Chapter 306

"I want to leave."

Evelyn Sinclair's voice was soft but resolute.

Every member of the Kingsley family felt like a mountain pressing on her heart. The Sinclairs' kindness shouldn't be repaid this way.

If given a choice, she'd rather the Sinclairs had never saved the Kingsleys.

Losing her parents and her past had cost her over a decade of self-denial. Now, breaking free seemed impossible.

The cruelest irony? Fate had given her a child, binding her to the Kingsleys forever.

"Rest at my place," Alexander Kingsley insisted.

"You think I can stay here?" Evelyn's voice trembled. "Not everyone has a heart of stone like you."

She quickened her steps toward the exit.

This time, Alexander didn't stop her—he simply followed.

Outside the hospital, as Evelyn raised her hand to hail a cab, Alexander gripped her wrist.

"We'll go together."

"No." She shook him off. "I can't risk your illness."

"It's just a cold." His tone was patient. "You can accompany me for the IV tomorrow."

"Tomorrow?" She scoffed.

Did he expect her to orbit around him like before?

"Or the doctor can come to us," Alexander compromised.

"Do what you want. The Kingsley estate is spacious enough." Her expression remained blank.

"I'm not going back there." His face darkened at the mention of home.

"Then stay away from my place."

"It's our home," he corrected.

Evelyn whirled around.

"Your home is mine," Alexander stated matter-of-factly.

Before she could retort, a car pulled up.

"Get in." He ushered her inside without room for refusal.

———

Madeline Kingsley left the hospital in high spirits.

Learning of Evelyn's pregnancy had shaved ten years off her age. She insisted on visiting her granddaughter-in-law, only to find the room empty.

"Those newlyweds," the old woman chuckled, returning home with joy bubbling in her chest.

In her social group chat, someone shared photos of their grandson.

[Has my sweet boy gained weight?]

The others showered praise.

Madeline offered polite compliments while privately dismissing them. Just wait until my great-grandchild arrives—then you'll see real beauty.

[Madeline, when will Alexander give you a bouncing baby boy?]

The question stung. She had both a daughter-in-law and grandchild—yet couldn't boast.

An old friend called to console her.

"That Li woman went too far!"

"It's fine. She doesn't know about Evelyn," Madeline forced magnanimity.

Mid-conversation, she accidentally revealed Evelyn's pregnancy.

Silence.

"You just found out? The accident happened weeks ago." Her friend's tone turned pointed. "Could the whole family have known except you?"

Madeline's heart sank.

"Impossible," she deflected, though doubt crept in.

Seizing the moment, her friend mentioned Isabella Winslow. "Her baby bump is showing now. The child's perfectly healthy."

Madeline stayed quiet.

"Would you like to see her prenatal reports?" The coaxing continued.

After hesitation: "...Show me."

———

The next day, the doctor arrived to administer Alexander's IV.

Evelyn checked her watch. "I'm returning to the office this afternoon."

"Busier than me?" He smirked.

Horizon Media's video division was in chaos. The Roman Young scandal had the "Lee faction" scrambling for information from Evelyn.

"I'll pick you up." Alexander brushed a kiss against her ear before leaving.

Her earlobe burned, but she had no time to retaliate.

———

Chaos reigned at Horizon Video.

"Evelyn, help me!" Wendy West clung desperately. "I bullied Roman with Xavier before, but I've changed!"

Evelyn ignored her.

"Please talk to Roman—he's so kind—"

"HR handles staffing." Her refusal was ice-cold.

Seeing pleas fail, Wendy's eyes flashed venom.

As Evelyn turned away, Wendy lunged.

"What are you doing?" A sharp voice rang out.

Evelyn sidestepped against the wall. Wendy crashed to the floor.

"Evelyn!" she wailed. "You won't help me, but must you push me?"

A crowd gathered.

Evelyn stared down coldly. "Who taught you that trick?"

Wendy paled.

Grabbing her collar, Evelyn hissed, "What did Isabella promise you?"