Chapter 82

Alexander Kingsley set down the file and tapped his fingers twice on the desk.

"Arrange the flight first."

Nathan Carter paused while organizing meeting materials, surprise flashing in his eyes.

"Understood. I'll handle it immediately."

He strode out of the office, inwardly stunned. Miss Sinclair's priority had just surpassed business arrangements for the first time...

At the airport terminal, Evelyn Sinclair pulled her luggage toward her colleagues.

"Evelyn!" Charlie Young waved with his camera. "Over here!"

Iris Cooper handed her a boarding pass. "All set. We land in two hours."

The plane touched down precisely in the city housing the film studios.

They headed straight to their hotel, freshened up briefly, then rushed to the set.

"Halt!" A crew member blocked the entrance. "Media? Which outlet?"

Iris frowned. "Horizon Media. We have a signed contract."

The crew member radioed for confirmation, then smirked. "Orange Media's already inside. Scram."

"What?" Charlie nearly jumped. "We have a binding agreement!"

Evelyn steadied her agitated colleague, voice calm. "Please contact the producer. We need verification."

She subtly shifted, giving Charlie a meaningful glance.

Seizing the cue, Charlie suddenly charged forward with his equipment.

"Stop them!" the crew member shouted.

Chaos erupted.

Evelyn slipped past into the filming area as enraged shouts followed her.

"Paparazzi vendors? Buy tickets next door!"

The insult ignited Iris's fury.

"Open your damn eyes!" She flashed her press badge. "Since when does Horizon stoop to paparazzi work?"

Evelyn shielded the camera, enunciating clearly: "Does The First Lady crew intend to breach contract? Horizon Legal stands ready."

The crew members exchanged glances before relenting. "Wait over there."

Under a nearby canopy, Isabella Winslow basked in her assistants' attention.

"Miss Sinclair," she drawled, "I only work with my regular team. Leave."

Evelyn met her gaze. "The production violated terms. Are you covering their penalties?"

"Gladly." Isabella smirked. "Name your price."

Martha Nash called immediately: "Get their signature and payment! Orange Media and Isabella will pay for this!"

The digital agreement was swiftly executed.

Isabella leaned close, whispering: "How does it feel being cast out by the Kingsleys? Soon Horizon will discard you too."

"Miss Winslow," Evelyn projected her voice, "you might soon beg me on your knees to return."

Gasps rippled through the crowd.

Isabella laughed shrilly. "Have you lost your mind, Evelyn Sinclair?"

An Orange reporter interjected: "Rumor says Mr. Kingsley sued you for eight million? When's the court date?"

"Correct." Evelyn acknowledged calmly. "I reported Mr. Kingsley and Miss Winslow's relationship. He insists he's single."

Isabella's face darkened. "That's a lie!"

"Didn't you confirm the relationship?" Evelyn countered. "What good is his denial?"

The crew exchanged knowing looks.

"Get out!" Isabella shrieked. "Security! Remove them!"

Iris sneered: "Don't come crawling back later!"

The trio departed with heads high as Isabella barked orders: "Transfer money to Evelyn immediately! Memo: 'Rights transfer'!"

She turned to the Orange reporter: "Announce Evelyn sold us the exclusive!"

An assistant came running. "Miss Winslow! Mr. Kingsley's at the studios! Heading this way!"

Isabella jumped up gleefully. "Quick! Touch up my makeup!"

Preening before a mirror, she smirked triumphantly.

Just wait, Evelyn. You'll see how Alexander dotes on me!