Chapter 247

"Enough." Alexander Kingsley cut off Evelyn Sinclair's explanation with a raised hand.

He strode to the sofa and sat down.

"Come here."

Evelyn's chest tightened at the sight of his spread legs.

"Must I repeat myself?" His gaze darkened when she didn't move. "Or should I 'invite' you myself?"

She finally understood—he'd been waiting for this moment.

Waiting for a justified reason to punish her.

"Alexander, if my mere existence is a mistake, then your anger is justified." All her unease evaporated.

The ice walls rebuilt themselves around her heart.

He didn't care about her feelings at all.

"Come. Here." He gritted his teeth.

Evelyn turned her face away.

"Don't want the child anymore?" His voice could freeze hell over.

She closed her eyes briefly.

When they reopened, only desolation remained.

No more resistance.

During his repeated pleas, during his rare apologies, the ice around her heart had thawed slightly.

Because she'd loved him once.

Because she'd waited.

Even after deciding to leave, his relentless pursuit had stirred something in her.

And then... she'd carried his child.

Their marriage had been a twist of fate.

Evelyn had wondered—if he could be a decent husband and father, she might have stayed.

But now...

His repentant words were laughable.

Alexander had promised to trust her.

Now he wouldn't even let her explain.

She stepped forward.

His hand shot out, yanking her wrist and forcing her to her knees.

"Know what to do?" Dark tempests churned in his eyes.

Evelyn stopped struggling.

For the child's sake.

She lowered her head...

...

Humiliation gave way to numbness in seconds.

She couldn't even feel his fingers threading through her hair.

When it ended, Evelyn stood.

"What were you going to say earlier?" Alexander's voice was lazy with satisfaction.

"Nothing."

Her tone was glacial.

Only after taking his fill did he bother asking?

Too late. She had nothing left to say.

"That unlucky colleague of yours—how should we handle him?" Alexander watched her stiff back.

Her entire body radiated coldness.

It extinguished any urge to be gentle.

But Alexander was done placating her.

He'd heard she was working late and brought dinner.

Only to find her with Julian Ashford.

Didn't matter who initiated it.

They'd been alone. Julian had pressed her hand to his chest.

They'd nearly embraced while discussing their child...

She'd hidden her pregnancy from him, yet told Julian.

How could he be magnanimous?

All he'd wanted was a small "compensation" before forgiving her.

Yet she acted like he was the offender.

"Unlucky colleague?" Evelyn turned, confusion flickering.

The reaction soothed Alexander slightly.

At least it proved the bespectacled nobody meant nothing.

But his expression remained icy. "Forgot there was someone else in that office?"

"Oh!" Realization struck. She inhaled sharply. "What did you do to him?"

Her concern reignited his irritation. "Afraid I killed him?" His face darkened.

Evelyn almost laughed.

His jealousy was absurd.

"He's a probationary employee who might not even pass evaluation. Spare him, Lord Alex." Sarcasm dripped from her words.

"Don't call me that." His voice turned dangerous.

From others, it was respect.

From her, mockery.

Evelyn sighed, too weary to argue. "I'm returning to the office. Release Roman Young."

She'd left in such haste, her computer was still on.

Alexander checked the time. "It's too late."

"I need to finish work. And deal with Roman."

Tonight's events had shaken the young man.

Yet Evelyn found his sudden appearance... intriguing.

...

Roman was unharmed.

But when brought before Evelyn, he was visibly rattled.

She smiled faintly. "Where's the courage you showed stopping my car?"

He stared blankly before blurting, "Why are you still working here?"

With Alexander Kingsley and Julian Ashford fighting over her—someone of her status shouldn't endure Horizon Media's hardships.

"And you?" Evelyn finished her files before countering, "Top university graduate. Why tolerate abuse here?"

Silence.

Her smile deepened.

"Guess we both have our reasons."

She stood to leave.

Roman suddenly called out, "Aren't you afraid I'll talk?"

Clearly she wanted her ties to Alexander secret.

"Will you?"

He shook his head vehemently.

Loose lips could be fatal.

His thoughts were transparent.

Evelyn chuckled. "Relax. I know you won't."

Roman nodded dumbly. "I won't tell."

"Then why return tonight?"

"To work on... a proposal." He fidgeted.

"What proposal?"

After a pause, comprehension dawned.

"This one." He lunged for his computer, fumbling with the power button. "It's slow—maybe I should just leave it running—"

"No rush." Evelyn sat back down.

Watching his nervous eagerness, she reconsidered: The department had misjudged him.

This was patience and calculation personified.

The proposal confirmed his talent.

"Xavier Stapleton doesn't know?"

Roman shook his head.

"Who were you submitting it to?"

"The board meeting... day after tomorrow." His voice trembled. "Someone from another department promised to deliver it."

"Trustworthy?"

Roman looked down. "No other options."

Evelyn nodded. "Then why come back tonight?"

His breath hitched.

Her clear gaze seemed to pierce through him.

"Just... wanted to check." He avoided her eyes.

She didn't press further, opening her mouth to speak when—

Ethan Miller burst in like a scorned spouse. "Mrs. Kingsley, do you know what time it is?"