Chapter 166

No.1

He didn't follow.

Rooted in place, he watched her vanish down the corridor. An invisible fist clenched around his heart, stealing his breath with its vicious grip.

Inside the elevator, Evelyn slid down the cold metal wall, knees drawn to her chest. She buried her face in her arms.

So this was the power of threatening Alexander Kingsley.

The taste of his helplessness was unexpectedly sweet.

The doors opened to Julian Ashford's shocked face. His expression darkened as he took in her swollen eyes.

"Alexander came for you again?"

No.2

She wiped her cheeks. "It's nothing, Julian."

"Nothing?" His laugh was razor-sharp. "That's what you said while covering his short position too."

Her head snapped up.

"You knew the truth yet lied to my face." Julian's voice dropped to subzero. "Am I just another person to manipulate?"

"That's not—"

"Then why?" He cut her off. "Afraid I'd leak it? Or that I'd sabotage Kingsley Group?"

Her lips parted soundlessly.

No.3

This wasn't the gentle mentor she knew. The disappointment in his eyes cut deeper than any blade.

"I'm sorry..."

"Don't." He turned away. "You'll just do it again."

She caught his sleeve. "I wanted to tell you, but William was right outside. I couldn't—"

He shook her off. "Yet you warned Melissa Lee without hesitation."

"Because she—"

"Because what?" Julian spun back, gaze piercing. "Because she's gullible? Or because I'm too forgiving?"

No.4

Her hands fell limp.

So this was the agony of lost trust.

The realization struck like lightning—no love survives endless betrayal. Even the deepest bonds erode beneath relentless disappointment.

"Julian," she said quietly, "if you can't forgive me, I'll respect that."

Evelyn's pupils constricted violently.

Julian's face suddenly loomed close enough for her to see the faint tremble of his lashes. His scorching breath carried an overwhelming masculine scent.

Her instincts screamed to retreat, yet her body remained frozen.

No.5

The world spun abruptly.

"Evelyn!" Julian's hand clamped onto her shoulder.

She collapsed like a marionette with severed strings. Her gaze turned vacant, lips drained of color.

Julian dropped to one knee, barely catching her limp form.

"Wake up!" His palm patted her cheek gently.

The girl in his arms was deathly pale, her lips nearly translucent.

Scooping her up bridal-style, he sprinted toward the elevator.

No.6

"Put me down..." Evelyn pushed weakly against his chest.

Staggering to her feet, she braced against the wall, retching violently. Her stomach churned, but nothing came up.

Julian offered a handkerchief. "Hospital. Now."

"Not necessary..." She wiped cold sweat from her temples. "I just need rest."

"You said that last time." His fingers encircled her wrist like steel bands. "This time, you're getting checked."

Under the sterile garage lighting, his expression turned flinty.

"Julian!" She wrenched free.

No.7

"Sophie's still hospitalized." His voice dropped dangerously low. "Want to follow her footsteps?"

The words stabbed like ice picks.

Evelyn's fingertips turned to ice. The family's genetic curse hung over her like the sword of Damocles.

"Tomorrow," she conceded.

At dawn, Julian's call came precisely on schedule.

"I'm at the office." Evelyn studied her ashen reflection. "Penelope's returning today—"