Chapter 43

Hot air rushed from the hand dryer.

Evelyn Sinclair focused on drying her hands, the machine's roar filling her ears.

"What?" She turned to Simon York.

Simon patiently repeated himself.

"I've already said everything," Evelyn blinked, her tone light. "Any new discoveries, senior?"

"I could never compare to you." Simon shook his head with a smile. "You're the expert here."

"You're too modest." Evelyn waved her hands dismissively. "My first article only succeeded because of your guidance..."

They chatted amiably as they returned to the private room—only to find it relocated.

Julian Ashford had upgraded to a luxury suite, merging both departments together.

Evelyn froze in the doorway.

The room now held unfamiliar faces—likely Horizon Media's upper management.

She moved to retreat with Simon, but Victoria Henn seized her arm.

"Evelyn!" Victoria beamed, her demeanor a stark contrast to usual. "We owe you big this time. Without you, we'd be ruined."

She eagerly introduced the assembled executives.

"We've met." Melissa Lee interjected, her smile strained. "Evelyn was quite the campus celebrity."

The social affairs editor leaned in with interest. "Heard you made the Kingsley heir lose his temper?"

"Oh, that's not all!" Victoria cut in. "Ryan Holt's scandal was Evelyn's doing too."

"Orange Media took a massive hit."

"They had to halt printing last-minute."

"All thanks to Evelyn!"

"Here, a toast to you!"

Julian, seated in the corner, suddenly spoke. "She doesn't drink."

The room chilled momentarily—then erupted again.

"Evelyn, ever considered joining social affairs?"

"Nonsense! She's entertainment through and through!"

"Sports has more eye candy—think about it!"

"You're all tactless. Let's discuss this privately..."

Amid the clamor, Evelyn was placed on a pedestal.

Even colleagues who'd mocked her earlier came forward with apologies.

"Evelyn, I was blind. Forgive me."

"I'm genuinely impressed now."

"How did you dare refuse Ryan's interview?"

"She must've had a plan all along..."

Julian's frown deepened.

As he rose to intervene, the room abruptly silenced.

Phones chimed in unison.

A notification flashed across every screen:

【Horizon reporter Evelyn Sinclair accused of seducing Ryan Holt and fabricating scandal! Legal notice issued by Holt's studio...】

The luxurious suite plunged into icy stillness.

"My apologies, Lord Alex!"

The club manager bowed profusely, a white-clad girl kneeling behind him—her dress stained with liquor.

Alexander Kingsley sat coldly on the sofa.

This was a business dinner.

He'd noticed a white-clad figure upon entering.

After a second glance, the girl approached with a drink.

Alexander had thrown the contents in her face.

"Lord Alex, perhaps another venue?" The mediator offered nervously.

Nathan Carter received a call. "Lord Alex, we have a lead on the brooch."

"Speak."

"Vincent Sullivan may have owned a similar piece."

Alexander nodded. "Schedule for the day after."

"Lord Alex—" The investor tried to interject.

"Tomorrow." Alexander stood, leaving.

Nathan knew their return would be delayed.

For years, Alexander had operated like a relentless machine.

Only Royal Gardens offered brief respite.

"Julian Ashford!"

Melissa chased him down the hallway. "You're really surrendering all our resources? I'll tell your parents!"

Julian halted. "Melissa, I'm editor-in-chief now."

"Why?" she demanded, voice shaking. "Firing Evelyn would solve everything! Just like with Alexander last time!"