Chapter 51

Evelyn tilted her head slightly, confusion flickering in her eyes.

"Thank you?"

"Do you think you could've stepped into the Sullivan residence without my permission?" Alexander finally looked up, dark currents swirling in his gaze. "How was the interview, Miss Sinclair?"

He emphasized the last three words like a predator baring its fangs.

Evelyn's lashes trembled.

"You misunderstand, Mr. Kingsley." Her expression remained composed. "Mr. Sullivan never grants interviews. I came here to..."

A sly smile curved her lips. "...play hard to get."

Alexander's eyes turned glacial.

Her sharp tongue had certainly improved.

"Evelyn," his voice dropped dangerously low. "Don't test my patience."

She knew exactly what happened to those who crossed him.

Suddenly, Evelyn beamed. "How about... I give you half my salary this month?"

"Cough—"

Ethan nearly choked in the front seat.

He turned hesitantly, surprised to see Alexander's calm expression.

"Deal." The man pulled out his phone and opened his QR code. "Add me first."

Evelyn froze.

She'd blocked all his contacts when she left Royal Gardens.

Now he wanted to reconnect?

Absolutely not!

When she didn't move, Alexander's tone grew even gentler. "Or just give me your number?"

Her jaw clenched.

He still had her number saved.

This was clearly a trap to make her admit she'd blocked him.

"I..." She grasped at straws. "I'll pay you in cash."

"Add me first." Alexander pressed relentlessly. "In case you try to cheat me."

"I..."

"Or," his gaze turned arctic, "were you planning to renege all along?"

Their standoff was interrupted by the sudden appearance of the Sullivan butler.

"Miss Sinclair, the master asked me to escort you home."

Evelyn seized the lifeline, quickly stepping behind the butler.

The action ignited Alexander's fury.

His eyes darkened like storm clouds, the air around him turning oppressive.

"She's riding with me." Alexander yanked the car door open.

The butler remained unflappable. "The master prepared documents for Miss Sinclair to review during the ride."

Evelyn seized the chance to bow. "Please thank Mr. Sullivan for me."

Without a backward glance, she climbed into the Sullivan family car.

In the rearview mirror, Alexander's figure grew smaller until it vanished into the night.

......

The butler remained silent until they reached her apartment complex. "The master said you may take the documents home."

Evelyn thanked him and worked through the night to finish her article.

At dawn, her doorbell rang.

The security monitor showed Ethan fidgeting outside.

"Yes?" she asked warily.

"Miss Sinclair!" He lowered his voice. "I came secretly."

Evelyn opened the door cautiously.

Ethan's eyes were red-rimmed. "Lord Alex waited for you all day. He postponed important meetings and is still working now."

"And?" She arched a brow.

"Please come back!" His voice cracked. "He hasn't slept properly since you left. Last time he was hospitalized for a bleeding ulcer—"

"Stop." Evelyn massaged her temples. "He's a grown man."

"But I'm his personal assistant!" Ethan said indignantly.

She moved to shut the door.

"Are you still upset about Isabella?" He braced against the door. "Nothing happened between them!"

"Noted." Her face remained blank.

Ethan suddenly raised his voice. "Do you have any idea what Lord Alex has done for you?"