Chapter 1429

No.1

"And if I owe you another favor, how would I repay it?" The words escaped before Evelyn could stop them.

Alexander's eyes darkened.

The unspoken answer hung between them.

She turned away, confusion swirling.

With Isabella Winslow in his life, why provoke her?

To humiliate? Or because she seemed an easy target?

"I appreciate your kindness, Mr. Kingsley. I'll repay every cent—even if I have to sell blood."

No.2

Alexander sneered. "Sell blood..."

Knocking interrupted them.

"Is Evelyn Sinclair here?"

A middle-aged man entered first, trailed by a group.

Melissa Lee stood among them.

"Why ignore messages after waking?" Melissa demanded.

Evelyn's phone remained on the nightstand—and work hours hadn't begun.

No.3

Melissa's team had clearly rushed overnight to avoid Julian Ashford.

This was an ambush.

"We planned to use the conference room, but since you're unresponsive, we'll settle this here." Melissa's tone turned aggressive. "What's your deal with Orange Media?"

"Orange Media fabricated bribery claims after losing the bid." Evelyn remained direct.

Melissa smirked. "Then why do we have their payment records? Timed right after the crew's compensation?"

"You're quite close with Orange Media." Evelyn's implication hung heavy.

Melissa's expression twisted. "Stop deflecting!"

No.4

"I know nothing about this." Evelyn shrugged. "If Orange Media's word is proof, should I transfer money to you tomorrow and accuse you too?"

"Evelyn!" the middle-aged man barked. "Answer the question!"

"I repeat—no bribes." Evelyn's voice turned steely. "Orange Media lied."

"Then prove it!" Melissa pressed. "We didn't travel all this way for excuses."

Evelyn suddenly smiled.

"The burden of proof..."

"...lies with the accuser." An icy male voice came from the window. "Horizon excels at internal warfare."

No.5

All eyes turned toward the silhouette backlit by sunlight.

Melissa's eyes gleamed. "Who are you? Why are you in our employee's room at dawn?"

Divine intervention!

This man must share an intimate connection with Evelyn.

With so many witnesses, let's see if Julian still wants her!

"This is Horizon business. Outsiders leave!" The middle-aged man puffed up.

Iris began trembling again.

No.6

Disaster. These fools dared shout at Alexander Kingsley...

Melissa stepped forward eagerly. "Leave immediately! Identify yourself!"

She'd expose this man to Julian.

Tear off Evelyn's mask!

"My identity?" Alexander chuckled.

Ants daring to bark at him?

"I fear the truth would crush you."

No.7

Melissa Lee's fingers trembled.

Her pupils constricted sharply as she stared at the phone screen.

"This can't be..." she whispered, her voice barely audible.

Alexander Kingsley remained seated by the window, sunlight casting shadows across his chiseled profile.

"Director Lee," he drawled with faint amusement, "your intelligence seems inadequate."

The air in the room turned viscous.