Chapter 345
No.1
The maid grew frantic. "Miss Sinclair told me to take whatever I wanted! Her silence proves she's setting me up!" She glanced at Alexander. "Even when beating a dog, one considers its master. She's insulting you, my lord!"
In the past, she'd never have dared such insolence.
But everyone at Royal Gardens knew—Miss Sinclair had fallen from grace.
A discarded woman held less status than a senior maid.
Beneath her fearful act, the maid preened with triumph.
Evelyn didn't even grant her a glance. She gave Alexander a slight nod. "Everything's accounted for. Dispose of them as you wish."
As she walked away, her skirt brushed past the necklace—like sweeping away a painful memory.
No.2
Evelyn Sinclair was about to step out when Alexander Kingsley already had his phone to his ear.
"Ethan, get up here now." His voice was glacial. "And call the police. We have a thief in Royal Gardens."
Mrs. Wilson's face drained of color at his words.
She dropped to her knees with a thud. "Lord Alex, I would never—"
"Save your excuses for the officers." Alexander cut her off. "Judging by your expertise, this isn't your first time."
Ethan Miller arrived breathless. "Lord Alex, the police are en route..."
Alexander's gaze darkened. "Thoroughly investigate her. And check if there are other sticky fingers in this house. The Kingsleys pay for loyalty, not theft."
No.3
Security immediately hauled the trembling housekeeper away.
Only then did Alexander turn to Evelyn, his tone indifferent. "Satisfied?"
Evelyn blinked before letting out a cold laugh.
"Lord Alex cleaning house has nothing to do with me." Her lips curled in mockery. "As long as you're pleased. An outsider like me isn't worth your concern."
Ethan gasped audibly.
This... this couldn't be the same Evelyn who used to hang on Lord Alex's every word?
Alexander's brow furrowed. "Have you lost your mind? Who are you putting on this act for?"
No.4
He suddenly grabbed Evelyn's wrist.
Something felt different. This wasn't her usual tantrum.
She'd changed.
Changed enough that even his habitual indifference couldn't ignore it.
But he couldn't be bothered to care.
Yanking her forward, her shoulder collided painfully with his chest. "Enough. It's late."
Normally, she'd understand the unspoken command.
No.5
This time, Evelyn wrenched free, her eyes glacial. "Unless Lord Alex is deaf, you heard every vile word Mrs. Wilson said."
The shower had stopped long ago.
Alexander had heard every insult.
His punishment wasn't for her sake—just petty theft.
This belated justice meant nothing.
"What more do you want?" Alexander advanced, eyes flashing dangerously. "Would killing a servant over a necklace satisfy you?"
Wasn't calling the police enough? A full investigation insufficient?
No.6
How vicious could she be?
"Evelyn, don't test my patience."
For the first time, Evelyn saw the chasm between them.
She'd actually dreamed of marrying this man?
How laughable.
"Lord Alex," she murmured, her voice feather-light, "I'm not your plaything."
It was over.
No.7
By his own decree.
Alexander's frown deepened. "Can't handle servant gossip? I thought journalism taught you thicker skin. After thirteen years of groveling, now you want dignity?"
......
Evelyn simply watched him.
Her expression indescribably complex.
How had she endured him?
The cruelty. The barbs. For thirteen years?