Chapter 358
No.1
His voice trailed off.
Studying Evelyn's profile, his Adam's apple bobbed before he finally murmured, "Just remember—don't beg him again."
Evelyn nodded and turned toward the office.
Behind her, words almost too quiet to hear: "...I'll take you away from Kingsbury."
Evelyn, let's run away together...
The office atmosphere was palpably different.
"Evelyn!" Martha Nash rushed over, waving her phone. "Ryan Holt's team specifically requested you for his exclusive interview!"
No.2
The rising superstar held three major luxury endorsements, with interview requests booked through next year. Media outlets had been fighting for his "first feature"—yet this golden opportunity had fallen into Evelyn's lap.
"Every cloud has a silver lining!" Martha shoved a box of chocolates at her. "If not for Alexander Kingsley's drama, our team would never get this chance!"
Colleagues' expressions turned complex.
Those who'd genuinely congratulated her during the Isabella Winslow interview now watched with envy and calculation.
"Do your research. The magazine will arrange the photoshoot," Martha whispered. "You're professionally trained—your skills should still be sharp, right?"
At quitting time, Simon York intercepted her furtively. "Junior, about today's Kingsley Group..."
"It's fine." Evelyn Sinclair gave Simon York a faint smile. "The company will handle it."
No.3
The office fell silent. Remaining colleagues pretended to work while eavesdropping.
Only after Evelyn disappeared into the elevator did whispers erupt like tidal waves.
"Who does she think she is?"
"If I had the Crown Prince backing me, I'd act just as entitled! Interviewing whoever I want, scooping exclusives..."
Simon attempted mediation. "Ladies, that's a bit harsh, don't you think?"
"What? Can't handle the truth?"
"Lucky her, having Lord Alex's protection. Even daring to provoke Alexander Kingsley. We commoners should know our place—unless we want to disappear mysteriously."
No.4
"What kind of 'talent' exactly?" A female colleague snorted. "Bedroom talents?"
The office erupted in suggestive laughter.
Most of the entertainment department had left. Only the gossipmongers remained.
"This is infuriating!" The instigator slammed files onto her desk. "I worked three nights on Ryan Holt's interview! Researched for days! Then some parachuted social climber steals it!"
Her words ignited collective resentment.
"Anyone but her! A rookie who hasn't learned the ropes, relying on her looks to—"
"Enough. How far can such methods take her? Just wait—the Crown Prince will toss her aside eventually."
No.5
"Think she'll try seducing Alexander Kingsley next?"
"Alexander? He has Isabella Winslow. Why would he glance at her?"
"Don't be so sure. If she's shameless enough to spread her legs instead of working hard like us..."
"Let her try. We journalists know how to expose such gold diggers..."
———
Evelyn walked briskly down the street.
She'd scheduled apartment viewings and left work early.
No.6
Julian Ashford had unilaterally terminated her lease and forced his spare keys upon her.
She couldn't accept his charity but needed immediate housing.
For journalists, apartments were mere sleeping pods between overtime and assignments.
Julian's overprotectiveness frustrated her.
He refused to believe she could survive independently, fearing hardship might drive her back to Alexander.
He forgot—she was never a hothouse flower.
"Miss Sinclair." Ethan Miller materialized before her.
No.7
"Ethan?"
"Miss Sinclair, stop this." Ethan looked pained. "Lord Alex left the hospital today against medical advice just for you. What will it take for you to return?"
Evelyn couldn't fathom his logic.
Alexander had initiated the breakup. Yet somehow, she was at fault?
"Miss Sinclair, even if you feel nothing for Lord Alex, consider the Kingsleys' kindness."
Everyone knew how well the Kingsleys had treated her.
How could she be so ungrateful?