Chapter 1407

No.1

Alexander's voice cut through the argument from the doorway: "Do as she says."

Black-suited security personnel swiftly secured the area. Alexander's gaze swept the frozen crowd before landing on Evelyn. "Need instructions on how to proceed?"

Evelyn produced a flash drive. "Take me to the office."

"This is illegal—"

"Name your price." Alexander's glacial tone silenced the manager.

The electronic payment notification chimed moments later. The manager swallowed hard at the sum displayed, then wordlessly led the way.

Dawn approached when the final stack of corrected pages rolled off the line. Rubbing her throbbing temples, Evelyn staggered out of the factory.

No.2

Morning mist curled around the Maybach idling roadside.

She froze.

Once, she'd been the one keeping vigil through endless nights, waiting where he might appear. Back then, she'd wondered if he'd ever glance her way.

Now their roles had reversed, leaving only barren emptiness in her chest.

Evelyn opened the car door. "Thank you."

Alexander slowly opened bloodshot eyes. "How do you plan to repay me this time?"

His fingers tapped the armrest like a predator awaiting its prey's surrender.

No.3

Evelyn Sinclair froze.

She tilted her head slightly, searching Alexander Kingsley's cold expression for his true intentions.

"How about..." she ventured carefully, "I give you next month's salary?"

It was the most practical compensation she could offer.

But Alexander's expression darkened further.

"Grandfather's birthday has been rescheduled," he said in a low voice. "The previous deadline still stands."

Evelyn's fingers trembled slightly.

No.4

She remembered that ten-day ultimatum all too well.

"Add me back on WeChat." Alexander tossed his phone in front of her. "And take my number off your blocklist."

Evelyn didn't move.

"I'll attend Grandfather's birthday banquet," she said softly. "But as for the rest... let's leave it at that."

From the moment she left Royal Gardens, she'd never considered turning back.

"Evelyn Sinclair!" Alexander's voice simmered with suppressed anger. "Grandfather and Grandmother still don't know about this. Don't force me to—"

"Everyone knew?" Evelyn suddenly laughed. "Which 'everyone' do you mean?"

No.5

She counted on her fingers. "Royal Gardens, the Kingsley family, Kingsley Group's executive office... anyone else?"

In the past, he'd refused to even acknowledge their relationship.

Whenever they crossed paths at Kingsley Group, he'd only say coldly, "From a family friend."

A family friend's what?

Little sister? Friend? Or some insignificant passerby?

In any case, everyone knew there was nothing between them.

Alexander fell silent.

No.6

For the first time, he realized Evelyn had never been further from him.

Evelyn gave him one last look before turning to exit the car.

......

Vincent Sullivan's exclusive interview sent shockwaves through the industry.

Horizon Media had built tremendous anticipation with their marketing—calling it the reclusive master's first public commentary, a once-in-a-decade exclusive.

Evelyn's article was brilliantly crafted.

The magazine's first print run sold out instantly, with reorders backlogged for months.

No.7

The success drew envy from many.

But when Evelyn next visited the Financial Department, Victoria Henn's attitude had completely changed.

Anyone could see this girl wasn't to be trifled with.

Yet when the latest issue arrived at the office, Victoria exploded.

"Who altered the draft?!" She stormed into the printing department. "This isn't the content I submitted!"

The situation quickly escalated.