Chapter 118

No.1

Though the Kingsleys owned numerous properties in Kingsbury, Alexander favored Royal Gardens above all.

Every detail here pleased him.

More importantly, Evelyn had once confessed she loved this place.

He remembered accidentally overhearing her discuss nursery designs with the staff.

Since they'd be living here long-term after marriage, Alexander decided on a full remodel.

Six months would suffice—enough time for the wedding, pregnancy, and ensuring the new rooms were formaldehyde-free.

He intended to ask the housekeeper about Evelyn's preferred nursery location and other layout preferences.

No.2

Having spent years at Royal Gardens, the staff knew her habits better than he did.

Approaching the servants' quarters, raucous laughter assaulted his ears.

"Mrs. Wilson, Evelyn's definitely not coming back, right?"

"Of course not! If she were, she'd have returned by now. Lord Alex has clearly washed his hands of her."

"Thank goodness! I was afraid she'd retaliate against us."

"For what? She was just some charity case Lord Alex tolerated out of pity. Did she actually think she was mistress here?"

"But Madam Kingsley adores her... What if she punishes us for those things we said—"

No.3

"Punish us? That orphan should be grateful Lord Alex let her sleep in his bed! No handouts? Then scram like a good girl!"

"Ugh, her delusions were the worst! Everyone saw how little Lord Alex cared. Still dreaming of marriage—pathetic!"

"Oh! Remember when she asked which room would make a good nursery? I gave some random answer, and the idiot actually measured it with a tape! Mortifying!"

"Brainless twit! We humored her with pretty lies, and she ate it up."

"That's why taunting her during the breakup was so satisfying!"

"Finally showed her her place!"

"Best part? When I followed her upstairs to insult her, Lord Alex suddenly appeared. Guess who he took her side against?" Mrs. Wilson's tone oozed smugness.

No.4

"What'd you say to her?"

"Just warned her everything at Royal Gardens belongs to the Kingsleys. Told her not to steal anything on her way out—"

"Serves her right!"

The other servants crowed in agreement.

"Eating the Kingsleys' food, living in their house—actually thought she was family!"

"Lord Alex would obviously side with Mrs. Wilson. She's been with the family for decades. What's that nobody compared to—"

"I'd pay to see her kicked-puppy face if we told her again!"

No.5

Their jeering continued unchecked—until an arctic voice shattered the noise:

"Repeat every word. Exactly as you said them."

All laughter.

Died instantly.

The servants froze, blood turning to ice in their veins.

The living room of Royal Gardens was thick with Alexander Kingsley's suffocating aura.

Ethan Miller stood before him, trembling.

No.6

"Lord Alex, we've confirmed everything. On the eleventh of last month..." He swallowed hard. "When they heard Miss Sinclair had been abandoned by you, they ambushed her on her usual path and hurled vile insults at her..."

Alexander's expression darkened instantly.

"Who spread the rumors?"

How had internal company affairs reached Royal Gardens so quickly?

"Mrs. Wilson." Ethan handed over enhanced surveillance footage. "They didn't avoid the cameras, but their voices were too faint..."

Alexander stared at the screen.

The maids' malicious voices were amplified:

No.7

"How dare she come crawling back after being dumped?"

"Pathetic leech..."

"Let's see how long she lasts..."

Evelyn Sinclair climbed the stairs with leaden steps, her face ghostly pale. Her eyes were hollow, like a walking corpse.

A sharp pain lanced through Alexander's chest.

He never imagined this was how she had returned that day.