Chapter 543
No.1
She stood aside, reviewing the morning's events.
She'd been back at Horizon Media for days.
The summit schedule was set long ago.
Why had Madeline chosen today to ambush her?
This reeked of orchestration.
Mrs. Laurel?
After decades of loyal service and generous treatment, had she betrayed the family like Mrs. Wilson?
No.2
The door across the hall opened.
A familiar figure emerged, bowing obsequiously.
"Mr. Nash, the deposit will arrive shortly. Full payment before the interview, guaranteed."
Inside, a handsome young man gave a curt nod before closing the door—but not before his annoyed expression morphed into stunned admiration at the sight of Evelyn.
She straightened up.
The groveling man turned.
Their eyes locked.
No.3
"Well, if it isn't Editor Sinclair?" Simon York feigned nonchalance.
Her former Horizon Media colleague—the one who'd stabbed her in the back.
Evelyn's gaze dropped to his badge.
[Orange Financial]
So he'd jumped ship to Orange Media and switched to finance?
"What?" Simon puffed up. "Editor Sinclair can leap from entertainment to finance, but I can't find better opportunities?"
Evelyn turned to leave.
No.4
Simon chased after her like an excited puppy.
"Where's that famous sharp tongue, Editor? Cat got it?"
When she ignored him, he raised his voice:
"Who'd have thought we'd meet again so soon—with me coming out on top? Remember kicking me out of Horizon? Regret it now?"
"On top?" Evelyn halted abruptly.
Her voice carried farther than his: "A spineless hack who sells professional ethics for cash thinks temporary luck is worth bragging about?"
Simon's face darkened.
No.5
The Evelyn he knew was gentle and reserved—never this cutting.
"Am I wrong?" She stepped closer. "I wonder if Mr. Strauss knows what caliber of journalist he's dealing with."
"You—you're slandering me!" Simon panicked.
"What caliber? The kind who betrays interviewees and frames colleagues for money. Do your new coworkers know why Horizon fired you? Should I warn Mr. Strauss his exclusive might end up auctioned off?"
"Lies!" Simon sputtered. "When did I ever betray an interviewee?"
Evelyn's laugh was icy. "Isabella Winslow paid you to fabricate her engagement to Alexander Kingsley—manipulating stock prices. What financial outlet would hire such 'talent'?"
"Fabricated? They were practically engaged!" Simon exploded. "So I took money—who are you to judge? At least I'm not some old man's pregnant mistress shopping for a rebound guy!"
No.6
The door behind him swung open.
A tall, hazel-eyed man with chestnut hair stepped out.
Right behind him stood Alexander Kingsley, his expression thunderous...
Simon York froze in place.
His eyes widened in disbelief as Alexander Kingsley and Winston Strauss emerged side by side from the room.
How could it be them?
Why were they together?
No.7
More terrifyingly—how much had they overheard?
Cold sweat drenched Simon's back as he mentally replayed his conversation with Evelyn Sinclair.
"You took Isabella Winslow's money?" Alexander's voice cut like a blade.
Simon's legs trembled. "N-no, that's not—"
He frantically pointed at Evelyn. "She wrote the article—"
"So you didn't personally admit to taking bribes?" Alexander interrupted, his gaze sharp as steel.
Simon shuddered.