Chapter 1297

No.1

"Eat something!" Madeline hissed, sliding a tray across the study desk.

Alex didn't look up.

The pallor of his skin alarmed her. Was he trembling? "Alex—"

"Meeting." He killed the webcam. Ice coated the single word.

Madeline retreated.

She'd issued strict orders to conceal Evelyn's visit. When Eleanor Kingsley found out, she massaged her temples in frustration.

Even she couldn't decipher the old woman's schemes now.

No.2

Telling Alex meant betraying Madeline. Staying silent meant prolonging the couple's estrangement.

Eleanor was halfway to fetching Evelyn herself when shrieks erupted downstairs. "Alex! Where are you going at this hour?"

"Kingsley Group." The hoarse reply brooked no argument.

"It's midnight!" Madeline whirled toward Eleanor. "Do something!"

Eleanor's voice could have frozen hell. "I birthed him. I raised him. Must I govern him into the grave?"

"You..." Madeline Kingsley's pupils trembled, her well-manicured fingers clutching the armrest.

Never had she imagined her docile daughter-in-law would dare confront her so bluntly.

No.3

Alexander Kingsley was already striding toward the exit.

After half a day's rest, his steps were steadier than that frail morning gait.

Eleanor Kingsley watched his retreating back with calm detachment.

She added lightly, "If you collapse from exhaustion, I'll adopt Evelyn as my daughter tomorrow and find her a suitable husband."

Alexander's frame stiffened momentarily, but he didn't turn back.

Behind him, muffled sobs escaped Madeline's lips.

In the garage, Old Lin had rushed over upon hearing the commotion. "Lord Alex!"

No.4

He watched helplessly as Alexander reached for the driver's door.

But the moment his fingers brushed the handle, the man swayed, bracing himself against the car.

"Let me drive you," Old Lin urged anxiously.

Alexander waved him off, but the older man stubbornly slid into the driver's seat. "Lord Alex, I know the Kingsley Group route well."

Alexander's expression darkened further.

Had he become so feeble that driving himself was now impossible?

Did everyone see him as a walking corpse already?

No.5

"Get out," he commanded coldly.

Old Lin audaciously locked the doors. "Madam specifically instructed me to report today's itinerary to you."

Alexander's gaze turned razor-sharp.

"Unnecessary."

He turned toward another sports car.

The Kingsley estate never lacked luxury vehicles.

"It was Madam's direct order!" Old Lin blurted desperately. "How shall I explain your refusal to her?"

No.6

Alexander froze mid-step.

Seizing the opportunity, Old Lin added, "There was nearly an accident while escorting Madam out today. A close call with another vehicle."

"What?" Alexander whirled around.

Such a serious incident, and no one had informed him?

Of course...

He'd personally forbidden any reports regarding Evelyn Sinclair.

If she chose to abandon him, why should he cling?

No.7

Old Lin gestured. "Please get in. I'll explain everything."

......

"Nathan?" Evelyn called out to the hurrying assistant at the corridor's end.

"How may I assist you, Madam?" Nathan Carter halted abruptly.

Evelyn glanced at the darkening sky outside. "Has the meeting concluded?"

What she truly wanted to ask was whether the feverish Alexander was still pushing through work.