Chapter 535
No.1
"Next time something happens, call me first," he murmured.
Patriarch Kingsley quickly added, "Or your grandfather!"
Mr. Kingsley adjusted his glasses. "I've already arranged for our lawyers."
All eyes turned to Madeline.
She wrung her hands. "Evelyn... This old woman was blind..."
Evelyn offered a polite smile. "Don't say that, Grandmother."
The distant warmth in that smile made Madeline's heart clench.
No.2
She suddenly remembered raising her hand to strike Evelyn on the staircase—the devastating disappointment in those eyes that had pierced her soul.
"Evelyn..." Tears streamed down Madeline's face. "I failed you..."
Alexander cut in sharply. "Evelyn needs rest."
He knew this foolish girl too well. She forgave too easily.
Just as she'd forgiven him.
But some wounds couldn't be healed with mere apologies.
"It's all my fault..." Madeline sobbed into Patriarch Kingsley's sleeve. "How could I have—"
No.3
BANG!
The door burst open.
"Evelyn Sinclair!" Mrs. Winslow stormed in like a hurricane. "You murderer!"
She skidded to a halt upon seeing the room full of Kingsleys.
"Madeline!" Mrs. Winslow wailed. "Isabella... She's lost the baby! And it's all her fault!"
Madeline Kingsley's eyes reddened with self-reproach.
Isabella's mother barged into the hospital room with an entourage, radiating hostility.
No.4
"Your family caused my daughter's miscarriage!" Mrs. Winslow shrieked, her voice piercing.
The elderly matriarch froze in shock.
"What nonsense is this?" Eleanor Kingsley immediately stepped forward, shielding Evelyn's bed. "You've got the wrong people, Mrs. Winslow."
Her lips curled in a cold smile. "Are the Winslows addicted to fraud? First harassing Alexander, now targeting Evelyn?"
Mrs. Winslow stiffened.
Among Kingsbury's elite circles, Eleanor Kingsley was her greatest fear. The Kingsleys' wealth was formidable, Eleanor's wit razor-sharp, and Mr. Kingsley fiercely protective of his wife.
"Now, dear in-law—" Mrs. Winslow's bravado faltered.
No.5
"Who's your in-law?" Eleanor cut her off mercilessly. "Your daughter got herself knocked up and tried pinning it on our family. Karma took care of her little scheme. Now you dare show your face here?"
Mrs. Winslow trembled with rage. "Isabella was carrying a Kingsley heir!"
"Fine," Eleanor arched a brow. "Let's DNA test that miscarried fetus. If it's Alexander's, we'll take responsibility. If not..."
She stepped closer. "That's criminal fraud."
Mrs. Winslow's gaze darted away before landing on Madeline. "You personally approved their engagement, Madam Kingsley—"
"I was a fool!" Madeline snapped. "Your daughter pushed Evelyn down the stairs and got her just deserts. How dare you come here?"
"DNA test!" Eleanor pressed. "Do you have the guts?"
No.6
She added coldly, "And we're reporting Isabella for assault."
Mrs. Winslow paled.
She'd come to humiliate Evelyn upon hearing of her hospitalization. Isabella had gambled everything on this pregnancy. With the baby gone and no gains, she'd sought petty vengeance.
She never expected the entire Kingsley family present.
Nor that even doting Madeline would turn against them.
Realizing defeat, Mrs. Winslow fled in disgrace.
The Kingsleys regarded Eleanor with newfound respect.
No.7
Turning to Alexander, Eleanor ordered, "Investigate why Isabella was at the Eatons'."
Madeline whispered guiltily, "I took her... She said she wanted parenting advice..."
The scheme became clear.
Isabella had used the opportunity to eliminate her rival. Even if Madeline later discovered Evelyn's pregnancy, it would be too late—securing her position as the Kingsleys' "only heir."
"Why was Evelyn assigned to interview the Eatons?" Eleanor pressed.
Evelyn answered truthfully, "A last-minute assignment from my editor."
"How convenient." Eleanor's smile turned icy. "The Winslows' reach is impressive. Did they think Kingsleys are easily fooled?"