Chapter 1762

No.1

"To the premiere venue."

The cool command floated back.

Nathan suppressed an eye roll.

They both knew this detour was about Evelyn.

Horizon Media, as the official partner of The First Lady Judge, had their three-person team working nonstop at the premiere ceremony.

Evelyn Sinclair was reviewing interview materials with Iris Cooper, their heads bent close in quiet discussion. Her slender fingers tapped lightly on the notebook, occasionally circling key points with focused gentleness.

When Alexander Kingsley entered the set, his gaze was instantly drawn to the scene.

He'd never seen Evelyn like this—professional, capable, radiating quiet confidence. The sprout green blouse made her skin glow like porcelain, her casually pinned-up hair catching the sunlight.

No.2

An unfamiliar emotion stirred in his chest.

He couldn't remember the last time he'd truly looked at her.

In his memory, Evelyn was always the unwanted burden the Kingsley family had to tolerate. He despised her innate pride, how effortlessly she commanded attention.

A sudden commotion broke out.

Several paparazzi vendors were discreetly aiming their lenses at Evelyn, whispering among themselves. Alexander's expression darkened. "Nathan," he ordered coldly, "identify those men. Make sure all photos are deleted before they leave."

She was still attracting trouble like always.

In high school, her desk drawer overflowed with love letters. At university, admirers lit candle displays beneath her dorm. He remembered picking her up at Imperial Media University once, overhearing boys say, "With a face like Evelyn Sinclair's, you could pass exams just by showing up."

Those looks, those tones—he knew them too well.

No.3

What infuriated him most were the rumors about Evelyn and Julian Ashford. If she was truly as demure as she appeared, why so much gossip?

Alexander narrowed his eyes.

Since she insisted on leaving the Kingsley household, he'd personally drag her back on track.

After the ceremony, Isabella Winslow raged alone in the dressing room.

"Now even nobodies dare overshadow me?" She swept cosmetics off the vanity, hissing at her manager, "Contact Orange Media immediately. Leak those fabricated scandals about Evelyn colluding with rivals!"

The whispers outside stabbed at her:

"Isabella's nothing special in person—all hype."

"That reporter outshone her completely."

No.4

"Mr. Kingsley was definitely here for the journalist..."

The petty comments from minor cast members ignited her fury.

The premiere banquet was held at a five-star hotel.

Evelyn changed into a yellow floral sundress, still barefaced yet eclipsing every meticulously styled actress present. Sitting with colleagues in the staff section, she drew constant curious glances.

Midway through the event, the producer personally came to toast.

"Ms. Sinclair, you saved us today." The seasoned producer smiled knowingly. He'd noticed Alexander's particular interest in this journalist. Isabella? Merely a publicity prop.

As Evelyn politely declined alcohol, the banquet hall abruptly quieted.

"Alex!" Isabella's saccharine voice pierced the silence.

No.5

Isabella Winslow rushed toward Alexander Kingsley in her high heels, arms outstretched.

Nathan Carter swiftly stepped between them.

"Miss Winslow," he said with a professional smile, "mind the setting."

Isabella's grin froze. She looked up at Alexander, only to find his gaze already fixed on Evelyn Sinclair across the room.

Evelyn raised her glass of juice, smiling politely at the producer. "I'm allergic to alcohol. This will do."

Beads of sweat formed on the producer's forehead. Alexander's piercing stare carried an unspoken warning.

"Alex," Isabella tugged at his sleeve, undeterred, "I saved you a seat—"

Alexander shook her off, his attention never leaving Evelyn.

No.6

Only after watching Evelyn finish her drink did he finally turn to Isabella. "What did you say?"

The restaurant fell silent. Isabella's face burned as if she'd been publicly slapped.

"Add a seat," Alexander ordered Nathan.

Isabella clenched her fists. The muffled giggles of the supporting actresses felt like needles in her ears.

Just then, Evelyn's phone rang.

"Evelyn! Emergency!" Martha Nash's voice crackled through the receiver. "Orange Media claims you took their money!"

Evelyn arched a brow. "Legal reviewed my contract with them."

"They transferred funds to your sister's medical account!" Martha hissed. "The exact amount of the penalty fee!"

No.7

Evelyn's eyes turned icy. She checked that account nightly—except tonight.

"Martha," she said calmly, "Orange Media will issue a public apology tomorrow."