Chapter 68
The phone screen lit up. The name "Alexander Kingsley" made Julian Ashford's pupils contract.
His finger hovered over the answer button. His Adam's apple bobbed.
"Impressive moves, Mr. Ashford." Alexander's voice was icy. "The Ashford family's tradition of ingratitude has found its perfect heir."
Julian clenched his fist, his knuckles turning white.
A soft knock sounded behind him.
Evelyn Sinclair stood there, her gaze falling on his bleeding palm. She handed him a tissue, her fingertips cool.
"Thanks for your concern," Julian said flatly into the phone. "Let's leave it at that."
The infirmary smelled of antiseptic.
"Not worth it." Evelyn pressed a cotton swab to his wound. "Few people in this world can truly empathize."
She'd learned this long ago.
When the Sinclair family fell, the entire Kingsbury financial world had trembled. But how much of that shock was genuine?
The Sinclairs had shielded her at all costs, burying the truth—wasn't that also to protect themselves, and the Kingsleys?
So-called debts of gratitude were just burdens passed down through generations.
"The Kingsleys do value loyalty," Julian said, watching the bandage wrap around his hand. "The Ashfords can't compare."
He turned suddenly. "Why didn't you tell me about the Financial Department?"
Evelyn's lips curved. "They made me proofread old drafts. It helped me learn the industry faster."
"Those documents had errors."
"Mistakes are information too." Her eyes were clear. "Others see my losses. I see growth."
Fetching bubble tea was nothing.
They wanted to see her break. She'd smile brighter instead.
......
The transfer order to the Entertainment Department arrived that afternoon.
Vincent Sullivan's interview was rescheduled for the next day.
The Financial Department's decision on Roxanne Luna came down simultaneously—immediate termination.
Even Melissa Lee and the editor-in-chief had bonuses docked.
The private group chat exploded.
[Same warning from Kingsley Group, such different outcomes!]
[Melissa got dragged into this over one photo!]
[Should've thought before deleting those pictures!]
......
Outcry for Roxanne rose in waves.
Until the Social Affairs Department editor suddenly spoke:
[Don't drag others into your mess. Know why Autumn Detail is off-limits?]
The group fell silent.
An anonymous message added: [Autumn Detail was co-founded by one of the Financial Department's original team. Media outlets signed NDAs.]
It was quickly deleted.
The Social Affairs editor continued: [The newbie saved you. Wait till Kingsley Group and Orange Media team up—you'll be blacklisted for life.]
Dead silence.
Social Affairs was Horizon Media's crown jewel.
Their reporters braved war zones and exposed corruption. To them, the Financial Department was just a bunch of sycophants.
"Finance has been controlled by the Lees for years," a veteran Social Affairs reporter spat, slamming his keyboard. "If only Autumn Detail's team were still here..."
"Shh—"
A collective sigh filled the office.
Everyone remembered that legendary team.
When would the king return?