Chapter 80
"During the Ryan Holt incident, at the department dinner, you deliberately asked me outside the restroom if I had any more information."
Evelyn Sinclair's voice was calm and measured.
"Once you confirmed I had nothing, you could counterattack without restraint. Simon, it was Orange Media who leaked that I seduced Ryan."
"I never colluded with Orange Media!" Simon York shot up from his chair, sending it crashing to the floor. "I don't even know anyone there!"
He had indeed been following Isabella Winslow's orders to probe Evelyn.
But he swore he had no ties to Orange Media.
Yet when he saw the faint smile playing on Evelyn's lips, a chill ran down his spine.
This usually gentle girl now terrified him.
"Then," Evelyn asked softly, "who did collude with Orange Media?"
Simon's face turned ashen as he shook his head violently.
Her smile was sweet, but he felt like someone had gripped his throat.
"Tell me what you know," Evelyn coaxed. "You're just a small-time reporter, not the mastermind. What's the worst that could happen?"
Cold sweat drenched Simon's back.
She was right, but he couldn't fall for it.
Even Victoria Henn hadn't betrayed Melissa Lee—he certainly wouldn't.
"I quit." Simon slumped back into his seat, utterly defeated.
As Evelyn turned to leave, she saw Martha Nash at the office doorway, giving her a thumbs-up.
"Evelyn!" Simon blocked her in the hallway, his face twisted with rage. "Don't think you'll always be this lucky!"
"Ryan almost succeeded. Madam Zade has mental issues. And Alexander Kingsley..."
"You've crossed Alexander and his girlfriend. Your downfall is coming."
Evelyn chuckled. "His girlfriend? Too scared to even say her name after resigning? How pathetic, Simon."
"Just wait!" Simon snarled through gritted teeth.
"Gladly," Evelyn replied coolly. "If anything happens to me, the police will come for you first."
Simon trembled with fury.
......
That evening, Evelyn found Ethan Miller waiting at her doorstep again.
Why wouldn't this man leave her alone?
Ethan beamed. "Miss Sinclair, Lord Alex specially prepared a gown for your birthday banquet."
Evelyn sidestepped him to unlock her door.
Ethan seized the chance to shove a suitcase inside before slamming the door and bolting.
Inside the suitcase lay a pure white gown, its neckline and hem adorned with lace—eerily reminiscent of a wedding dress.
Evelyn froze.
She'd seen this dress at Karl's Boutique in the capital and had glanced at it twice.
She never thought Alexander would remember.
White...
She hated white more than anything.
The matching pearl-encrusted heels and a jewelry box containing a full set of gems completed the ensemble.
Irritated, Evelyn shoved everything back inside.
Tomorrow was the first day of filming for The First Lady Judge, and she needed to prepare for her business trip.
Just as she lay down, Martha called.
"Bianca White's been replaced."
Evelyn's heart skipped. "By who?"
"Isabella Winslow."