Chapter 1043

No.1

"If you're ever in danger," Julian said hoarsely, "remember I'm here."

"Of course." She laughed lightly. "You saved me once, Julian. Would you mind doing it again?"

"Preferably not." His response was barely audible.

That snowy night seven years ago, when he'd found Evelyn barely conscious, she'd been clutching a hard drive.

"Julian...give this to Alexander..."

It was the first time she'd called him that since they were ten.

But Julian knew better than anyone—his place in her heart had vanished long ago...

No.2

The girl who used to chase after him was gone.

She would always call him "Brother Julian" with stars in her eyes.

He took it for granted, even looked down on it, constantly testing her limits...

He only tolerated her company because of their families' business ties. She wasn't his real sister—why bother?

The funniest part? No matter how cold he was, she'd still greet him sweetly next time, like an annoying piece of gum that wouldn't come off.

Last time, Alexander Kingsley spent an entire afternoon with her, but the moment Julian called, she immediately abandoned Alexander and ran back.

Julian Ashford always thought Evelyn Sinclair was just an insignificant little follower.

No.3

Until the day she walked straight into Alexander's arms without looking back...

Evelyn squinted at the imposing mansion before her.

The vermilion gates were tightly shut, the walls loomed high, and even an electrified fence had been installed.

"It's just a weekend retreat. Why the military-grade security?" she muttered.

Three days earlier.

The entertainment department launched a new project interviewing veteran artists.

By tradition, each team was assigned two interviewees.

No.4

But Victoria Henn called Evelyn into her office alone.

"Evelyn, your team got Vincent Sullivan. It's a heavy responsibility, so the whole team will support you."

Evelyn frowned. "Why me?"

She hadn't even passed her probation. Such an important interview should go to a senior reporter.

Victoria smiled mysteriously. "I'm being transferred. The new director will be promoted from existing editors, leaving a vacancy..."

It was practically a direct hint.

"You've stood out. I have high hopes for you."

No.5

Evelyn sensed a trap. "I haven't even been regularized yet."

"Secure Vincent's interview, and I guarantee you'll get an exceptional promotion," Victoria vowed. "I'll handle HR."

After the assignment was announced, even Martha Nash looked at her differently.

Evelyn whispered, "Editor, is this a trap?"

Martha patted her shoulder. "Not a trap."

Evelyn relaxed slightly.

"It's a volcano crater," Martha added.

No.6

Evelyn: "..."

Vincent Sullivan was a national treasure but hadn't given an interview in ten years.

What was Victoria thinking, dumping this hot potato on her?

The entire team's next-month bonus depended on this.

If she failed, forget promotion—she might lose her job entirely.

Could she refuse?

No.

No.7

No one else could take this task, and failing consecutive assignments would doom her probation.

Her "achievements" so far were staggering:

Alexander's report cost Horizon Media eight million.

Ryan Holt's interview sparked a media war.

Martha crunched her lollipop. "Others coast through probation, but you choose nightmare mode?"

Evelyn sighed. "Guess it's fate."