Chapter 157
No.1
Eleanor Kingsley had warned him to stay away from Evelyn.
But if Evelyn came to him, that was different.
"No formal write-up today. Let's just talk," Evelyn said, knowing this was just procedure.
She flipped through her notes for a topic. "What's keeping you busy this afternoon?"
"Bulk futures trading in South America."
"Agriculture?" Evelyn's interest piqued.
To her surprise, Alexander actually explained: "This year we're partnering with their largest trading firm. We'll control ninety percent of the global—"
No.2
Enough to manipulate market prices.
"You're telling me your position?" Evelyn tensed. "No! I can't hear this!"
Such trade secrets were dangerous knowledge.
Alexander didn't need to prove his trust this way.
Somehow, they'd drifted close enough for him to embrace her.
"You can know everything." His gaze deepened. "Including my truest thoughts."
Evelyn tried to retreat, but his arm encircled her waist.
No.3
"Alexander!"
She pushed him away forcefully. "Aunt Eleanor forbade this!"
"If you consent, she has no grounds to object." Alexander held firm. "After all I've done, don't you understand? In my heart... in my—"
The words stuck in his throat, but delaying further was impossible.
"My heart has always held you."
Locking eyes with her, he finally confessed.
Evelyn stared at him—surprised, stunned, but unmoved.
No.4
Others had told her this before, letting her delude herself with false hope.
This was the first time Alexander had said it himself.
"Evelyn," now that he'd started, the rest came easier, "you've always been in my heart. Can't you feel it?"
......
"Let go!"
Evelyn Sinclair wrenched free from Alexander Kingsley's grip, recoiling to the far end of the sofa as if escaping contagion.
Her lips curled into a sardonic smile. "What's this act about, Mr. Kingsley? Some grand romantic gesture?"
No.5
Alexander's expression darkened.
"Seven years," Evelyn whispered, her fingers trembling. "What was I to you? A plaything you could summon and dismiss at will? Or just a target for your paranoia?"
"Evelyn—"
"Don't!" Her voice cracked like shattered glass. "What's the point now? Should I grovel with gratitude for your scraps of attention?"
His gaze turned stormy.
In two strides, he caged her against the sofa's armrest. "You know exactly how I—"
"Urgh—"
No.6
Evelyn clapped a hand over her mouth, her face draining of color.
She shoved Alexander away and stumbled toward the bathroom.
He stood frozen.
The sound of violent retching echoed through the suite.
When Alexander finally followed, he found Evelyn slumped on the marble floor, her bangs plastered to her forehead with cold sweat.
"What's wrong?" He knelt beside her, rubbing circles on her back.
She shook her head weakly.
No.7
"Hospital. Now." He scooped her up effortlessly.
"No need..." She struggled feebly. "Just...food poisoning..."
Alexander stilled.
His eyes narrowed at her pallid face. "The medicine you bought last week—for food poisoning?"
Evelyn's pulse jumped.
"Mm." She turned away. "Work stress..."
He deposited her on the lounge bed, fingertips grazing her clammy cheek.