Chapter 81

The entertainment industry had been in a slump these past two years. Frequent celebrity scandals made production crews increasingly cautious.

Not signing formal contracts before filming had become an unspoken industry rule.

As a highly anticipated adaptation, The First Lady Judge attracted attention from its inception. With a top-tier production team, A-list actors lined up for roles.

After rigorous selection, Victoria Chase and Bianca White landed the lead roles.

But the night before filming began, Isabella Winslow suddenly joined the cast...

Evelyn Sinclair was packing when Martha Nash called.

"Isabella's targeting you," Martha said gravely. "With Alexander still suing you, she'll definitely make trouble."

Trouble?

This was outright sabotage.

"I'm going." Evelyn shoved the last shirt into her suitcase.

She'd promised to strike anyone who stole her Butterfly Brooch. If Isabella wanted her face rearranged, Evelyn would gladly oblige.

"Poor Bianca," Martha sighed. "Just returned from maternity leave for this role. She turned down so many projects."

"She didn't fight back?"

"How? Between Winwell Ventures and Kingsley Group, who'd dare cross them?" Martha scoffed. "Rumor says Isabella's releasing Bianca's 'scandal' tomorrow."

Evelyn smirked.

She knew these tactics all too well.

Hanging up, she turned off the lights.

Next morning, she wheeled her suitcase out with determined energy.

......

"Alex, please visit the set..." Isabella cooed over the phone. "I worked so hard for this role..."

Alexander Kingsley absently replied, "When did I agree?"

His gaze remained fixed on the apartment complex gates while extending a hand toward Nathan Carter for documents.

Nathan: "..."

No one multitasked like his boss—stalking an ex while humoring a fame-seeking actress and reviewing contracts simultaneously.

"You nodded last time!" Isabella persisted. "Just one hour—"

"Never happened." Alexander abruptly cut her off as a familiar figure emerged. "I'm hanging up."

"So you'll come—"

"No." His voice turned glacial. "Next call gets blocked."

Isabella immediately silenced.

"Don't bother me." His patience evaporated. Favors had limits.

His car screeched to halt before Evelyn.

She'd just hailed a cab when Alexander's vehicle blocked its path.

"Miss, step forward," the taxi driver urged. "A scratch would cost me a year's wages."

Evelyn shot Alexander a venomous glare before dragging her suitcase toward the cab.

Surprisingly, he didn't stop her.

Nathan peeked through the rearview mirror—his boss looked stunned.

Evelyn... had glared at him.

That fiery expression Alexander hadn't seen in years...

She wore a sprout green blouse tucked into jeans, the back fluttering like a summer breeze. That defiant look made her irresistibly vibrant.

Memories surfaced—their first meeting.

A little girl sat piecing together a puzzle in the corner, wiping tears between snaps.

"What's your name?" he'd asked.

She'd bristled like an angry sparrow. "I'm playing! No sharing!"

Alexander chuckled. "Does solving it get you candy?"

The child gaped. "You eat puzzles?" then muttered, "Weirdo..."

Even then, he'd thought—this spitfire needed taming.

After playing all afternoon, a boy's distant call—"Evelyn Sinclair!"—sent puzzle pieces flying.

"Julian!" She'd beamed, darting away without a backward glance.

Little ingrate from the start!

"Lord Alex..." Nathan cautiously extended documents as his boss's expression shifted.

"How many meetings today?" Alexander checked his watch. "Consolidate them—in-person and remote simultaneously."

Nathan: "?"

"Prioritize all pending paperwork."

Nathan: "Understood..."

Preparing for a trip?

"Trace Evelyn's destination. Book flights or arrange the jet."

Nathan: "!"

"Waiting?"

"On it." Nathan snapped to attention.

His boss frowned again.

Where was Evelyn going with that suitcase?

Field assignment?

She'd grown far too independent.

Without discipline, she'd revert to that runaway child...