Chapter 1323

No.1

Madeline trembled with rage, her machinations laid bare.

But Eleanor had no more energy for arguments.

Some people would never grasp Evelyn's true worth to the Kingsley family.

......

"Miss Sinclair, you must be four months along?"

No sooner had the Kingsley women left than Evelyn found herself surrounded by socialites.

She rested a hand on her abdomen, smiling serenely. "Indeed."

No.2

Her composure only fueled their irritation.

"Mrs. Kingsley was just joking earlier. You didn't take her seriously, did you?"

Evelyn arched a brow. "Of course not."

"Rumor has it you only won that lawsuit thanks to your wealthy patron." Monica Simms leaned closer. "Getting pregnant by one man while pinning it on the Ashfords, then finding a fall guy—quite the strategy."

Before she finished, an authoritative male voice interrupted:

"Miss Simms, Horizon Media doesn't operate on nepotism!"

The group startled, Evelyn included.

No.3

Hugo Lee had appeared behind them unnoticed.

"Miss Sinclair earned her position through merit." His cold gaze swept over the women. "Perhaps you privileged ladies should stop projecting your pettiness onto others."

The socialites fell silent.

Only Evelyn remained unruffled.

Hugo Lee defending her?

Preposterous.

"Miss Sinclair," he pivoted smoothly, "a word?"

No.4

"Oh?" Her lips curved knowingly.

"About your new project." Hugo lowered his voice. "I'm leaving on business—today's our only chance to discuss it."

"Evelyn, give Melissa a way out." Hugo Lee pulled her aside and cut straight to the chase.

"Impossible." Her reply was absolute.

His jaw tightened. "Must you be so heartless?"

Melissa Lee's case had hit a deadlock, and Hugo was already drowning in the scandal of the fake heir at the company. He just wanted to resolve one crisis at a time—even if it meant swallowing his pride before Evelyn.

How could his precious daughter face prison?

No.5

"What more do you want?" He blocked her path. "I publicly sided with you, Evelyn. Don’t push this too far!"

"Mr. Lee," she shook off his grip, "your daughter should’ve heeded that advice. Had she left any room for mercy, she wouldn’t be in this position."

Did he seriously expect her to beg Winston to drop the charges? Delusional.

If Melissa had succeeded, Evelyn and Winston—along with their unborn child—would be dead. Three lives. And he had the audacity to make demands?

"Evelyn, don’t mistake my patience for weakness." His eyes turned vicious.

She smiled coldly. "You and your daughter share the same trait—imagining threats that don’t exist, then striking first."

"You—"

No.6

"Goodbye." She turned to leave.

"You’ll regret this!" His roar followed her.

Evelyn didn’t look back.

A sudden commotion erupted in the ballroom.

"Lord Alex is here!" someone gasped.

She froze. Alexander hadn’t mentioned attending. As she debated slipping away, Madam Zade hurried over.

"Miss Sinclair, Lord Alex specifically asked for you."

No.7

"Me?" She frowned. He could visit her anytime at home. Why here?

Madam Zade lowered her voice. "That foolish boy Roman confessed everything—how you helped him. Lord Alex didn’t look pleased. Be careful."

Evelyn glanced up and met Alexander’s gaze.

Mockery glinted in his eyes, the chill around him making onlookers tense.

"Lord Alex," Madam Zade introduced nervously, "this is—"

"We’ve met." His voice was ice.