Chapter 33

Evelyn Sinclair blinked awake as harsh sunlight streamed through the curtains.

She squinted to see Isabella Winslow leaning over Alexander Kingsley's hospital bed, her delicate fingers holding a spoon. "Just one more bite, Alex?" Her saccharine voice dripped with false sweetness.

The spoon touched Alexander's lips as Isabella turned to shoot Evelyn a triumphant look.

Evelyn's throat constricted. Her fingernails dug into her palms.

"Awake?" Alexander's voice cut through the tension.

He pushed Isabella away, sending the porcelain spoon clattering against the bowl.

Evelyn realized she lay on a cot beside his bed, an IV needle taped to her hand.

Ethan Miller approached quietly. "Miss Sinclair, you collapsed outside. Lord Alex carried you here himself—"

Evelyn turned her face away.

If Alexander hadn't intervened, she could have endured the drug's effects. Now her skin burned, her throat raw as if scorched by fire.

"The doctor said it was an allergic reaction," Ethan added, glancing nervously at Alexander.

Alexander's brow furrowed, his gaze locked onto Evelyn.

Ethan didn't dare mention how Lord Alex had cradled her for hours before Isabella arrived.

"Since everyone's here," Alexander said abruptly, "let's settle this."

The room fell silent.

"Isabella and I don't have the relationship you fabricated." His eyes bore into Evelyn. "You'll issue a public apology. I might overlook this, but her career could suffer."

Evelyn almost laughed.

She only needed to look at them—Isabella practically draped over Alexander, their hands nearly touching on the sheets.

No relationship?

When she remained silent, Alexander continued, "As for your job, your probation period is terminated."

Evelyn's head snapped up, shock flashing in her eyes.

"With your current performance," Alexander sneered, "do you even deserve to be a journalist?"

"What performance?" She lifted her chin in defiance.

Alexander's eyes darkened.

Always this way—outwardly compliant, yet challenging him at every turn.

"Your first article was libelous. Now you nearly got yourself assaulted during an interview." His voice turned icy. "If I hadn't arrived, would you have just—"

When the doctor revealed the drug's effects, he'd nearly put a bullet through Ryan Holt right then.

"After all the Kingsleys have done for you, this is how you repay us?"

The air turned frigid.

"Lord Alex," Evelyn finally spoke, "the Kingsleys' generosity and my parents' sacrifices for your family cancel each other out."

This was the first time she'd invoked her parents' legacy. Once, she'd feared being accused of exploiting their memory. Now, she wielded it like a blade to sever ties.

"From today onward, I live by my own strength." Her quiet words cut deeper than any shout.

Evelyn yanked out her IV.

Blood bloomed on the white sheets like crimson petals.

"If you think I libeled you, sue me. As a journalist, I'll face the consequences." She stood. "No need for your concern."

Bodyguards blocked the exit. Without Alexander's order, no one dared let her pass.

"Evelyn," Isabella simpered, "you mustn't upset Alex in his condition. Don't be unreasonable."

Evelyn watched her performance coldly.

This mastermind now played the peacemaker.

Ignoring her, Evelyn turned to Ethan. "Where's my bag?"

After checking her belongings, she sat on the cot's edge, packing methodically while tuning out Isabella's theatrics.

"Alex, time for your medicine..."

"Should I peel you an apple?"

"Which script do you think suits me best?"

Isabella's tinkling laughter grated, but Evelyn refused to react.

"Any charging cables?" she asked Ethan.

Ethan glanced at Alexander.

"Get it yourself," Alexander snapped.

Evelyn acted as if she hadn't heard.

Isabella jumped up. "Let me hel—"

"Help with what?" Eleanor Kingsley's cheerful voice rang from the doorway. "My, has this become a shared room?"

Behind her, Julian Ashford's silhouette came into clear view.