Chapter 85
Alexander Kingsley's gaze was icy, locked onto Evelyn Sinclair like a dagger.
The reporter from Orange Media seized the opportunity to stir trouble. "If Horizon Media had arrived on time, we wouldn't have needed to step in as emergency replacements. We only did this out of respect for Miss Winslow..."
Though the words were directed at Nathan Carter, every syllable was meant for Alexander's ears.
"Is that so?" Evelyn's eyes brightened. "Then by all means, continue your heroic rescue. I'll take my leave."
She turned to walk away.
The room fell dead silent.
The audacity of this woman!
She'd taken the penalty fee without returning it, forced a contract renegotiation, and humiliated Isabella publicly. Now she thought she could casually dismiss everything with a flippant "I'll go"?
Did Evelyn have a heart of steel?
Such beauty, yet a soul more venomous than a serpent's!
"Stop." Alexander's voice cut through the air like frost.
His expression remained murderous, yet inexplicably, the tension in the room eased slightly.
"Come here," he commanded.
Evelyn stood rooted in place.
"Miss Sinclair, Lord Alex is speaking to you," Nathan forced a smile, suddenly finding Evelyn less objectionable than usual.
But before his grin fully formed, Alexander's dark glare silenced him. "What are you smiling at?"
Nathan's face stiffened instantly.
Why was Ethan Miller allowed to beam at Evelyn without consequence, while he got reprimanded for a mere hint of friendliness?
As if he'd ever dare entertain thoughts about Miss Sinclair!
Ahem— Evelyn cleared her throat, deliberately ignoring Alexander. "Producer, shall we begin the opening ceremony?"
The producer blinked in confusion. "Ah? Yes—wait, no..."
This wasn't the script he'd anticipated. Wasn't Alexander here to confront Evelyn? Why did the atmosphere feel... off?
"I said come here. Are you deaf?" Alexander's tone dropped another degree colder.
Every pair of eyes in the room screamed at Evelyn: Go to him!
That was Alexander Kingsley!
Did she have a death wish? Don't drag us down with you!
"Editor-in-chief..." Iris Cooper looked ready to cry.
This was the living legend of global finance—the prodigy who'd conquered Wall Street by twenty-seven!
She'd assumed he was just another spoiled heir, but seeing him in person revealed the chasm between their worlds. How could Evelyn remain so composed?
With a sigh, Evelyn finally walked over under the weight of everyone's stares. "What can I do for you, Mr. Kingsley?"
Wasn't that polite enough?
Alexander averted his eyes. "Pour me water."
Evelyn: "..."
Too tired to argue, she turned toward the water dispenser to find a cup.
The sound of rummaging pierced the quiet lounge.
"Where are the paper cups? Don't you have disposable ones?" she muttered under her breath.
The entire room watched her with bated breath.
Isabella finally snapped. "Alex never drinks from water dispensers. He only takes Prehistoric Spring or Vienn."
"Oh?" Evelyn shot Alexander a meaningful look. "How refined of Lord Alex. My apologies—we common folk aren't familiar with such luxuries. Since Miss Winslow knows so well, perhaps she should fetch it?"
She genuinely hadn't known.
At Royal Gardens, Alexander only drank water she poured—left at his bedside and desk, meticulously measured to the perfect temperature for his stomach.
Back then, a single sip from him could make her day.
Only now did she realize how worthless her efforts had been in his eyes.
Hundred-dollar bottled water was his norm—an intimate detail of his life with Isabella she'd never been privy to.
"Where's your water?" Alexander demanded impatiently.
He hated the look in Evelyn's eyes now.
How could she sever their past so cleanly, as if all her tenderness had been a lie?