Chapter 91
Evelyn Sinclair paused mid-step and turned to face Alexander Kingsley.
The hotel corridor lights etched his sharp profile against the glittering cityscape beyond the floor-to-ceiling windows.
"I'll find out who's behind this."
Alexander's voice sliced through the tension like a blade.
Evelyn nearly laughed aloud.
Did he think she was broke? That she'd beg Mrs. Kingsley for money or flirt with Julian Ashford?
Typical Alexander—always judging others through his privileged lens.
"Don't bother," she began.
"Don't you realize you don't belong in this world?" Alexander cut her off.
The faint warmth in Evelyn's chest turned to ice.
"What do you mean?"
"Look at all the trouble you've caused since leaving the Kingsleys." His gaze held the condescension of an adult scolding a child. "Is this really the life you wanted?"
Evelyn couldn't believe her ears.
In one month, she'd written viral exposés, interviewed notoriously difficult legends, earned promotions—
And he called these achievements "trouble"?
"You're absolutely right, Mr. Kingsley." Her laugh was bitter. "Someone like me isn't worth your concern. Please don't trouble yourself with my insignificant existence."
She turned sharply, her heels sinking into the plush carpet with muted thuds.
......
"What the hell is she so upset about?" Alexander stood before the panoramic windows, his voice arctic.
Nathan Carter wiped his damp forehead. Having witnessed the entire exchange, he'd wanted to vanish through the floor.
"Lord Alex... women sometimes need... gentle words..."
Alexander's glare could freeze lava.
Nathan swallowed hard. "Just... humble yourself a little? Say something nice?"
The murderous look confirmed: Not happening.
The doorbell rang like divine intervention.
Nathan practically sprinted to answer it.
A stranger stood outside—"Are you Mr. Carter? Ms. Sinclair sent me to fetch Lord Alex..."
Alexander was already at the door.
"Ms. Sinclair got suspended from Horizon Media. Bribery allegations. She's... crying in her room and asked for Lord Alex..."
"Where?" Alexander interrupted.
"Suite 2108..."
Nathan opened his mouth to ask details, but Alexander was already striding down the hall. "Stay."
Nathan wanted to cry. He never should've opened his big mouth.
......
The unfamiliar girl led Alexander to a suite.
The door opened—revealing not Evelyn, but Isabella Winslow in a silk negligee.
"Alex..."
......
"Julian, really, there's no need." Evelyn checked the room number while balancing her phone.
"I'll handle the company investigation."
Julian's worry vibrated through the line. "I know you can. But I..."
He needed to see her.
Since Evelyn's business trip, Julian had been distracted—his gaze constantly drifting to her empty chair during meetings.
He'd once believed he could quit this addiction.
Their reunion proved Evelyn Sinclair was his forever craving.
"Orange Media will issue a public apology by tomorrow," Evelyn said firmly. "Don't worry."
Hanging up, she knocked on the designated door.
"Ms. Winslow has been waiting." The agent's glare could curdle milk.
The suite was frigid.
Isabella sat wrapped in a coat, face twisted with fury.
"What do you want?" she hissed. "Me to give up Alexander?"
Evelyn actually chuckled.
"Is men all you ever think about, Ms. Winslow?"
"Stop pretending!" Isabella sprang up. "I know exactly what trash you are!"
"Then we're done here." Evelyn turned to leave.
"Wait!" Panic cracked Isabella's voice. "Name your terms!"
"Orange Media's front-page apology by morning."
"Fine! But delete that video!"
Evelyn simply stared.
Isabella deflated. "That money... consider it hush payment..."
As Evelyn exited, shattering objects and screams followed:
"That bitch! I was so close!"
Her grip tightened around her phone.
She'd held onto Ryan Holt's damning video of Isabella for precisely this moment.
......
"Evelyn! Wake up!"
Dawn barely tinted the sky when Iris Cooper shook her awake.
"Horizon sent investigators! They're here about the bribery allegations!"
The door burst open before Evelyn could rise. Iris gasped—
"You—"