Chapter 1944

No.1

But now she saw no reason to endure further humiliation.

The entire Horizon Media video department gathered around as Evelyn Sinclair packed her desk.

A cardboard box held her few personal belongings. With each item she placed inside, hushed whispers rippled through the crowd.

"She's really getting fired..."

"Serves her right for overstepping."

Xavier Stapleton sighed with fake sympathy. "Evelyn, if only you'd thought twice earlier."

He took the work files she handed him, deliberately brushing his fingers against her knuckles.

No.2

Evelyn jerked her hand back.

A dark glint flashed in Xavier's eyes.

Hugo Lee watched from the periphery, satisfaction curling his lips. He'd already confirmed with headquarters—Julian Ashford's absence proved Evelyn had truly been abandoned.

"Once she's desperate out there," Hugo murmured to Xavier, "she'll be putty in your hands."

Beyond the glass doors, gossip swirled like a gathering storm.

"Did you hear she faked that photo with Alexander Kingsley?"

"Pathetic. Isabella Winslow already posted their marriage certificate."

No.3

"Thought she was untouchable with the Crown Prince backing her. Look at her now."

The click of heels cut through the chatter.

Martha Nash entered with Iris Cooper in tow, radiating authority. "Since when did Video Department turn into paparazzi? Don't you have work to do?"

The crowd fell silent.

Hugo stepped forward with a frown. "This isn't your jurisdiction, Director Nash."

Martha flashed her press badge. "Evelyn Sinclair's scandal is trending nationwide. Entertainment Department is here for an exclusive. Problem?"

Iris raised a recorder. "Does Horizon Media's termination confirm the photo was fabricated?"

No.4

Hugo shoved the device aside. "Enough disruptions!"

Wendy West seized the moment. "Since you care so much, Director Nash, why not interview Alexander Kingsley?"

She smirked at the onlookers. "Maybe beg for mercy on Evelyn's behalf."

Iris gave a cold laugh. "What a coincidence. We just came from Kingsley Group."

She projected her voice. "Mr. Kingsley stated—"

The office froze.

"That photograph is authentic."

No.5

The moment the word "auntie" left Iris's lips, Wendy West's face turned ashen.

Iris's voice rang clear and firm.

"Clarification?" Wendy's voice rose to a shrill pitch. "That's hilarious. Was it to clear Evelyn's name or just adding more accusations against her?"

"Wendy, you seem to have quite the opinion about me."

Evelyn's voice cut through the tension like ice water on boiling oil.

She had been handling documents in her office, tuning out the commotion outside. Only when Martha and Iris rushed in did she set aside her work and step out.

Wendy had been hiding in the crowd, fanning the flames to prove her loyalty by attacking Evelyn. She never expected things to escalate to a direct confrontation.

No.6

"Evelyn, I'm just stating facts." Wendy forced a stiff smile. "Don't take it personally. It's not just me saying these things."

Since the facade had crumbled, she decided to go all out. After all, Evelyn's termination was practically a done deal.

"Those who follow the crowd are either morally bankrupt or intellectually deficient." Evelyn's tone remained calm. "I believe you fall into the latter category."

Wendy's face flushed, then paled.

Evelyn never resorted to vulgar language, yet every word struck deep. Wendy scrambled for a retort but found her mind blank, unable to conjure a suitable response.

Flustered, she pulled out her phone, shifting the attack to Iris. "You said Kingsley Group would clarify? Where's the proof? I don't see it!"

Her fingers flew across the screen, but her voice grew smaller. "Where is it? I can't find it. Where...?"

No.7

The last word died in her throat.

Iris smirked. "Cat got your tongue? Oh dear, this is bad!"

Wendy's stunned silence piqued everyone's curiosity. Phones were hastily pulled out.

"What's bad?" Martha leaned in. "Isn't this Kingsley Group's statement? Wait—it's not from them. Oh no!"

The office fell dead silent, as if everyone had been frozen in place.

Hugo Lee resisted checking his phone, barking instead, "Iris, what nonsense are you spouting?"