Chapter 197
No.1
"You stood by and did nothing when it involved our engagement," she said, turning back. "Is this how you run Kingsley Group too?"
Alexander had no retort.
He had deliberately remained passive.
Their marriage contract stipulated secrecy.
But if Madeline Kingsley forced an "engagement," the agreement would automatically void.
He never expected his grandmother to go this far.
"Evelyn, we're already married," he softened his tone. "I'll issue a statement to clarify everything."
No.2
"How?" Evelyn's smile was mocking. "By announcing we're married? Exposing my identity? Alexander, don't play your games with our marriage."
Alexander fell silent.
So she knew everything.
She'd always seen through him.
"The divorce can wait," Evelyn said. "But I'm moving back in and returning to work. I won't be your caged bird!"
"You don't get to explain. You always decide everything unilaterally. Now that Grandmother set you up, you're the victim? What about all the times I suffered before she interfered?"
"We've been married less than a month, and you're already breaking our secrecy agreement. What next? Tearing up all our contracts? Will I even be allowed to leave after a year? You promised to treat my child well—can you?"
No.3
"Of course!" Alexander finally found his voice. "I keep my word."
"But I don't trust you." Evelyn laughed, sunlight dancing in her hair. "What now?"
She'd stopped trusting him long ago.
Alexander thought marriage was a fresh start.
Only now did he realize old wounds never healed.
After an endless silence, he spoke: "You can return to Horizon Media and live here, but I'm assigning security."
"Now, will you come down?" He extended his hand.
No.4
Evelyn studied him for a long moment before slowly reaching out.
Alexander surged forward, sweeping her off the windowsill into his arms.
He held her tightly, his legs so weak he could barely stand.
"Let me hold you..." His voice shook.
Evelyn didn't push him away.
Because she realized—Alexander was trembling.
Suddenly he released her, cupping her face and kissing her fiercely.
No.5
Evelyn gasped for breath as the kiss deepened.
Alexander's grip grew increasingly desperate until she nearly melted against him.
"Remember," he growled against her ear, "you're my wife. The baby in your belly..."
He gritted his teeth. "Is also mine!"
Julian wouldn't get near her ever again.
......
That same day, Alexander ordered Ethan Miller to purchase the property next to Evelyn's.
No.6
He summoned Nathan Carter to launch an investigation.
Ethan soon reported: "Lord Alex, the property... can't be bought."
Alexander's face darkened. "Offer ten times the price."
"Not even a hundred times would work," Ethan said helplessly. "Because..."
Morning sunlight filtered through the curtains.
Evelyn Sinclair rubbed her eyes and stretched. She hadn't slept well last night—something felt missing.
After freshening up, she grabbed her bag to leave for work.
No.7
The moment her door unlocked, the opposite apartment opened simultaneously.
"Morning, Evelyn." Julian Ashford stood there in a crisp suit, holding a steaming cup of coffee. "Freshly brewed. Want some?"
She blinked. "Julian, you're..."
"I moved in." He handed her the coffee. "Someone should look after you since you live alone."
The elevator doors slid shut.
Evelyn took small sips as the rich aroma filled her senses. Before she could speak, the elevator stopped at the next floor.
The doors opened to reveal Alexander Kingsley's handsome face.