Chapter 654
No.1
Evelyn didn’t look back.
A sudden commotion erupted in the ballroom.
"Lord Alex is here!" someone gasped.
She froze. Alexander hadn’t mentioned attending. As she debated slipping away, Madam Zade hurried over.
"Miss Sinclair, Lord Alex specifically asked for you."
"Me?" She frowned. He could visit her anytime at home. Why here?
Madam Zade lowered her voice. "That foolish boy Roman confessed everything—how you helped him. Lord Alex didn’t look pleased. Be careful."
No.2
Evelyn glanced up and met Alexander’s gaze.
Mockery glinted in his eyes, the chill around him making onlookers tense.
"Lord Alex," Madam Zade introduced nervously, "this is—"
"We’ve met." His voice was ice.
Evelyn stood poised in her amethyst gown, luminous under the lights. Her serene composure made him seem like the intruder—a brute disturbing a goddess.
His gaze raked over her.
From her dark hair to the pearl-embellished hem, down to her delicate ankles. Too radiant.
No.3
The Evelyn in his memory always wore white—pure, untouchable. Only after she left did he realize she could blaze like this.
Now, everyone saw what was once his alone.
He wanted to hide her away.
"Miss Sinclair. Long time no see." He broke the silence first.
She nearly laughed. They’d shared dinner two nights ago.
"An eternity," she replied flatly.
"I hear your career thrives," he drawled, "and you’ve become the Sullivan family’s savior? Their heir owes his homecoming to you."
No.4
The Sullivans paled.
Evelyn recognized his anger. That day, feverish and bedridden, he’d watched her rush off for Roman’s call.
Evelyn Sinclair understood the implication but refused to acknowledge it.
She met Alexander Kingsley's gaze, her voice perfectly composed.
"Lord Alex may be overthinking. I went there because lives were at stake, not some trivial ailment."
The air turned glacial.
Every guest sensed the sudden drop in temperature around Alexander.
No.5
People exchanged uneasy glances. Everyone knew about the bad blood between Evelyn and Alexander, but no one expected her to challenge him so boldly.
This was Kingsbury's infamous "Living Hades"!
"Alexander, when did you arrive?" Eleanor Kingsley and Madeline Kingsley approached.
Eleanor barely suppressed a smirk while Madeline turned away with a disdainful huff.
"You should've informed us," Eleanor deliberately stepped between them. "People might think you've established another family elsewhere."
Society ladies nearby tittered behind their hands, though their eyes remained glued to Alexander.
The elusive Kingsley heir rarely made public appearances.
No.6
Back when Isabella Winslow guarded him like a dragon, opportunities were scarce. Now...
"Miss Sinclair," Eleanor suddenly addressed Evelyn. "We were having such a delightful conversation earlier. Shall we continue?"
The room fell silent.
Evelyn felt dozens of scorching stares burning into her.
"My apologies," she smiled. "I have prior arrangements with Mr. Song regarding work matters."
The mentioned Roman Young stiffened, stammering, "Y-yes... project discussions..."
Alexander's glare made his knees buckle.
No.7
"Another time then." Eleanor graciously yielded.
Evelyn quickly guided the trembling Roman away.
"Evelyn, about Lord Alex—" Roman's voice shook.
"Don't worry," she assured the sweating young man. "You'll be fine."
After dismissing Roman, Evelyn turned—only to collide with a clumsy waiter.
Red wine splashed across her arm.
"Terribly sorry!" The flustered waiter thrust napkins at her.