Chapter 79

"Mom—"

Isabella Winslow's tears spilled over at her mother's question.

Eleanor Kingsley's harsh treatment, Evelyn Sinclair's provocation, Alexander Kingsley's coldness—all her grievances came flooding back.

When Evelyn had broken up with Alexander right in front of her, Isabella had been certain of victory.

She'd even boasted to the Winslow family that the Kingsley patriarch's birthday banquet would be the day she and Alexander made their relationship public.

But now...

"That Eleanor is nothing!" Madam Winslow exploded after hearing her daughter's sobs. "How dare she think my precious girl isn't good enough for her son? As for that orphaned bitch Evelyn..."

Her teeth ground together. "Crush her. The Winslows stand behind you."

Winwell Ventures' recent failed investments made securing the Kingsley alliance crucial.

Evelyn Sinclair was an obstacle that needed removing.

Isabella toyed with the butterfly brooch she'd taken from Evelyn, a cold smile curling her lips as she dialed a number.

......

At Horizon Media's entertainment department, Simon York's eyes gleamed at the text on his phone.

[Destroy her reputation within a week. Cooperate.]

Just as he went to reply, a cool female voice spoke behind him. "Simon."

"E-Evelyn!" He fumbled to flip his phone face-down, sweat beading on his forehead.

His former junior colleague was now his boss.

Evelyn's gaze lingered on the tense veins of his hand.

"Mr. Sullivan sent surveillance footage," she said, her voice crisp. "During the last interview, you claimed to use the restroom but went to the backyard instead. Correct?"

The office fell silent.

Martha Nash peered out from her office.

Simon's face paled, his carefully constructed "nice guy" facade cracking.

"Curious what I saw, Editor?" he sneered, gambling that Evelyn wouldn't dare mention the Sullivans' secrets publicly.

"You saw chains?" Evelyn smiled. "And Madam Zade?"

Simon's pupils contracted.

Was this woman insane? Bringing up the Sullivans' scandal herself?

"Pity you didn't look closely." Evelyn's smile vanished. "Those were sculpting tools."

Madam Zade had been working on a new art piece that day.

This fool had mistaken an artist's materials for restraints.

"What did Victoria Henn promise you? My position?" Evelyn advanced relentlessly.

Simon stammered, "She forced me! She's always been jealous of you—"

"Jealous of what?" Evelyn's laugh was icy. "The one who really wants me gone—"

Her eyes dropped to the overturned phone.

"—is your sugar mommy, isn't she?"

Gasps filled the office.

Simon stiffened. "What sugar—"

"Shall I say her name?" Evelyn crossed her arms. "Isabella. Winslow."

The three syllables landed like thunder.

"When I first arrived, you 'generously' assigned me all the Alexander-Isabella scoops. Even waived your byline..."

Evelyn's gaze sharpened to a blade's edge.

"Because you knew Alexander would sue, and I'd take the fall."

Back then, desperate for work, she'd had no choice but to walk into the trap.

Now it was time to return the favor.