?"

"The doctor said he could drop dead any moment if this continues." Eleanor's voice trembled. "I lied that you'd return soon to keep him in bed..."

Evelyn bit her lip.

She had urgent matters today.

"I'll come back after finishing my business." She finally relented.

Hanging up, Eleanor turned to the figure in the hospital bed.

"Evelyn said she'll return after her errands."

Alexander lay with half-closed eyes, his face parchment-white.

"Where did she go?" His voice was a ragged whisper.

"Some work emergency..."

Alexander's bloodshot eyes flew open.

"Mom," he rasped, "beg her... to quit that job..."

Eleanor stared at her son in shock.

"Absolutely not." Her refusal was ironclad. "You're the one who neglected her. You have no right to control her now."

Alexander's fingers twisted the sheets.

"I'm begging you..." His voice shook. "Make her come back... now..."

Eleanor inhaled sharply.

She'd never seen her son so broken.

"Calm down—"

Alexander suddenly lunged up, yanking the IV from his hand.

"I'm going to Kingsley Group!" He struggled to rise. "I have to—"

"Have you lost your mind?" Eleanor screamed, pinning him down. "Doctors! Help!"

Medical staff rushed in as Alexander thrashed violently.

"Call her back!" He glared at his mother. "Now!"

With trembling hands, Eleanor dialed Evelyn.

"Evelyn..." Her voice quivered. "Can you... come back immediately?"

Silence stretched for several seconds.

"Mom, what's happening?"

Alexander snatched the phone. "Come home now!" He collapsed back onto the pillows.

After examining him, the doctor pulled Eleanor aside.

"We recommend hospitalization for full evaluation." His voice dropped. "His condition... is critical."

Eleanor's legs nearly gave out.

"And..." The doctor hesitated. "Lord Alex may be showing signs of depression..."

As Eleanor prepared to argue, her phone rang again.

Evelyn's voice carried unprecedented gravity.

"Mom... there's been an accident..."