Chapter 293

"You..." Madeline Kingsley's pupils trembled, her well-manicured fingers clutching the armrest.

Never had she imagined her docile daughter-in-law would dare confront her so bluntly.

Alexander Kingsley was already striding toward the exit.

After half a day's rest, his steps were steadier than that frail morning gait.

Eleanor Kingsley watched his retreating back with calm detachment.

She added lightly, "If you collapse from exhaustion, I'll adopt Evelyn as my daughter tomorrow and find her a suitable husband."

Alexander's frame stiffened momentarily, but he didn't turn back.

Behind him, muffled sobs escaped Madeline's lips.

In the garage, Old Lin had rushed over upon hearing the commotion. "Lord Alex!"

He watched helplessly as Alexander reached for the driver's door.

But the moment his fingers brushed the handle, the man swayed, bracing himself against the car.

"Let me drive you," Old Lin urged anxiously.

Alexander waved him off, but the older man stubbornly slid into the driver's seat. "Lord Alex, I know the Kingsley Group route well."

Alexander's expression darkened further.

Had he become so feeble that driving himself was now impossible?

Did everyone see him as a walking corpse already?

"Get out," he commanded coldly.

Old Lin audaciously locked the doors. "Madam specifically instructed me to report today's itinerary to you."

Alexander's gaze turned razor-sharp.

"Unnecessary."

He turned toward another sports car.

The Kingsley estate never lacked luxury vehicles.

"It was Madam's direct order!" Old Lin blurted desperately. "How shall I explain your refusal to her?"

Alexander froze mid-step.

Seizing the opportunity, Old Lin added, "There was nearly an accident while escorting Madam out today. A close call with another vehicle."

"What?" Alexander whirled around.

Such a serious incident, and no one had informed him?

Of course...

He'd personally forbidden any reports regarding Evelyn Sinclair.

If she chose to abandon him, why should he cling?

Old Lin gestured. "Please get in. I'll explain everything."

......

"Nathan?" Evelyn called out to the hurrying assistant at the corridor's end.

"How may I assist you, Madam?" Nathan Carter halted abruptly.

Evelyn glanced at the darkening sky outside. "Has the meeting concluded?"

What she truly wanted to ask was whether the feverish Alexander was still pushing through work.

Nathan's expression shifted. "It's over."

"And he..." Evelyn caught the odd hesitation.

Nathan forced a stiff smile. "Lord Alex is... currently unavailable for visitors."

Alexander hadn't appeared at Kingsley Group at all.

The so-called meeting had been conducted remotely.

Nathan knew his deception was improper, but he wanted Evelyn to taste the bitterness of waiting.

Let her understand what Alexander had endured all these years.

"I see." Evelyn's lips curved slightly. "There are personal items in the lounge. Please have them sent to me. I'll take my leave now."

"Madam, wait—" Conflict flashed in Nathan's eyes. "Perhaps you could stay a while longer?"

One call from him, and Alexander would come rushing.

Evelyn shook her head. "That won't be necessary."

As the elevator doors closed, her perfect smile vanished instantly.

Nathan's intentions were transparent.

This was his petty revenge for his master.

What?

Did they think Alexander lowering himself was some grand benevolence, while she, Evelyn, was unworthy of such grace?

A cold laugh escaped her.

They only saw the lofty Alexander making concessions.

But they'd forgotten how she'd been trampled into the dust.

Yes, she'd always been insignificant as weeds.

Even married into the Kingsley family, she remained the ungrateful wretch in their eyes.

Evelyn bypassed the underground garage, heading straight for Kingsley Group's main entrance.

Hailing a taxi, she gave an address she hadn't returned to in ages...

......

"Madam has been occupied, but she's kept you in her thoughts. She even called specially..."

Old Lin chattered incessantly during the drive.

He knew full well about Evelyn being expelled by Madeline.

But Eleanor had strictly forbidden servants from discussing family conflicts.

Who were they to meddle in their masters' affairs?

The backseat remained eerily silent.

"Stop the car!" Alexander suddenly barked.

Old Lin slammed the brakes. "Lord Alex?"

As they approached the garage entrance, Alexander's gaze locked onto the main gate.

"Never mind. Continue." He finally looked away.

That fleeting glimpse of a figure entering a taxi—it had looked so much like her.