Chapter 72

Evelyn Sinclair froze.

She tilted her head slightly, searching Alexander Kingsley's cold expression for his true intentions.

"How about..." she ventured carefully, "I give you next month's salary?"

It was the most practical compensation she could offer.

But Alexander's expression darkened further.

"Grandfather's birthday has been rescheduled," he said in a low voice. "The previous deadline still stands."

Evelyn's fingers trembled slightly.

She remembered that ten-day ultimatum all too well.

"Add me back on WeChat." Alexander tossed his phone in front of her. "And take my number off your blocklist."

Evelyn didn't move.

"I'll attend Grandfather's birthday banquet," she said softly. "But as for the rest... let's leave it at that."

From the moment she left Royal Gardens, she'd never considered turning back.

"Evelyn Sinclair!" Alexander's voice simmered with suppressed anger. "Grandfather and Grandmother still don't know about this. Don't force me to—"

"Everyone knew?" Evelyn suddenly laughed. "Which 'everyone' do you mean?"

She counted on her fingers. "Royal Gardens, the Kingsley family, Kingsley Group's executive office... anyone else?"

In the past, he'd refused to even acknowledge their relationship.

Whenever they crossed paths at Kingsley Group, he'd only say coldly, "From a family friend."

A family friend's what?

Little sister? Friend? Or some insignificant passerby?

In any case, everyone knew there was nothing between them.

Alexander fell silent.

For the first time, he realized Evelyn had never been further from him.

Evelyn gave him one last look before turning to exit the car.

......

Vincent Sullivan's exclusive interview sent shockwaves through the industry.

Horizon Media had built tremendous anticipation with their marketing—calling it the reclusive master's first public commentary, a once-in-a-decade exclusive.

Evelyn's article was brilliantly crafted.

The magazine's first print run sold out instantly, with reorders backlogged for months.

The success drew envy from many.

But when Evelyn next visited the Financial Department, Victoria Henn's attitude had completely changed.

Anyone could see this girl wasn't to be trifled with.

Yet when the latest issue arrived at the office, Victoria exploded.

"Who altered the draft?!" She stormed into the printing department. "This isn't the content I submitted!"

The situation quickly escalated.

Under pressure, the printer owner named Evelyn.

Melissa Lee rushed to the scene.

"Evelyn Sinclair, you've got some nerve! Who authorized you to change the article?"

"The original had issues," Evelyn replied calmly. "It carried my byline but wasn't my writing."

"Lies!" Melissa sneered. "Since when do you care about rules?"

Evelyn met her gaze. "Why is the Financial Department so invested in Entertainment's affairs?"

"Evelyn Sinclair!" Victoria shouted. "Do you realize what exclusive scoop you've ruined?"

"Since when is slander considered news?" Evelyn stood her ground. "Have you considered the consequences?"

Julian Ashford arrived at the commotion.

"What's going on?"

"Editor-in-Chief, we secured an exclusive about Vincent Sullivan, but Evelyn changed the article without authorization!" Victoria said urgently. "This is a serious violation!"

"What exclusive?"

"About Madam Zade!" Victoria shot Evelyn a triumphant glance. "Do you know why Vincent never gives interviews? Because he keeps his mentally ill wife locked in their backyard!"

Evelyn clenched her fists.

She had seen the woman.

Deep in the garden.

"We have photographic evidence!" Victoria pressed her advantage. "Evelyn blackmailed Vincent with this to get the interview!"

"That's not true."

"We even obtained hospital records!" Victoria bore down aggressively. "Evelyn Sinclair, as a journalist, how dare you suppress the truth? What do you have to say for yourself?"