Chapter 292

Evelyn's lips twitched.

The difference between Madeline Kingsley and Madam Zade was simple—one still clung to her dignity while the other had thrown it all away.

"Grandmother, I'll take my leave." She had no patience for the old woman's snide remarks.

"Not waiting for Alex?" Madeline didn't even glance up.

"No." Evelyn forced a polite smile.

"Wise choice." Madeline sniffed. "That boy forgets to eat when he's working. Might not even come home tonight. No point keeping you waiting alone. Go on."

As Evelyn turned, Madeline added, "Fetch the car keys for the young mistress. Have Lewis drive her."

She declined the chauffeur and drove herself.

The herbal pharmacy caught her eye. She braked.

The elderly doctor listened to her symptoms, pondered, then recommended several prepared remedies.

Evelyn carried the full paper bag straight to Kingsley Group headquarters.

The Kingsley vehicle glided into the underground garage without pause. Her finger hovered over the biometric scanner—one hesitant second.

When the elevator hummed to life, she exhaled.

Her access still worked. Or perhaps... he'd simply forgotten to revoke it.

"Young mistress?" Nathan Carter froze at the sight of her. "What brings you here?"

"Delivery for Mr. Kingsley." She lifted the medicine bag.

Nathan's gaze lingered on it before his professional smile returned. "Lord Alex is in a meeting. Would you like me to—"

"How long?"

His hesitation lasted a heartbeat. "Unpredictable. Shall I interrupt?"

"Don't." She shook her head. "I'll wait."

"Then please use the private lounge." Nathan gestured. "Too many eyes out here..."

She understood.

The all-white sanctuary had been her designated waiting area during their marriage. White sofa, white bookshelves, a few geography magazines and biographies. Her fingertips brushed the immaculate upholstery.

He'd kept this place maintained.

"Shall I arrange dinner, young mistress?" Nathan asked.

"Just something simple."

The meal arrived on fine china. Evelyn arched a brow. "Has Mr. Kingsley eaten?"

"Lord Alex never pauses meetings..." Nathan's smile faltered. "Unless you'd like me to—"

"Don't tell him." She cut him off.

Nathan bowed out.

......

"Eat something!" Madeline hissed, sliding a tray across the study desk.

Alex didn't look up.

The pallor of his skin alarmed her. Was he trembling? "Alex—"

"Meeting." He killed the webcam. Ice coated the single word.

Madeline retreated.

She'd issued strict orders to conceal Evelyn's visit. When Eleanor Kingsley found out, she massaged her temples in frustration.

Even she couldn't decipher the old woman's schemes now.

Telling Alex meant betraying Madeline. Staying silent meant prolonging the couple's estrangement.

Eleanor was halfway to fetching Evelyn herself when shrieks erupted downstairs. "Alex! Where are you going at this hour?"

"Kingsley Group." The hoarse reply brooked no argument.

"It's midnight!" Madeline whirled toward Eleanor. "Do something!"

Eleanor's voice could have frozen hell. "I birthed him. I raised him. Must I govern him into the grave?"