Chapter 160
No.1
Team 5 was especially quiet.
Even Evan Wells kept his head down without a word.
When Evelyn assigned tasks, no one complained as they usually did.
"No overtime today," she said softly. "Leave the unfinished work to me."
No one spoke.
One by one, they silently set down their files and left.
Evan was the last to go.
No.2
He stood before Evelyn, his eyes red.
"Evelyn, I'm sorry."
She looked up.
"I shouldn't have... treated you that way..."
The young man suddenly bowed deeply before turning and rushing out.
Evelyn watched his retreating figure and smiled faintly.
She finished all the work and left the office early.
No.3
Night had fallen.
She stood before the Autumn Detail building, gazing up at the once-glorious structure.
Thirteen years had layered it with dust.
She climbed the stairs step by step.
Each footfall seemed to sink into memories.
The wind was strong on the rooftop.
"Who's there?"
No.4
A familiar voice suddenly rang out.
Under the moonlight, Alexander Kingsley's figure came into clear view.
He clearly hadn't expected to see her here either.
"Evelyn?"
She remained where she stood.
A photograph from seven years ago flashed through her mind.
In court, he had explained every piece of evidence.
No.5
Except for that photo of him embracing Isabella Winslow.
Not a single word.
Alexander's icy voice cut through the air behind her. "What are you doing here?"
Evelyn's fingers twisted the hem of her blouse unconsciously.
"I..." Her lips parted, but no explanation came.
Alexander's gaze swept over her face. "I heard someone accused you of leaking our positions?"
Before Evelyn could respond, hurried footsteps echoed from the stairwell.
No.6
"Alex! Are you up there?" Isabella's tearful voice trembled.
Evelyn ducked into the shadows.
Isabella stumbled onto the rooftop, arms outstretched. "Don't do anything rash—"
Alexander sidestepped her embrace, brows furrowed. "Why are you here?"
"I heard about Kingsley Group's crisis and worried you might..." Isabella's eyes glistened. "We need solutions. I know a coffee bean supplier—"
Alexander's expression shifted. "Oh?"
"He has the quantity you need at negotiable prices." She thrust forward a business card. "You must secure inventory before market open."
No.7
Alexander photographed the card. "Nathan will handle it."
Isabella exhaled. Then she lowered her voice: "Alex... During the trial, I'm glad you didn't deny our relationship."
Alexander stiffened, his gaze darting toward Evelyn's hiding spot.
"That night you clearly—" Isabella's voice cracked. "I know you're reserved. I'll wait—"
"Global coffee inventories were below 10% last year." Alexander interrupted, staring at his phone. "Where did this stock materialize from?"
"Secondary market reserves," Isabella stammered.
"Thanks." His laugh held no warmth. "You've just confirmed my settlement strategy."