Chapter 360
No.1
Alexander's jaw clenched audibly.
"Evelyn, this is your last chance—"
"When have you ever given me chances?" Evelyn interrupted, eyes flashing with derision. "Spare me the false generosity."
A glacial chill entered Alexander's gaze.
Evelyn had already lowered her head. "I won't waste any more of your time."
She turned and strode quickly away, disappearing down a one-way street.
This time, Alexander didn't follow.
Perhaps because of the traffic laws.
Or perhaps because she was no longer worth the effort.
Evelyn exhaled deeply.
She was far too busy now for these games.
No.2
She almost understood Alexander's perpetual impatience with her.
She'd had too much free time before...
Enough to fixate entirely on one man.
And in the end, she'd only cheapened herself.
...
Her interview with Ryan Holt was scheduled for three days later.
Coincidentally, he'd be in Kingsbury for a commercial shoot—his team had miraculously carved out three hours.
When the news spread, her colleagues' stares grew frostier.
Ryan was notorious for his packed schedule, planned down to the minute.
There was only one explanation for Evelyn securing three hours: nepotism.
"The Crown Prince really dotes on her."
No.3
"Too much favor can backfire..."
"Let's see how this plays out."
Evelyn heard every word.
She didn't care.
After thirteen years beside Alexander Kingsley, what insult hadn't she endured?
If the person who mattered most couldn't hurt her, why would strangers?
Arriving at Ryan's hotel after his shoot, his assistant made her wait thirty minutes before granting entry.
Upon entering, his manager produced a sealed bag.
"All electronic devices, please."
Evelyn blinked.
"That wasn't part of our agreement." What journalist didn't use recording devices?
No.4
Ryan's previous interview refusals had cited time constraints, not diva behavior.
"Our oversight," the manager smiled apologetically. "Ryan gets nervous around recording equipment—mild social anxiety."
It made sense. Ryan was famously reticent in public, which fans praised as authenticity.
"Fine, I'll take handwritten notes." Evelyn surrendered her devices.
The manager handed back the bag. "Just place it aside."
Entering the inner suite, an assistant scanned her with a metal detector.
"Apologies—paparazzi tactics keep evolving." The assistant offered an ingratiating smile.
Evelyn nodded understandingly.
She was led to the suite's sitting area, where the assistant poured water before exiting.
Evelyn arranged her notepad. Without recordings it would be challenging, but her shorthand skills remained sharp.
The room was silent save for pen scratches.
No.5
Minutes ticked by with no sign of Ryan.
Sunlight streamed through the windows, raising the temperature steadily.
The sealed room felt like a greenhouse.
Evelyn wiped her forehead, glancing at the AC vent.
Odd—cold air was clearly flowing.
"Could we adjust the—" She turned to find herself alone.
The door was shut, the assistant gone.
...
Every nerve in Evelyn's body went on high alert.
She approached the thermostat.
23°C.
No.6
It shouldn't be this hot—either the AC was broken, or...
"See something interesting?"
A male voice whispered directly in her ear.
...
Evelyn's entire body erupted in goosebumps.
"What are you looking at?"
A strange male voice suddenly whispered in her ear.
Evelyn Sinclair spun around, her back hitting the cold air conditioning panel.
The metal's chill seeped through her silk blouse like a venomous snake slithering up her spine.
Ryan Holt's face was inches from hers.
She could even smell the scent of his body wash mixed with lingering dampness.
No.7
"Hello." Evelyn forced composure, sidestepping half a step away.
Plink.
A drop of water fell from his hair onto her hand.
The rising superstar was undeniably handsome—his sharp features beneath wet hair even more striking than on screen.
But Evelyn sensed danger.
Unlike Alexander Kingsley's reassuring dominance, this man made her entire body tense.
"Horizon Media, Evelyn Sinclair." She flashed her press pass. "Scheduled interview."
Ryan suddenly raised his arm, trapping her against the wall.
"How deep?" He raised a suggestive brow.
Disgust churned in Evelyn's stomach.
A nobody three months ago, now he thought he could look down on everyone.